Denver Passes Metro Arts and Culture Tax, Extends Funding to 2030
Submitted by Monica on November 9, 2016
By Jennifer Brown, writing for The Denver Post:
A 0.1 percent sales tax for arts and culture in Denver’s seven-county metro area passed overwhelmingly, as supporters called it a “bright ray of sunshine voters could agree on,” according to unofficial results.
The tax funds the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District, which has been in existence for 28 years. Without another thumbs up from voters, it would have expired next summer. The measure — called 4B — extends the tax until 2030.
It distributed $53.2 million to arts, cultural and scientific groups last year, a 14.6 percent increase from 2013. The money goes toward The Denver Zoo, Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Denver Art Museum and Denver Botanic Gardens, as well as about 250 smaller arts organizations.