we are your local arts council

Telluride Council for the Arts and Humanities (Telluride Arts) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded in 1971 and incorporated in 1974. Dedicated to the advancement and incubation of the arts, the organization played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural identity of Telluride, nurturing a vibrant arts scene that continues to define the community today.

As we celebrate more than 50 years of service, Telluride Arts remains committed to its mission of vitalizing the region through the appreciation and participation in the arts. Our work is rooted in three core pillars that guide our efforts and ensure our continued growth:

  1. Supporting Local and Regional Artists: Providing essential resources for artists to create, thrive, and expand their reach. From grants and collaborative partnerships to paid performances, exhibitions, and arts bazaars, Telluride Arts offers opportunities that empower artists; ensuring their work is seen, heard, and valued. 

  2. Connecting Diverse Audiences with the Arts: Bringing art to public spaces, creating opportunities for the community to engage with and appreciate the arts through exhibitions, live performances, and interactive events. 

  3. Advocating for the Arts: Telluride Arts works to ensure the arts remain a priority in local decision-making, maintaining an environment where art thrives alongside other aspects of community development.


our CURRENT programs + PROJECTS

TIMELINE

Telluride Arts 2014-2016 Report. High Altitude Robot by Dave Pressler.

    • 1971 The Telluride Council for the Arts and Humanities Established

    • 1974 The Telluride Council for the Arts and Humanities Incorporated as 501(c)3

    • Umbrella program, Incubator, Administrative Support

    • Beaux Arts Ball

    • Telluride Holiday Arts Bazaar

    • Sheridan Opera House Series

    • Commission for Arts and Special Events fund

    • Small Grants for Artists' fund

    • Pandora's Box, arts newspaper

    • Telluride Arts Festival

    • Public Art Program

    • First Telluride Cultural Master Plan.

    • Arts Space Planning

    • 2008 Stronghouse Studios and Gallery

    • 2008 Telluride Art Walk

    • 2010 Governor's Art Award

    • 2011 Twenty(by)Telluride

    • 2011 Website with Local Arts Guide

    • 2011 Name Change: TCAH to Telluride Arts.

    • 2011 2011-2013 Strategic Plan

    • 2011 Americans for the Arts’ Arts and Economic Prosperity Survey

    • 2011 Gallery 81435

    • 2012 Telluride Arts District

    • 2012 Telluride Cultural Master Planning (70 participants)

    • 2012 The Cultural Master Plan Update

    • 2012 Telluride Art + Architecture Weekend

    • 2013 Certified Colorado Creative District

    • 2014 2014-2016 Cultural Master Plan Workplan

    • 2014 Whitepapers on Space, Resources and Marketing

    • 2014 Line-Item in Town Budget.

    • 2014 Telluride Wayfinding Plan

    • 2014 Telluride Arts District Brand and Identity

    • 2014 Telluride Arts District Website

    • 2015 ArtSpace Sustainable Facilities Analysis

    • 2016 2016-2018 Cultural Master Plan Workplan

    • 2016 Telluride Transfer Warehouse Planning

    • 2016 HQ Gallery and Offices

    • 2016 Voodoo Studios

    • 2017 Telluride Transfer Warehouse Restoration and Design

    • 2018 Warehouse Purchase

    • 2019 Warehouse Paid Off, Construction Account Established

    • 2020 Warehouse Improvements $40,000

    • 2020 Established Co Ave Stages

    • 2020 Established Amplify Diversity Grant + Committee

    • 2020 Produced Barricade Covers

    • 2020 Produced COVID Campaign for Telluride

    • 2020 Produced Warehouse Tiny Events

    • 2021 Hosted and Produced over 1,000 Events at Warehouse

    • 2021 Established Illium Studios

    • 2022: Acquired all Town and State Approvals for Warehouse

    • 2022 Opened Telluride Arts HQ at 220 W Colorado

    • 2022 Established Digital Media Studios at 135 W Pacific

    • 2023 Expanded Telluride Arts HQ at 224 W Colorado

INFO@TELLURIDEARTS.ORG  |  970.728.3930  |  220 + 224 W COLORADO  |  PO BOX 152  |  TELLURIDE, COLORADO, 81435