A Voice for the Arts: Kim Keith is Appointed to Colorado Creative Industries Council

Kim Keith, executive director of Steamboat Creates, was recently appointed by Governor Jared Polis to serve on the Colorado Creative Industries Council. Steamboat Magazine caught up with Kim to learn more about her new statewide role, what she hopes to bring to the Council and what the appointment means for Steamboat Springs and Northwest Colorado.

Steamboat Magazine: What is your new role on the council?

Kim Keith: I was appointed by Governor Jared Polis to serve as a member of the Colorado Creative Industries Council, the statewide advisory council for Colorado Creative Industries in the Office of Economic Development and International Trade. The Council helps guide strategies and initiatives that support the arts and humanities, expand public participation in the arts and strengthen Colorado’s creative economy. 

In this role, I’ll bring the perspective of Northwest Colorado to statewide conversations while also representing a rural view of the creative sector. My experience spans nonprofit leadership, Creative District development, public art, arts education, creative placemaking, entrepreneurship, tourism and economic development, so I’m excited to bring that cross-sector perspective to the Council. 

SM: What do you hope to achieve in this role?

KK: I hope to help strengthen Colorado’s creative economy by ensuring communities of all sizes have meaningful access to resources and opportunities. I’m particularly interested in strengthening rural economies, supporting Creative Districts, expanding opportunities for creative entrepreneurs and demonstrating more clearly the economic and social impact of the creative sector. 

I also want to listen and learn from communities across Colorado. Rural and urban communities have different strengths and challenges. Effective statewide leadership will require me to better understand those differences while finding opportunities to connect people, places, ideas and resources.

Ultimately, I’d like my service to contribute to stronger statewide partnerships and greater recognition of arts and culture as essential infrastructure for Colorado’s economy and quality of life.

I am especially excited to serve on the Art in Public Places selection committees for the State of Colorado. This aspect of my role will deepen my knowledge of public art acquisition, stewardship and conservation while giving me greater insight into public art practices across the state. I look forward to bringing that experience home and applying what I learn to strengthen my work as a public art administrator in Steamboat Springs and beyond.

SM: What does this recognition mean to you personally?

KK: It is deeply meaningful. I’ve spent more than two decades working in the arts. I have been a working artist, photographer and gallery owner. My career has culminated in leadership of Steamboat Creates and helping Steamboat Springs become a certified Colorado Creative District. 

Colorado Creative Industries has also played an important role in my own professional development, including my experience as a Certified Change Leader. To now have the opportunity to give back at the state level feels both humbling and energizing. 

I see the appointment not only as personal recognition, but as recognition of the vibrant arts and culture in Steamboat Springs, Routt County and rural communities throughout Colorado. I’m proud to have the opportunity to bring those voices to the table and to work alongside leaders from across the state to expand opportunities for artists, nonprofits and communities.