Our Story
Our Vision
Parker Arts will be fundamental to the Town’s identity as a vibrant community.
Our Mission
Parker Arts will enhance local economic vitality and quality of life by offering unique gathering spaces and providing access to a wide variety of high-quality performances, exhibits, and educational programs in arts, culture, history, and science.
2023 Community Impact ReportOur Perspectives
We view our organization from four distinct “Perspectives” or points of view and have developed multiple long term strategic objectives for each perspective.
Perspective #1: Patrons, Community Members, & Partners
Views organizational performance from the point of view of our customers and other key stake holders that we serve.
Perspective #2: Organizational Learning and Growth
Views organizational performance through the lenses of human capital and organizational culture.
Perspective #3: Financial Sustainability
Views organizational financial performance and the use of financial resources.
Perspective #4: Internal Effectiveness
Views organizational performance through the lenses of quality and efficiency of our key business processes.
Our History
April 1992
The Parker Cultural Commission is formed and community events are offered. Initial events include Concerts in the Park and Images of Parker Art Show.
December 1995
The Town of Parker purchases the Mainstreet Center to house cultural and recreation programs and to preserve an important historic building.
2001-2002
Study is conducted on the potential expansion/renovation of the Mainstreet Center into a modern performance facility. The council determines an expansion is not feasible.
2004-2005
Meetings occur between the Town of Parker, Douglas County Libraries and Douglas County School District on possible partnership for a new arts facility. The groups jointly commission a study for the property to the west of Parker’s Town Hall.
March - June 2006
The Town purchases land west of Town Hall in two parcels for the future development of an arts center, library and retail shops.
March 2007
The Parker Cultural Arts Center business plan is prepared for the Town by Webb Management Services.
August 2007
An architectural competition is held by the Cultural Authority. Semple Brown Design and Humprhries Poli Design teams are selected.
July 2008
The Council authorizes proceeding with the design of the arts center project from existing funds and plans for a $21.7 million construction budget through the issuance of certificates of participation.
July 2009
The Council approves the certificate of participation transaction to jointly fund the PACE Center and a new police station in Parker.
April 2010
Groundbreaking takes place for the PACE Center.
October 2011
PACE Center opens!
August 2013
PACE Center upgrades west patio
Fall 2013
Town of Parker's Cultural offerings rebranded as "Parker Arts"
January 2014
Town receives $100,000 grant from State Historic Fund to begin rehabilitation on the Historic Parker Consolidated Schoolhouse in the Mainstreet Center
Fall 2014
Student matinee program at PACE established
February 2015
Town receives $198,045 grant from the State Historical Fund to continue rehabilitation on the Schoolhouse, with a focus on the lower level.
September 2015
Parker Consolidated Schoolhouse celebrates 100 year anniversary and Mainstreet Center is renamed The Schoolhouse.
August 2016
Town receives $200,000 grant from the State Historical Fund to complete rehabilitation on the Schoolhouse, with a focus on the restoration of the upper level and the renovation of the nonhistoric annex, which contains the theater and dressing rooms.
Fall 2016
Discovery Park opens in downtown Parker, with a splash fountain, ice rink, and performance stage, and monumental art.
Summer 2017
The Free Summer Concert Series moves to Discovery Park.
February 2018
The Schoolhouse reopens to the public.
April 2019
Construction begins to rehabilitate the Schoolhouse rear parking lot and create a small plaza between Ruth Chapel and Schoolhouse.
Employment Opportunities
Join the Team!
For Cultural Department and all open Town of Parker employment opportunities, please visit the Town of Parker website.
We thank you in advance for being a big part of Parker Arts!
Commissions
Cultural and Scientific Commission
An advisory and support group for the Town of Parker Cultural Department, the Cultural and Scientific Commission’s mission is to foster, implement and participate in opportunities for cultural and scientific experiences for the Parker community.
Public Art Commission
On October 21, 2024, Parker Town Council voted unanimously to approve a new Public Art Commission and Parker’s first-ever Public Art Master Plan.
Your Support Matters
Parker Arts relies on the generous financial support of individuals like you to ensure that we can continue to present a variety of exceptional entertainment and quality educational programming.