Business of Art Center

The Business of Art Center is designed to:

Facilitate the development of the artistic and business skills of artists by providing subsidized studio space, art classes, workshops, and business instruction; which will enable the artists to earn a living from their art work. Increase public knowledge of art processes, art forms and issues through art exhibitions, lectures, tours, and demonstrations focusing on the tools, methods, and history of the art form. Provide a stimulating creative environment which will contribute to the understanding and pleasure of art. - - -

The Components of this program include:

Business Incubator - Offering low cost, equipped, shared studio space in a creative environment.

Business Institute - Offering a comprehensive business program taught by professionals in law, marketing, accounting, gallery relations, taxes, and public relations to improve artists? business skills.

Art Institute - Offering classes, workshops, and seminars by regional and national artists.

Exhibition Galleries - Featuring works of art for public appreciation, study, and sale. Focusing on providing exposure for Colorado artists, and involving BAC studio artists in the practical issues of operating a gallery.

Gift Shop - Representing Colorado artists, which provides an opportunity for BAC studio artists to directly experience a retail business. The shop also provides earned income for the facility.

Educational Facility - Cultivating increased awareness and appreciation of the arts through education programs and interaction with artists.

Community Center - Serving Manitou Springs and the Pikes Peak region and showcasing the rich cultural diversity of this area.

The BAC is situated in two renovated landmark buildings in Manitou Springs National Historic District.

- - - BAC Community Collaborations

During the past 18 years, the BAC has initiated creative collaborations with other organizations to address youth empowerment, juvenile justice, disenfranchised youth, aging, child development, and healthcare issues. BAC artists have served as creators, coordinators and participants by collaborating with schools, municipalities and community agencies.

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Some of the organizations with whom we have collaborated include: Workout, Ltd., Zebulon Pike Youth Services Center, Citizens Goals, Community Partnership for Child Development (Head Start), Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Clayfest, Chins Up, Uncharted Area, Cleo Wallace, Colorado School for The Deaf and The Blind, Community Prep School of District 11, Educational Opportunity Program, McMasters Center (El Paso County Health Department), Manitou Art Project, University of Colorado, Beth - El College of Nursing, Pikes Peak Community College, Southern Colorado AIDS Project, Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce, Manitou Springs Art Academy, Nueva Ventura, City of Colorado Springs, City of Manitou Springs, School District 14, School Districts 11, 12, 20, Kennedy Center Imagination Celebration.

Studio 513

The original building at 513 Manitou Avenue opened in 1988 and provides 13,000 square feet for 10 professionally equipped studios, 3 exhibition spaces, a retail shop, classrooms and office space. In addition, 12,000 exterior square feet provide space for parking, handicapped access, a kiln yard and sculpture garden.

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Venue 515

In 2001, a second building at 515 Manitou Avenue opened. This historically significant 12,000 square foot building features additional classrooms, meeting rooms, artists studios and office space. A central 2,500 square foot events room (Spencer Hall) hosts theater, music, conferences, receptions and special events. Additionally, there is a pocket history museum and incubator office space for several smaller non-profits.

Located in the historic town of Manitou Springs - a picturesque community of about 5,000, at the foot of Pikes Peak. The Business of Art Center is surrounded by vast mountain beauty, hiking trails, several creeks, mineral springs and the architectural diversity of the Manitou Springs Historic District providing an unsurpassed environment which has always attracted creative thinkers and artists.

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