The Daily Sun-Up The show must go on in Colorado… even in this economy
Nov 11, 2025
Parker Yamasaki, an arts and culture reporter for the Colorado Sun, dives into the recent CBCA report on Denver's arts scene. She highlights a staggering $3.12 billion economic impact from the cultural sector. Despite signs of recovery post-pandemic, attendance struggles due to ticket price pressures. Yamasaki also sheds light on innovative solutions like free events and SNAP discounts aimed at making arts more accessible. Rural funding gaps are discussed, emphasizing the need for attention beyond metro areas.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Cultural Sector's Big Economic Bounce
- The Denver seven-county cultural sector generated $3.12 billion in economic activity in 2024, up from $2.2 billion in 2019.
- Cultural roles increased to over 14 million positions, driven largely by contract work rather than full-time hires.
Funding Up But Attendance Lags
- Donations rose to $286 million in 2024 compared to $213 million in 2019, though federal COVID relief previously inflated recent totals.
- In-person attendance remains lower than 2019, with 14.5 million attendees in 2024 versus 15 million in 2019.
Funflation Then Pullback
- A strong post-pandemic rebound spiked attendance through 2022, aided by higher ticket prices and 'funflation.'
- Economic uncertainty since then slowed ticket buying even as prices stayed elevated.