Boulder’s Creative Economy

Originally published by The Daily Camera, May. 3, 2026. 

Boulder prides itself on innovation. We celebrate our startups, our research institutions, and our entrepreneurial spirit. But there’s a critical part of our economy that too often operates just outside that spotlight — our creative sector.

Photographers. Filmmakers. Designers. Digital storytellers.

They are not just contributors to Boulder’s culture, they are drivers of economic activity, business growth, and community identity. And yet, too often, they remain disconnected from the very businesses that need them most. Part of my mission as the Boulder County Film Commissioner is to change that.

In today’s digital-first world, it’s easy to assume that creative professionals have unlimited reach. The reality is the opposite. The internet is crowded. Visibility is fragmented. And even the most talented creatives can struggle to break through the noise.

At the same time, Boulder businesses routinely look outside the region for creative services — hiring agencies in Denver, New York, or beyond — without realizing that world-class talent exists right here at home.

That disconnect isn’t just inefficient. It’s a missed economic opportunity. If we are serious about building a resilient, locally-rooted economy, we have to do a better job of connecting our creative talent with our business community.

That’s why the inaugural Boulder Creative Expo on May 27 matters.

Presented by the Boulder County Film Commission in partnership with the Boulder Chamber, the event is a deliberate effort to bring creatives and decision-makers into the same room — not for passive networking, but for real engagement and real opportunity.

This is not another panel discussion or business breakfast. It’s a working marketplace of ideas and talent. You’ll see photographers showcasing their work in print. Filmmakers walking through their creative process. Designers demonstrating how branding translates into business value. And, importantly, you’ll see business owners, marketing directors, and executives actively looking for solutions.

That kind of interaction doesn’t happen on a website. It happens in person. And it leads to something tangible: contracts, collaborations, and long-term partnerships.

The economic case is straightforward. When local creatives win local business, they reinvest locally by hiring crews, renting space, buying equipment, and contributing to Boulder’s tax base. Those dollars circulate here instead of leaving the region.

That’s how you build economic resilience — not just through large employers and major investments, but by strengthening the connective tissue between local industries.

There’s also a broader moment at play.

I’ve been a professional filmmaker in Boulder for 36 years, and as Boulder prepares to take on a larger role in the global creative landscape as host of the Sundance Film Festival, we have an opportunity, and a responsibility, to ensure that our local talent is part of that story. Not as spectators, but as participants and beneficiaries.

That starts with YOU showing up. The Boulder Creative Expo takes place May 27 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Boulder JCC. Admission is free, and the value is immediate, whether you’re a business looking for creative partners or a professional looking to expand your reach. Learn more and register here: boulderchamber.com

Boulder has never lacked for creativity. What we’ve needed is a stronger bridge between creativity and commerce. This is a step in that direction. And it’s one worth taking  — together.