Aurora ArtWalk Revitalization Effort Highlights Downtown Creative Economy

The Aurora ArtWalk, organized by the volunteer group Cultural Creatives, has become a central part of downtown Aurora’s arts‑infused revitalization strategy. Initiated after a series of meetings in 2007 led by property owner Dan Hites and city staff, the group—guided at the time by development director Karen Christensen—formalized its mission in a seven‑page report that framed creativity as an economic development tool.

The first ArtWalk meeting in February 2008 produced 40 discussion points and a commitment from participants to undertake specific tasks. Over the years the initiative has grown to involve roughly two dozen volunteers, including Melissa Mercado, Cheryl Holz, Maureen Gasek and former museum curator David Lewis. Events such as the Alley Art Festival, scheduled for August 29 on Water Street Mall and Downer Place, showcase local artists and aim to demonstrate what a creatively vibrant downtown can look like.

The program’s goal is to improve quality of life across Aurora by coalescing artists, businesses and property owners around shared projects, thereby fostering a sustainable creative economy.