Create Cortez

Feel Creative in Cortez

From the large downtown murals to music festivals in the parks, an engaging arts scene helps to bring local residents as well as tourists from afar to spend at Cortez businesses.

The root-word “crea” is from the Latin word “creare” which means to CREATE. On that note, CREA is committed to strengthening the vitality of our local creative arts, and promotes quality of life and a thriving local economy through sponsorships and partnerships.

Immerse yourself in the art, music, performance, history and culture of Cortez and Colorado.

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Art gallery and hub that supports local Cortez artists and retail businesses. Features diverse Montezuma County artists collections, interactive experiences and photography studio. Meeting and Makerspace provides workshop and events space. Located in the historic Havran Dry Cleaners building downtown.

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ZU Arts Initiative, the Cultural Commons of Montezuma County, is building something unprecedented: Musician pensions. Mutual aid and grants for artists. Young Emerging Artists programs. Free children’s music workshops. A monthly poetry subscription that pays rural poets fairly. A regional Fair Pay standard for musicians and crew. Three-currency membership where time and gifts equal money. Democratic governance. Radical transparency.

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Exhibits of original works by regional artists in a spacious renovated warehouse gallery space. A separate classroom provides additional opportunities for community events. Located at the corner of Beech & Main in downtown Cortez.

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Multi-use 105-seat historic renovated venue presents live music, film, educational events and theatre year-round. Sunflower Theatre events inform, entertain and enrich the cultural experience of a diverse rural audience in the Four Corners Region.

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Featuring an extensive display of historic American Indian art and artifacts, including the largest collection of Navajo rugs in the Four Corners, Pueblo pottery and jewelry by Navajo, Zuni, Hopi, and Santo Domingo Pueblo artisans. Relics of the Old West in the exhibit include antique bits and bridles, beaded leatherwear, fringed dresses and leggings, and historic firearms.

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Historic exhibits that “Tell Our Stories,” the rich and diverse history of Cortez and Montezuma County. The Montezuma County Historical Society and Montezuma Heritage Museum seek to educate, enrich and inspire residents and visitors through compelling exhibits, films, programs and events.

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Reflecting the city’s rich regional history, cultural identity, and vibrant community spirit, the murals of Cortez are the creative result of local school projects, business commissions, and City of Cortez efforts. Dating back to the late 1970s, this ongoing art venture continues to grow. Visit the Colorado Welcome Center for a brochure and map to enjoy the tour or download your own copy below.

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Located in the historic 1909 E.R. Lamb Building. The Center focuses on promoting the arts and cultural awareness, and educating about the history, diversity and natural environment of Southwest Colorado. Outdoor plaza features a Hogan, a traditional Navajo home, that visitors can enter and explore. The Center also manages Hawkins Preserve, a 122-acre natural and cultural preserve within the city of Cortez.

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A non-profit collective where people who share a passion for fiber arts can buy, sell, create, teach and celebrate all things fiber, nurturing and enriching the lives of its members and the community. This grassroots organization is staffed solely by volunteer fiber artists and producers.

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A non-profit organization dedicated to bringing diverse concert performances that entertain, inspire and connect, from classical to bluegrass, to the communities of the Four Corners region.

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For over twenty years, The Four Corners Community Band has provided local musicians the opportunity to play music and bring quality entertainment to the area.

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Twin screen movie theater in downtown Cortez shows first run movies and films for all ages. Enjoy $5 Tuesday, any movie, all day.

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Year-Round

CREA helps to support the Cortez arts community through sponsorships, marketing and advertising support, and time throughout the year. OUT FOR ART announcements throughout the year encourage combining local dining with art & music events.

#createcortez #outforart

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The Cortez Public Arts Advisory Committee (CPAAC) is committed to enriching the cultural environment and experiences of the people of the City of Cortez through education, sustainable support, coordination and promotion of the arts. The Committee is a community asset that affirms the value and necessity of arts as an integral component of the quality of life and the economy of the City of Cortez.

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Streetscapes Art Park is a interactive outdoor gallery in Cortez, Colorado, creating real opportunities for artists – especially emerging and young creatives – to share their work, build a buyer base, and connect with the community.

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Other Art, Music & Performance Around Cortez

Montezuma-Cortez High School draws audiences with live theatre, performing classic plays and popular musicals.

The City of Cortez Historic Preservation Board presents Historical information and focus each year as part of Historic Preservation Month. Enjoy the collaborative project Cortez Coloring Book that honors historic places, spaces, and events in Cortez.

Local radio stations sponsor music events for all ages throughout the year.

Visit the regional Cultural & Art of Mesa Verde Country for a wide array of tours, museums and art offerings in the area.

Explore our local event calendar resources for all the latest art and music happenings around Cortez! Check out First Friday Cortez for our seasonal monthly celebration of the creative arts.

Are you seeking support for your arts organization? Visit the Colorado Art Grants and Organization Support and Colorado OEDIT Creative Industries for information.

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dancer ute, cultural center, cortez colorado

If you have questions, we’re here!
Contact CREA.

#createcortez

If you’re a small business owner,
check out our Business Support resources.