Becca Vaclavik has been appointed as the first full-time executive director of the Greeley Creative District, a role she officially began on June 23, 2023. Although not originally from Colorado, Vaclavik has developed a deep affection for Greeley since moving there in 2015, expressing a strong desire to foster community ties and promote local creativity.
“I have just fallen in love with Greeley more and more year over year,” Vaclavik stated. “I want to be here. I want to encourage others to be here and grow deep roots in our community.” Under her leadership, the Greeley Creative District aims to continue its mission of supporting and amplifying creative industries across the area.
Exciting Developments Ahead
The Greeley Creative District has served as a pivotal platform for local creatives since its establishment in 2012. Board President Becky Safarik highlighted the organization’s objective: “The whole point of our organization is to help support and amplify creative industries in our community.” With Vaclavik at the helm, the district is poised for significant growth, particularly with the upcoming groundbreaking ceremony for the Creative Center of Greeley, located at the former Allnutt Funeral Home at 702 13th St. This new center will mark a major milestone for the district, which plans to relocate by the end of this year from its temporary location at 924 8th Ave.
The groundbreaking ceremony is set to commence a five-year renovation of the 14,000-square-foot building. The facility is designed to include collaborative workspaces for creatives, professional meeting areas, and amenities such as staff offices, break rooms, and gathering spaces. “It’s an incredibly exciting time,” Vaclavik remarked, emphasizing the district’s commitment to enhancing support services for local artists.
Building on Established Success
The Greeley Creative District has been active in hosting diverse events throughout the year, including marquee initiatives like Youth Art Month, Do Tell, and the Cacophony of Creatives. Youth Art Month, which occurred in March, showcased local artists from the Greeley-Evans School District 6 and charter schools, allowing their work to be displayed at 25 venues across downtown Greeley. In April, the Do Tell series featured speakers who shared life experiences related to specific themes.
Starting in May, the Cacophony of Creatives began monthly meetings aimed at networking and featuring guest speakers from various creative fields. Vaclavik noted that the district’s growing activities necessitated a move beyond an all-volunteer staff to better serve the creative community.
While the Greeley Creative District and the Greeley Downtown Development Authority share the goal of promoting local talent, Vaclavik is dedicated to clarifying their distinct missions. She aims to provide targeted opportunities for artists and creatives, further differentiating the district’s initiatives.
Originally from Indiana, Vaclavik holds a bachelor’s degree in theater management from the University of Evansville. She and her husband, Austin, relocated to New York City after graduation before settling in Greeley. Prior to her current role, Vaclavik worked in the city of Greeley’s communications and engagement department.
Safarik believes Vaclavik is well-suited to fulfill the district’s mission while nurturing new creative opportunities within the community. “Her authenticity and love for the city were key reasons she was the ideal candidate to lead the district into its future,” Safarik remarked.
Vaclavik is also focused on reaching out to lesser-known artists and creatives in Greeley, aiming to connect them with the resources and support they need. “If you’re out there, and you’re one of those people, we want to help you. We want to support you and celebrate you,” she stated, reinforcing her commitment to inclusivity in the local creative scene.
For more information about the Greeley Creative District and its offerings, visit greeleycreativedistrict.org.
