Cultural Arts Center -- On Track for Englewood!

Beverly Sills is noted for her powerful quote: "Art is the signature of civilization."

Author Eric Jensen stated "...the most significant learning occurs when emotions are integrated with instruction because all body systems are united. The arts are strongly linked to emotions, enhancing the likelihood that students will remember something."

Why is a Cultural Arts Center a vital community asset?

Studies have consistently shown that Arts facilities improve the overall quality of life in a community, serving as a magnet for families, arts lovers, students, and the public in general. They draw artists of professional stature and offer opportunities to young people and adults that are not otherwise accessible.

As school budgets for the arts continue to shrink, auxiliary arts programs are in greater demand than ever. Cultural arts centers provide rich opportunities for young people to engage in creative work to meet the challenge of quality education. Too often, outside of school may be the only exposure to the arts young people will receive.

It has been shown that emphasis on arts education is an indispensable ingredient in developing well-rounded citizens, and that learning through the arts often results in greater academic achievement and higher test scores.

To be well educated in today’s world, appreciation of the arts is a gateway through which children enter adjacent areas of learning – history, literature, and foreign cultures. Educators realize that Art is a languages that most people speak – cutting through differences in culture, education, environnment and ability.

A new arts center in Englewood will assist the development of downtown Englewood by stimulating the local community, attracting new businesses and visitors to the city, and by supporting diversity in the community. The center will provide needed public gathering places.

Long Range Benefits of an Arts Center

Art makes a big difference in the lives of people. For young people, it can provide life-long lessons. Studies continually report that students who participate in creative work have an increased chance of developing into productive, creative, and successful adults. Art and music programs for young people build confidence; stir the imagination, foster problem-solving, and challenge and nurture talent.

A Cultural Arts Center will enable Englewood Arts to continue its close partnership with the public schools, to work on collaborative projects with students of all ages, to provide rich opportunities for participation in creative work, and to meet the challenge of enhancing quality education for our community.

According to Colorado State Representative, Mike Merrifield, “The arts are not just one of the basic expressions of humanity; in truth, they are the proof of our humanity.” A recent study of at-risk youth and the creative process found that as many as 25% of delinquent kids involved with the juvenile court system are gifted and talented. They tested in the top three percentiles on standardized intelligence tests. These are kids with a learning style that responds to innovative instruction.

Realizing a Bold Vision

The Plan

Under consideration is an Arts Center of 50,000 square feet with a 600 seat theatre, classrooms, public spaces for community events, music conservatory, offices and limited on-site parking. It will be a uniquely designed building visible from South Broadway and Hampden Highway (Route 285). And, potentiallly for retail establishments and a restaurant to locate in proximity to the Center.