Our mission is support emerging and established Colorado-based creatives of color by providing opportunities that break down economic and social barriers, contributing to an environment where they can thrive.
A small idea between friends turned full festival
CRAFt started as an intimate house warming idea that involved showcasing a friend’s acrylic paintings to help boost their new artistic career. But the founders quickly realized that many of their Black and brown artist friends also lacked the attention and support they deserved, despite being incredibly talented.
As they explored nearby art festivals, they noticed a lack of diversity, with predominantly white artists featured and significant financial barriers, including application fees, booth costs, and equipment requirements. In response, the Community Roots Art Festival was born—a collective effort created and nurtured by a close-knit group of friends who are passionate about helping creatives of color thrive. With the enthusiastic support of the local community and Advisory Board, CRAFt has grown into a vibrant celebration of creativity and inclusion.
As of June 2023, we are fiscally sponsored by the Boulder County Arts Alliance.
Board Members
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Modesta McGrath-Martínez | she/her
Co-President
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Abigail Intolubbe-Chmil | they/she
Co-President
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Anirudh "Andy" Bhateja | he/they
Finance Officer
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Ali Arfeen | he/him
Fundraising Officer
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Billy Dixon | he/him
Fundraising Officer
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Mayra Aviña | ella/she/her(s)
Volunteer Coordination Officer
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Michelle Nguyen | she/they
Outreach Coordination Officer
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Tyler Kirkland | he/him
Outreach Coordination Officer
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Melissa Utomo | she/her
Digital Communications Officer
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Cindy Li | she/they
Digital Communications Officer
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Kathy Dang | she/her
Communications
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Tiffany Wright | she/her
Sponsorships
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Stephanie Quon | she/her
Grants
Our Mission
We support emerging and established Colorado-based creatives of color by providing opportunities that break down economic and social barriers, contributing to an environment where they can thrive.
Our Vision & Values
We envision a world where Colorado’s arts community is a diverse, equitable, and inclusive industry—one that prioritizes, celebrates, and uplifts local creatives of color as leaders and change makers.
We value:
Dismantling economic barriers in the arts industry.
Equitable and transparent compensation practices.
A community rooted in authentic connections, reciprocity, and mutual support.
Recognition that both seasoned and emerging creatives thrive with support and mentorship.
Strategic RoadmapAfter years of supporting Colorado’s creatives of color through our annual festival, and hearing from the community about the many ways they continue to face barriers, need support, and want deeper opportunities to connect with one another, our advisory board came together to refresh our mission, define a shared vision and values, and develop a three-year strategic roadmap. This work is allowing us to expand our programming beyond a single annual festival and build more consistent, year-round opportunities for connection and support.
Priority 1: Broaden the organization’s influence, extending its geographical reach and establishing our practices as the industry standard.
Priority 2: Collaborate with the CRAFt creative community to champion their needs, providing opportunities and resources that break down barriers and support their career growth and aspirations.
Priority 3: Build the organization’s capacity and efficiency to support growth and maximize impact.
Have more questions?
Questions about the festival, getting involved, sponsorship opportunities, or just want to say hi? Email us at communityrootsartfestival@gmail.com or send us a message in the following online form.
We look forward to hearing from you!
