Jobs that support the arts in Colorado make up the state's fifth largest employment sector, according to a recent study released by the Colorado Council on the Arts.

The report, “Colorado: State-of-the-Art, Key Findings from The State of Colorado's Creative Economy,” shows that Colorado's creative industries employ more than 122,000 people in approximately 8,000 organizations — 3.9 percent of the state's estimated 3.2 million jobs.

Creative industries in Colorado employ more people than defense and security, agribusiness, food processing and technology.

Last month Gov. Bill Ritter, Lt. Gov. Barbara O'Brien and lawmakers announced three bills to be introduced during Colorado's 2010 legislative session that they say will create more jobs and spur further economic growth in the creative industries.

Art in Public Places Clean Up, legislation introduced by state Sen. Pat Steadman, D-Denver and state Rep. Joe Rice, D-Littleton, would ensure 1 percent of new capital construction costs continue to be set aside for art in state buildings.

“One percent for art is very important,” said Grand Junction Commission on Arts and Culture Coordinator Allison Sarmo. “Artists, foundry workers, metal shops — they all benefit from public art programs.

“Art in public places is incredibly significant in a community. It's a visible reminder of the pride that people have in this community. I am really hoping that one passes. It is a minuscule portion of the state budget — 1 percent of construction project is such a small portion but can have such a huge impact on the overall project.”

State Rep. Laura Bradford, R-Collbran, said in an e-mail she would not support 1 percent of construction costs be designated for art.

“I do not feel that we should place mandates requiring the expenditure of taxpayer dollars for public art as part of every capital construction project in a time of an economic downturn. SB 94 would do just this, which is why I will not be able to vote for it.”

Bradford does support another bill however, sponsored by state Rep. Tom Massey, R-Poncha Springs. The bill would amend the current film incentive program to encourage more filming and television commercials be done in Colorado.

“This legislation is designed to bring the film industry to Colorado. By doing so, we will bring more jobs to Colorado communities. This is a good bill and I will be supporting it in order to strengthen our economy here in Colorado,” Bradford wrote.

The third bill, Colorado Creative Industry Division, introduced by Rice and state Sen. Linda Newell, D-Littleton, would merge the existing arts programs within the Office of Economic Development and International Trade.

Art Center Director Cheryl McNab said this bill makes sense because culture is “becoming so important in the economic development of any city.”

People choose to relocate to centers of culture, where there are rich cultural opportunities, McNab said.

McNab also supports the 1 percent for art in public places.

“Many states do this,” McNab said. “It keeps art in public places.

“Go to Mesa State College (to the new education and business building)— look at what they got for the 1 percent. It's gorgeous. It really makes the building shine.”

The 1 percent of construction costs is “little enough to ask for public art.” McNab said.

Calls and e-mails to state Sen. Josh Penry, R-Grand Junction, asking if he supports the creative industries bills, were not returned.

Reach Sharon Sullivan at ssullivan@gjfreepress.com