The Creative Sector Partnership unites creative workers across the industries and segments of the creative sector in the Pikes Peak region – because we are stronger together! The Partnership hosts monthly events for networking and professional development, shares resources, and learns from participants for research and advocacy on behalf of the sector.
The Partnership began its development in 2024, and launched a new chapter in 2026. It is led by the Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region, in close partnership with Pikes Peak Workforce Center and the Bee Vradenburg Foundation.
Events:
Creatively Engaged: Arts Policy & Legislative Recap
A workshop with Meredith Badler of the Colorado Business Committee for the Arts on Colorado’s Arts Policy Framework, the 2026 legislative session, and opportunities for
Film Industry Networking Mixer
Mix and mingle with filmmakers, actors, and industry pros on June 11, 6:30-9:30 p.m. at Windstar Studios! Join filmmakers, crew, and creatives from across the
Creative Flight Plan Workshop
The Cultural Office has partnered with executive coach JB Bolton of Bolton Co. to offer a first-of-its-kind, in-depth workshop for creative leaders in the Pikes
What is the "Creative Sector"?
The creative sector includes industries that create, produce, and distribute creative goods and services. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development describes these industries as ones that use creativity and ideas (intellectual capital) as key inputs. It’s a diverse sector made up of both businesses and nonprofits (most of them small and hyperlocal) as well as solopreneurs/creative professionals.
The creative sector in Colorado is a significant economic driver, generating approximately $19.7 billion in economic activity—roughly 3.7% of the state’s GDP—and supporting over 121,000 jobs. This sector has seen robust growth in jobs and economic impact, outperforming some traditional industries in Colorado.
Why we use a framework
A framework helps everyone use the same words when we talk about the creative sector. It also makes it easier to compare different parts of the sector to understand their unique challenges and opportunities, and also what they share in common.
The Cultural Office’s Creative Economy program along with the Creative Sector Partnership uses this framework to define and organize the creative sector from broad Industries, to smaller Segments, to specific Disciplines.
The Six Industries of the Creative Sector
These Industries are large. Each encompasses many kinds of businesses and organizations, and different work or products. So each industry is divided into more common parts, called Segments.
The Segments of each Industry
Segments describe the day-to-day activity—how work is made, shared, paid for, and sustained. Looking at segments helps us see what is working and what needs support.
Disciplines and Roles
Within each Segment are Disciplines. Each are specific kinds of work people do and the skills and tools they use. We also separate artist roles (people who create the work) and support roles (people who help produce, manage, fund, and share it). Both are needed for the sector to succeed.
How does the Creative Sector impact our larger local economy?
The creative sector is one of the many sectors that power the Pikes Peak region’s larger economy. It is an eclectic mix of nonprofits, creative small businesses, and solopreneurs who together generate revenue, support jobs, pay taxes, expand tourism & build our region’s reputation. To understand it, the Cultural Office has conducted and participated in research for many years. Explore the research about the economic impact of our creative industries. One of the goals of the Creative Sector Partnership is to strengthen the sector and its workforce so it can contribute more and more to our regional economy!
Contact Information on the Creative Sector Partnership
The Creative Sector Partnership is led by the Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region, in close partnership with Pikes Peak Workforce Center and the Bee Vradenburg Foundation.
Luke Harper Prince
Manager of Creative Economy
Luke@CulturalOffice.org