RURAL CREATIVE COLLECTIVE
Connecting and supporting rural creatives across Colorado
The Rural Creative Collective is a statewide network for artists, makers, and creative entrepreneurs living and working in rural Colorado. We connect creatives across disciplines/mediums to share resources, spark collaboration, and strengthen the cultural fabric of rural communities. Our goal is to close the gap in access to funding, community, and mentorship so rural creatives can thrive where they live and work.
WHO IS A CREATIVE?
At the Rural Creative Collective, we define “creatives” broadly to include individuals working across a wide spectrum of mediums, both traditional and digital.
- This includes visual artists such as painters, illustrators, sculptors, printmakers, photographers, and muralists; craft-based creators like ceramicists, woodworkers, fiber artists (including quilting, weaving, knitting, and embroidery), jewelry makers, glass artists, and metalworkers;
- Performing artists such as musicians, singers, composers, dancers, choreographers, actors, and theatre-makers. It also includes literary artists like writers, poets, playwrights, editors, and storytellers, as well as culinary creatives including chefs, bakers, and food artisans.
- In the digital realm, we include graphic designers, web designers, UX/UI designers, digital illustrators, animators (2D and 3D), video editors, filmmakers, content creators, podcasters, game designers, AR/VR creators, and digital marketers. Creative entrepreneurs, makers, cultural workers, arts educators, curators, event producers, and those leading community-based or socially engaged creative projects.
OUR PURPOSE & MISSION
The RCC exists to connect and uplift artists, makers, and creative entrepreneurs in rural Colorado. We create spaces (both virtual and in-person) where creatives can gather, build community, and gain the tools needed to thrive.
Colorado ranks #1 in the nation for the percentage of residents who personally create or perform artworks, according to a 2022 National Endowments for the Arts’ Participation Study.
Rural artists preserve local culture, strengthen community identity, and drive economic development. However, they often face unique barriers to opportunity. The Rural Creative Collectives bridges that gap, providing rural focused programming, education, and connection.
As part of Startup Colorado, we recognize that entrepreneurship extends beyond traditional businesses. Creatives are vital drivers of innovation, culture, and economic vitality in rural communities.
Values
- Inclusion: We welcome creatives of all disciplines, backgrounds, and identities.
- Community: We believe that strong connections fuel collaboration, innovation, and economic resilience.
- Opportunity: We connect rural creatives to the funding, mentorship, and networks that open doors to growth and economic mobility.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM PAST EVENTS
April 2024: The official Rural Creative Collective Virtual Kickoff with Keynote speaker Holly Woods, Author from Durango.
May 2024: The RCC activated at the Colorado Creative Industries Summit in Pueblo for an in-person networking event and community building workshop.
August 2024: Connect + Create: Networking and Goal Setting with Meghan Rauker of DreamSpring, and Eva Lewis of Ignacio Creative District. Creatives from across the state networked and worked on a collaborative art piece at West Slope Startup Week in Durango.
September 2024: Funding Your Artistic Vision Panel with Sav Rodgers of Seed&Spark, Andrea Silva Molina of Colorado Enterprise Fund, and Rachel Crawford of Prairie Rose Development. Creatives learned about crowdfunding, loans, and how to approach financing for their creative ventures.
March 2025: Pricing for Profit with Maggie Emerson. Creatives learned mindset shifts needed to step into true profitability, the key elements that set the foundation for a sustainable business, and how to confidently price their work.
May 2025: The RCC hosted an in-person networking mixer in Grand Junction and a Table Talk at the Colorado Creative Industries Summit.
July – August 2025: The RCC launched Creative Connections roundtables with Stephanie Sunata of CineFe, Sage Goodwin of the Royal Gorge Film Festival, and Julie Anderson of Warehome Studios. Creatives networked and learned about new resources and new community partners.
October 2025: The inaugural Night Market launched during West Slope Startup Week in Durango. 19 creatives set up vendor booths at the Powerhouse, bringing in an average of $253 per vendor in sales for the evening. $4047 total sales.
WHAT'S COMING UP
The Rural Creative Collective hosts regular virtual convenings designed to connect, inspire, and equip rural creatives for success. Our online gatherings include networking opportunities and educational workshops on topics like funding, marketing, and creative business growth.
We also connect in person at major events such as the Colorado Creative Industries Summit and West Slope Startup Week, creating opportunities for rural creatives to share ideas, showcase work, and build lasting partnerships.
Rural Creative Connections
Thursday, May 28 | 12-1pm | Virtual
Featuring Dierdre Monroe—co-owner of Sweet River Event Venue and organizer of the returning Mesa County Fantasy Faire.
Check back regularly for upcoming event announcements and registration links.
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
- Let us know if you’d like to be invited to apply for the 2026 Night Market (October 7th in Durango).
- Have an idea for a workshop or want to co-host a networking session? Email Vanessa or Meghan.
- Subscribe for occasional Rural Creative Collective newsletters >>
CURRENT STEERING COMMITTEE
Vanessa McCrann
Creative Mediums: Crochet, amigurumi, Hardanger embroidery, felting
Day-to-Day Work: Connecting people, ideas, and resources to support rural entrepreneurs across Colorado
Meghan Rauker
Creative Mediums: Writing, Photography, Producing
Day-to-Day Work: Community Finance
Maya Ortega
Creative Medium(s): Maya creates omni-win solutions, memorable experiences, screenplays and plays, and the occasional painting on glass.
Day-to-Day Work: Maya consults for business and creatives on systems, events, strategy and lifestyle.
Maggie Emerson
Creative Medium(s): Maggie’s favorite art form is creating seed bead earrings that whisper sweet nothings in your ears all day long.
Day-to-Day Work: Works with creatives, consultants, and entrepreneurs on the money systems and mindset that make their businesses profitable.
Eva Lewis
Creative Mediums: Painting, drawing, photography, and placemaking. Fueled by collaborations and a habit of chasing art wherever it lives.
Day to day work: Cultural instigator and whole-systems thinker—with a focus on wiring together the right people, places, and resources to turn wild ideas into realities.
Olivia Reed
Creative Medium(s): Olivia is a former digital wedding photographer but now shoots film personally and for brands.
Day-to-Day Work: Supporting rural small business owners in everything they do.