Percentage for the Arts Program

History of Supporting Arts and Culture in Adams County

Grounded in the understanding of how the arts create stronger communities, a higher quality of life, and drive strong economic impact, Adams County has long been dedicated to the growth and evolution of the arts in our communities.

Adams County was one of the originator counties of the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) in the 1980s. This very small tax (one penny on 10 dollars) goes to support art and culture along the front range, is a national model, and one-of-a-kind.

In 2008, the Adams County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) established the Adams County Visual Arts Commission (ACVAC), a citizen advisory board to commission artworks for the new Adams County Government Center building. A year later, the BOCC initiated a 0.05% dedication of the construction costs for all new county buildings be directed to ACVAC to support the continued commissioning of artworks for the county.

2013 – 2018

In 2013, the Adams County Cultural Council (ACCC), the citizen advisory board responsible for allocating SCFD funding in Adams County, wrote a letter to the BOCC requesting an improved and longer-term commitment to the arts, stating “Arts and culture are a critical component of the quality of life of Adams County citizens, but they also contribute significantly to local economies by creating jobs, paying taxes, and drawing people to our communities.” Their letter recommended and arts master planning effort, committing a budget, hiring dedicated staff, and designating an advocate from the BOCC.

In response, the BOCC created the Office of Cultural Affairs and hired a dedicated part-time staff to improve upon and expand the arts and culture efforts of the county. Additionally, the Adams County Arts, Culture, and Venue Taskforce was formed and created the Artfully Adams Master Plan.

2019 – 2022

In 2019, the Office of Cultural Affairs joined the reimagined Parks, Open Space & Cultural Arts Department (POSCA) and the Cultural Arts division was established to implement the Artfully Adams Master Plan and create a broad, countywide reach of arts and culture. Full-time, dedicated staff was hired to run the program.

In 2021, the BOCC unanimously approved the expansion of the Percentage for the Arts Program, increasing from 0.05% on new facilities to 2% of all eligible Capital Improvement Projects. This increased funding took effect in January 2023.

With the launch of the expanded Percentage for the Arts Program, ACVAC became the Adams County Arts and Culture Commission (ACE) with the mission to “expand the opportunities for Adams County residents to experience art in public spaces and cultural, historical, and scientific activities.”

2023 and beyond

From large public art projects to impactful community events and programs, Adams County continues to expand access to arts and culture right in our backyard.

The Adams County Percentage for the Arts Program Procedures outlines qualifying projects, the artist selection process, and more. Click here to read the procedures and supporting resolutions.