One of the guiding principles of the Office of Creative Sector Development is to create, strengthen and maintain partnerships and collaboration among P-20 educators, artists, creative businesses, economic development organizations, the City and others to facilitate programs that foster economic development and job growth in the creative sector.

The OCSD works with the following entities to make this happen: LISA program – Loveland Integrated School of the Arts, the only K-12 arts integrated curriculum in Colorado. This program may produce artists as part of the program, but the goal is to teach standard curriculum in and through the arts to make it more engaging and relevant and to embed the lessons in long term memory. LISA students have higher GPA’s, higher standardized testing scores, better attendance and participate more in school activities.

LISA

• An educational option that nourishes and challenges students who have a passion for the arts
• A program that integrates visual and performing arts across the curriculum
• An alternative to traditional learning styles that includes the arts in core content classes such as social studies, math and science
• Arts opportunities in the classroom, as extracurricular activities, and through performances and shows
• An arts-infused program offered at 3 Loveland schools:

Garfield Elementary

Bill Reed Middle School

Mountain View High School

The OCSD partners with the LISA program to assist with the design of programming, professional development for LISA teachers, outside school opportunities for students, marketing, advocacy and more. The goal is to see that every student has an opportunity to learn in the best style possible for him or her and that arts integration remains one of those options. Again, creativity has been highlighted as the key leadership competency in the world of business and arts integrated curriculums provide the foundation for innovative thinking and provide students an engaging and relevant way in which to learn.

Loveland Integrated School of the Arts

AIMS Community College

AIMS Community College is dedicated to providing the best education possible to its students. .AIMS has more than 160 degree and certificate programs, offering the most affordable tuition in the Front Range. With three campuses, day and evening classes, extensive online course offerings and top-rated faculty; it’s easy to see why Aims is the right choice at every step. AIMS and the Office of Creative Sector work together to make sure the creative sector has access to the education needed for success and thus job growth.

Aims Community College

Loveland Center for Business Development

The OCSD also collaborates with the Loveland Center for Business Development. The mission of the Loveland Center for Business Development (LCBD) is to provide high quality and cost effective small business assistance, information, and support which fosters the successful growth and development of small businesses and results in a positive long-term economic impact on our communities.

The LCBD mission is accomplished through:

• One-on-one business counseling – free for Loveland residents
• Low cost workshops
• Help in identifying potential financing and preparing for the loan process
• Access to local, state, and federal resources
• Networking opportunities

The OCSD helps market these programs within the creative sector.

Loveland Center for Business Development

Northern Colorado Economic Development Corp.

The Northern Colorado Economic Development Corporation is a regional partner whose mission is to sustain and enhance the economic vitality of Northern Colorado while maintaining our environment and quality of life through the preservation and creation of primary jobs. Among other great benefits, the NCEDC provides companies access to current demographic and market data, incentive and cost-saving programs, and connects the workforce with educational entities to help further their success. The OCSD partners with the NCEDC to ensure that existing creative sector companies have access to the best information and training possible and to market these beneficial opportunities to companies looking to join the local workforce.

Northern Colorado Economic Development Corporation

Larimer County Workforce

Larimer County Workforce is another agency that collaborates with the OCSD to provide training and job opportunities regionally. The Larimer County Workforce offers free resources to job seekers and for businesses seeking help with recruiting, hiring and training. Again, the OCSD’s goal is to contribute to the success of creative businesses and entrepreneurs by partnering to provide the best quality education and training that builds a prosperous business community.

Larimer County Workforce Center

Other Resources:

The Arts and Human Development

Scientific American Article: STEM to STEAM: Science and Art go Hand in Hand