Northglenn Arts reports attendance growth, new endowment and $163,500 SCFD award

The Northglenn Arts and Humanities Foundation gave its annual update to City Council on March 10, reporting expanded audiences, new financial reserves for youth scholarships and a suite of program and public‑art initiatives tied to the newly opened Parsons Theatre.

Michael Stricker, the city’s arts, culture and community manager and director of the Northglenn Arts and Humanities Foundation (NAHF), told council that more than 41,000 people attended Northland Arts programs in 2024, with 6,100 attending Northglenn Arts Presents touring shows (a 30% increase from 2023) and 858 youth participating in NYT Academy classes. The foundation reported contributing over $331,000 to Northland Arts programs in 2024 and said the foundation earned $516,000 in ticket sales, registrations and theater rental income that year — a 21% increase from 2023.

Stricker said the NAHF received multiple funding sources last year, including a $163,500 SCFD (Scientific and Cultural Facilities District) award, TourWest and corporate sponsorships, individual donations, and investment income. The NAHF used those funds for production costs, public art purchases and maintenance, and to support theater contractors and designers; the city pays salaried staff, facility costs and other presenting expenses.

Highlights presented to council included Northglenn Youth Theatre’s 30th anniversary; Missoula Children’s Theatre residencies; the launch of small “studio performances”; the acquisition of two Art on Parade sculptures (including the city’s first purchase from a Northglenn resident, Joseph Cole); expansion of public‑art wayfinding and vinyl wraps; and a first endowment for NYT scholarships established with Denver Broncos sale proceeds and furthered by $34,000 raised at the foundation’s gala, bringing the endowment to more than $80,000.

Stricker said the foundation contracted Stillwell Consulting to create a Northglenn Arts Long Range Plan in 2023, with over 110 action items; 2024 represented year one of that plan, he said. He also noted collaborations with Northland High School, the Colorado Symphony and local nonprofits to broaden programming and outreach, and that the Parsons Theatre hosts many rental groups and local partners.

Council members praised the foundation’s work and asked implementation questions, including Missoula Children’s Theatre residency logistics and how the city and foundation split contributed versus earned revenues. Stricker explained the mechanics: contributed income from grants and donations generally flows through the foundation, while earned revenues such as ticket sales and registrations flow to the city.

Council will consider release of per‑capita funds to the NAHF under the consent agenda. Stricker said staff will continue to advance the long‑range plan, including expanded Spanish marketing, accessible captioning at shows and continued public‑art installations.

Speakers at the presentation included Stricker and several NAHF board members in attendance; council members thanked the foundation and noted the programmatic and economic benefits of the performing arts to Northglenn.