Established in 1989, the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District is devoted to the cause of promoting cultural awareness in Denver and also aiding cultural organizations by way of funds and exposure. It has attained a considerable amount of success with Denver now recognized as a world-class Cultural Center.
The SCFD distributes funds from a tenth of 1% Sales and Use tax to cultural establishments and institutions throughout the seven counties that make up the state of Denver. It pays keen attention to facilities which aim to educate and inculcate awareness in the public while also entertaining them, by way of the production, presentation and advancement in the various spheres of art, music, cultural history, botany, zoology and natural history. The SCFD currently distributes over $40 million to approximately 300 organizations every year.
The mission of SCFD is to make culture accessible to one and all and with this objective, various on-site and outreach activities are organized throughout the year. These activities allow school children to learn about the various forms of culture and its manifestations. These activities are arranged by organizations such as the Denver Art Museum, the Denver Zoo, the Museum of Nature and Science and the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. Such opportunities provide free access to the public to learn about art forms and inculcate a deeper understanding and a profound respect in them.
The SCFD also believes that cultural awareness and understanding should not just be limited to a compact sphere of people, but accessible to one and all. To provide opportunities to the less fortunate, numerous 'Free Days' are held throughout the year at institutions like the Denver Botanic Gardens and the Denver zoo.
To ensure adequate representation, the SCFD is headed by an eleven member board that with directors who represent each county in the district and an additional four who are appointed by the governor. The SCFD also operates a booth at numerous festivals during the summer months.
You can volunteer your time and efforts to the SCFD via their non-paid, flexible internship programs.
For further information, you can refer to their website http://www.scfd.org or call them at 303.860.0588.
Scientific & Cultural Facilities District
899 Logan Street, Suite 500
Denver, CO 80203
