Colorado Health Foundation awards $90K for arts and community healing

WALSENBURG — The Spanish Peaks Community Foundation was awarded $90,000 from the Colorado Health Foundation to support hiring new staff and programming that brings the community together through art, culture, and heritage events.

“In being responsive to community needs, we have become increasingly aware of the potential for programming that can contribute to community healing,” said Mike Peters, Executive Director of SPCF. “We truly believe we know what to do and how to do it. It is validated by community support. This grant will help us get there.”

The funding will support cultural arts programming that addresses health challenges and fosters connections — using the arts as a medium for healing and supporting skill development in youth and adults through cultural expression, art, and education. SPCF aims to bridge gaps in the community created by generational differences and political ideologies.

“With this additional financial support, we have the opportunity and capability to make an important difference in Huerfano County,” Peters added.