About the District:

Santa Fe Drive has had a long history of artists and artist's studios. In recent years many galleries and artist's studios began to move into the area as rents in other parts of Denver rose. In 2003 a group of about 17 galleries, museums and theatres organized the ArtDistrict on Santa Fe as a non-profit corporation with the following mission statement:

"The ArtDistrict on Santa Fe is dedicated to promoting public awareness of Santa Fe Drive as a unique art and cultural district, and furthering the arts and art education in the metropolitan community."

Since 2003 membership in the ArtDistrict (now officially called "Denver's ArtDistrict on Santa Fe") has grown to over 50 members on and around Santa Fe Drive between 5th and 11th Avenues. The rise in membership and activity on Santa Fe Drive has been a grass-roots success story. The members of the ADSF continue to like and cooperate with each other without undue pretension. This has helped create and maintain the friendly and welcoming feel of the street.

The ADSF works with other neighborhood organizations such as NEWSED and the Maintenance District to improve and beautify the area. For example, the ADSF and NEWSED split the cost of the street banners; the Maintenance District teams with the ADSF to tackle graffiti and to beautify the streets and sidewalks.

In order to accommodate the First Friday Art Walk crowds and alleviate parking concerns, the ADSF runs a shuttle bus sponsored by Denver law firm Otten Johnson. The shuttle runs between the Osage RTD Light Rail Station, West High School parking lot, and the ArtDistrict on Santa Fe from 5:30 to 9:30 PM every First Friday.

The ADSF is growing as related and complementary businesses such as architects, yoga studios, furniture and lighting stores, book stores, radio stations, restaurants and coffee shops are moving into the neighborhood. New full time residents are moving in as well.

Denver's ArtDistrict on Santa Fe has gained attention in the national press in recent years. Publications include Sunset Magazine, Desert Living, and Travel + Leisure Magazine. In addition, the cities of Cleveland, Ohio, Sacramento, California and Glendale, Arizona recently contacted the ADSF to learn how to create a successful art district in their cities. The ADSF's continuing membership in the Denver Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau has contributed to its growing cultural tourism business.

The upcoming year for Denver's ArtDistrict on Santa Fe will emphasize art collecting, education and working artist studios. ADSF will have a prominent role in Denver's Arts Week in November 2008 with informative art lectures and artist talks. Denver's ArtDistrict on Santa Fe continues to grow as new galleries are moving to the area to become part of the vibrant art scene.