Percentage for the Arts Program

The Adams County Percentage for the Arts program and Adams County Cultural Arts are national leaders in county-level arts visioning and support.

This program dedicates 2% of construction costs for all eligible Adams County capital projects to bringing arts and culture to our residents. From large mural projects to impactful in-school programming, Adams County’s support for the arts is expanding access to culture and new opportunities for generations to come.

Want to learn more? The Adams County Percentage for the Arts Program Procedures Resolution outlines qualifying projects, our artist selection process, and more.

History of Supporting Arts and Culture in Adams County

With an understanding of how the arts create stronger communities and a higher quality of life, Adams County has long been dedicated to the growth and evolution of the arts in our communities.

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

2013 – 2018

In 2013, members of the Adams County Cultural Council (ACCC) 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 an arts master planning effort, committing a budget, hiring dedicated staff, and an advocate from the BOCC.

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

2019 – 2022

In 2019, the Office of Cultural Affairs joined the reimagined Parks, Open Space, and Cultural Arts Department (POSCA) and a full-time Cultural Arts Liaison was hired. With parks and trails now being perceived as places to experience art and culture, ACVAC naturally expanded their reach and impact across the county.

In 2021, the BOCC unanimously approved the expansion of the Percentage for the Arts Program, increasing from .05% on new facilities, to 2% of all eligible Capital Improvement Projects. This increased funding took effect in January 2023.

2023 and beyond

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 places and cultural, historical, and scientific activities.”

The Percentage for the Arts Program and the Cultural Arts Division are pioneering the arts at a county level with a bold vision, support, and commitment unmatched in the state, Rocky Mountain Region, and beyond.

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