2nd Annual BOULDER ARTS WEEK to Kick Off on March 27

After an overwhelmingly successful inaugural year in 2014, Boulder Arts Week is gearing up for 2015. Over 100 artists and arts organizations are expected to participate in Boulder Arts Week 2015, taking place March 27 through April 4.

This annual, weeklong celebration of the robust arts community in Boulder will feature a diverse range of arts and entertainment in venues throughout the community. Boulder Arts Week will offer fine art, sculpture, dance, theatre, music, cinema and outdoor art experiences at traditional venues, such as the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, Macky Auditorium and the Dairy Center for the Arts, as well as unexpected venues including retail stores, warehouses, street corners and even a swimming pool. Yes: a swimming pool.

Dr. Emily K. Harrison, Project Manager for Boulder Arts Week, stated, "The success of last year's first ever Boulder Arts Week made it clear that this sort of inclusive celebration of the arts is something our community values." The inaugural Boulder Arts Week was attended by approximately 16,000 people and boasted more than 115 presenters/arts organizations, an estimated participation of more than 750 artists and 439 events in 116 traditional and nontraditional venues, ranging from The Dairy Center for the Arts and Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art to McGuckin Hardware and a taxicab. "Boulder has one of the highest concentrations of artists in the nation and is consistently nationally recognized as a top arts destination. There's some truly innovative and amazing work happening right here in our own backyard, and that work will once again be on display during Boulder Arts Week."

Boulder Arts Week exists to stimulate greater collaboration among artists, arts organizations, arts venues and local businesses to build awareness of Boulder's substantial and active arts community, furthering Boulder's reputation as an arts destination. According to the Trends Report issued by the Boulder Community Foundation, Boulder has the eighth largest concentration of artists in the nation.

Of the inaugural Boulder Arts Week, Mayor Matt Applebaum stated, "We all know that Boulder is a magnet for artists, and this week will shine a light on their work and the wealth of talent and spirit they contribute to our community, as well the incredible range of arts experiences available for everyone in the City and the region to enjoy."

Boulder Arts Week will begin with a special kick-off party at the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, 1750 13th Street, at 5:30pm on Friday, March 27, followed by arts events at locations all over the city. This evening's offerings alone will showcase the diversity of arts in Boulder.

"There will truly be something for everyone during Boulder Arts Week," Harrison said.

For more information, visit boulderartsweek.org.