Boulder is brimming with creativity, yet too often that energy remains confined to silos — scattered studios, one-off events, and bursts of activity that fade without continuity.

ArtLink Commons is a collaboration between Boulder Community Media and Distributive Creative, two 501(c)3 organizations. ArtLink is designed to complement, not compete with, existing resources.

It strengthens what already exists in the North Boulder Arts District by weaving together ongoing efforts, spreading the work among many hands, and creating year-round consistency without adding more to any single organizer’s plate.

The vision is simple: link what’s already happening. The Commons builds on the strengths of NoBo’s vibrant arts community, from First Friday walks and the North Boulder Library, by adding a connective backbone. This means increased visibility, more steady engagement, and a structure that ensures the energy of the arts isn’t limited to a single event or season.

North Boulder is the perfect place to launch this model. The momentum is already here: the planned Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art campus, existing creative businesses, and a community hungry for more cultural anchors. ArtLink Commons doesn’t replace or overshadow.  It complements and amplifies, like the Farmers Market made Boulder’s food culture more accessible without replacing local grocers or restaurants.

I’m not a carpetbagger. I live in the Holiday Neighborhood, where Boulder Community Media also has its office. The energy is here. The timing is right. Download the concept paper to learn more.