School kids at museum

Uniting for SCFD

Regional citizens and DAM members alike benefit from the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD), which has provided funding for citizen access to arts, science, and cultural experiences for 27 years.

Putting Denver on the Cultural Map

Since the creation of this unique multi-county funding mechanism, regional voters have renewed SCFD twice. And in that time, the metro area has seen its reputation blossom from a western sports mecca to a bona fide cultural destination. There is nothing like SCFD anywhere else in the country. Citizen support of SCFD provides operational funds, created by one penny for every $10 in sales tax, to 275 organizations across Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, and Jefferson counties. Arts and culture generates $1.85 billion in regional annual economic activity, serves nearly 14 million visitors, employs more than 10,000 residents and educates 4.25 million students each year.

The DAM Hosted 700,000 Visitors in 2014

At the DAM, funding from SCFD helps us think big and plan beyond the year in front of us. It enables us to be ambitious and create programs regional citizens love. It helps expand service to schools across the metro area. The results have been incredible moments for citizens, including Yves Saint Laurent: The Retrospective, Becoming Van Gogh and Passport to Paris. In 2014, the DAM served nearly 700,000 visitors, 63 percent of which were admitted for free or at a discounted price. Additionally, we served more than 100,000 youth and hosted more than 15 free days, including family festivals such as Día del Niño and Free First Saturdays. Our new Free for Kids program, offering free general admission to ALL kids 18 and under, is another way we are able to provide expanded access to our citizens.

United for SCFD

After a nearly four-year inclusive and transparent process gathering feedback and convening groups to address questions about the district’s future, the citizen board that governs SCFD outlined a renewal plan in May 2015. An effort to renew SCFD in Colorado statute will begin in 2016. In November 2016, voters again will be asked to support this vital means of serving the public with world-class cultural programming.

An effort is underway now to gather momentum and support for the SCFD Board’s proposal, and you can help!

VISIT: UnitedForSCFD.com for information about SCFD and its renewal!


SIGN: The petition to support the SCFD Board’s renewal proposal!


JOIN: The conversation on Facebook and Twitter!


SHARE: Encourage friends to also show support by sharing via email or social media!

Thank you for your support of the Denver Art Museum and the SCFD!