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Arts & Culture

Vibrant experiences are our way of life

Arts involvement

Top arts participation in the nation

Colorado ranks as the top state for arts participation in the United States according to the National Endowment for the Arts. Our community boasts a creative population dedicated to enjoying and performing art of all forms. Nearly 75% of Colorado adults attended a visual or performing arts event in 2017 and 43% personally performed or created artwork in 2018. We have legendary venues like Red Rocks Amphitheater, world-class performing arts centers and museums, and unique art districts.

Cultural identity

A vibrant community

Aurora’s diversity has fostered an arts and culture scene that is authentic, vibrant, and everywhere. Creativity grows here and our differences are celebrated. Whether you are an artist or an enthusiast, you’ll find a community with world-class, enriching, cultural experiences.

Dance performance, photo courtesy of Stanley Marketplace

Arts destination

Aurora Cultural Arts District

Located in the heart of Aurora, the Aurora Cultural Arts District is a destination that embraces its urban heritage and encourages artistic and cultural creativity. In its 16 city blocks, you’ll find culturally and arts-inspired businesses, performance spaces, and more.

The Fox Theater, Aurora Colorado

Top ranking

Aurora was ranked by the New York Times Style Magazine as one of the top 10 places to view public art in the nation in 2017

Public art

Visual arts everywhere

You can find art virtually anywhere in Aurora whether you are at a local gallery show or even catching the R Line light rail. The Art in Public Places Program established nine districts to feature artistic works. From sculptures to large installations to murals, public art is everywhere you look in our community.

Mural Fest 2020, photo courtesy of artist Amy Forestieri

Talented artists

Theater and performances

The performing arts are a foundational element of Aurora’s identity, spanning numerous community theatres, musical talent, and dance and singing groups. The Aurora Fox Art Center has celebrated 26 successful seasons in the community. It is home to the wildly talented Aurora Fox Theatre Company, a 245-seat theatre, a smaller black-box theatre for more cutting-edge works, the Aurora Symphony Orchestra, and the Little Foxes which annually produce theatre for youngsters. Other performing arts facilities and groups include: Theatre Esprit Asia – TEA is the Southwest’s first and only Asian American theatre company. Grand Design, Inc., provides culturally sensitive performing art programs embedded in the African-American heritage while incorporating other cultures into all performances and productions. Nueva Escuela de Música teaches music in Spanish and English to all ages. Neighborhood Music & Children’s Theater, located in the Stanley Marketplace, is a community of music lovers, building relationships through music and theater education, appreciation and collaboration.

2019 Aurora Fox production of ‘Miss you like hell’, photo courtesy of the Fox Theater and artist Gail Bransteitter