Arts + Business
Connection
Exploring and promoting the essential role the arts play in driving business success, community development, and creative innovation across Aurora.
Arts as a Business Tool
Demonstrating how creativity drives innovation, engagement, and growth in the workplace.
Monthly Meetings
First Tuesday of every month, 8:00–9:30 a.m. at the Aurora Chamber office.
Open to Everyone
Artists, business owners, and community advocates all welcome.
The mission of the Arts + Business Connection (ABC) Committee is to demonstrate and promote the value of integrating the arts as a strategic business tool.
— ABC Committee · Mission StatementHear From ABC Leadership
Ana Valles, Jason Balakier & Elith — ABC Committee, December 2025
Our Purpose
The ABC Committee is dedicated to exploring and promoting the essential role that the arts play in driving business success and community development. At the core of our mission is the belief that integrating the arts into the business world creates value for both sectors, and fosters innovation, creativity, and collaboration.
Through monthly meetings and interactions, we consistently communicate how business and industry can thrive by embracing creativity — whether through visual arts, performing arts, culinary arts, or the broader spectrum of creativity and innovation.
ABC Provides Opportunities To:
- Learn how businesses benefit from incorporating the arts into their strategies and operations
- Network with like-minded professionals from diverse industries, including arts, business, and education
- Collaborate on initiatives that foster creativity in the workplace and beyond
- Promote events, projects, and initiatives that highlight the intersection of business and the arts
Our Community
A glimpse into the places, people, and partnerships that make Arts + Business Connection come alive across Aurora.
Why It Matters
The creative economy is a thriving sector that extends far beyond traditional art forms — and it has real, measurable impact on business performance.
Drive Innovation
Businesses that embrace artistic expression and creative processes unlock new opportunities and stay ahead in competitive markets.
Engage Employees
Integrating creativity into the workplace fosters employee engagement, strengthens culture, and attracts diverse talent.
Build Community
Collaboration between businesses and local artists strengthens the community fabric and makes Aurora a more vibrant place to live and work.
Who Can Join
ABC welcomes anyone with an interest in the intersection of arts and business — whether you're an artist, a business owner, an educator, or a community advocate.
Artists & Creatives
Professionals in visual arts, performing arts, culinary arts, design, and beyond.
Business Owners
Leaders looking to harness creativity as a strategic advantage and community connector.
Educators & Advocates
Community champions who believe in the power of the arts to transform lives and organizations.
Meetings & Schedule
When We Meet
First Tuesday of every month — consistent and easy to plan around.
Meeting Time
8:00 – 9:30 a.m. at the Aurora Chamber of Commerce office, unless otherwise specified.
Stay in the Loop
Questions or want to attend? Reach out to Mitzi Schindler to get connected.
Leadership
Ana Valles
Ana's leadership fosters a collaborative and forward-thinking approach to integrating the arts with business across the Aurora community.
Jason Balakier
Jason sees the arts as everyday expressions — through film, music, books, cooking, and all things creative. He's excited to build bridges between art and business across Aurora.
A special thank you to Mark Smith, Owner of PhotoSmith Colorado, for his many years of dedicated service as Chair and then Vice-Chair of the Arts + Business Connection Committee of The Aurora Chamber of Commerce.
— ABC Committee RecognitionMitzi Schindler
For more information about the Arts + Business Connection program, meetings, or membership, reach out to Mitzi directly.
Strategic Partnerships
ABC is closely aligned with two vital Colorado organizations that promote the importance of the arts across our state — giving our members access to statewide resources and connections.
Colorado Creative Industries
A division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, Colorado Creative Industries supports a thriving creative economy across the state — and ABC members benefit directly from that alignment.
Visit Colorado Creative Industries →Colorado Business Committee for the Arts
CBCA is the leading advocacy organization for arts in Colorado's business community. Through this partnership, ABC members gain access to statewide resources that further the cause of arts in business.
Visit CBCA →Join Us Where Creativity Meets Commerce
Become part of a community that believes in the power of the arts to transform business, strengthen Aurora, and build a more innovative, connected economy.