Bringing artists and businesses together might sound surprising, but in Lakewood it will spark creativity and solve small-business needs.

To bridge the gap between creative expression and practical business needs, the City and the Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design (RMCAD) have formed the Lakewood Creativity Lab at RMCAD.

The Lab, scheduled to launch officially this summer, will operate as a nonprofit to provide local businesses and other nonprofits with low-cost creative services, to conduct primary research on the creative process, and to offer scholarships to local students.

Its mission has two parts. First, it is to serve as a community resource through which students and alumni of the college can apply their creativity under the mentorship of experienced faculty and professionals to help local businesses. Second, it is to conduct and publish primary research within the broad field of creativity.

The Lab will offer services that tie directly to the college’s curriculum, including interior design, graphic and interactive design, illustration, painting, sculpture, animation, videography and photography. Current and former students will be able to see firsthand the challenges facing businesses, gain experience, and earn money by delivering low-cost business projects.

More than 7,000 small businesses operate within Lakewood and regularly face issues that require inspired solutions. Many of the businesses lack the skills to address their needs and cannot afford to pay for help from a traditional provider. Now, businesses can come to the Creativity Lab. Business owners will receive services they otherwise could not afford, while students will build a portfolio and make money to pay for college or launch their careers. Proceeds from the lab will be used for scholarships to RMCAD.

"We're very excited about this collaboration. This new and innovative program is a ‘win’ for all involved," said City Council member Ed Peterson. "Students win by gaining practical experience and portfolio pieces as part of their education. Businesses win with affordable creative solutions that meet their real-world needs. The City wins by demonstrating support for its vital small business community, and the college wins by providing expanded opportunities for its students, garnering recognition for offering an innovative community resource, and generating funds for scholarships and research."

The lab grew from the City’s planning process and land use policy. A series of task forces convened over the past 18-month to look at ways to support small businesses and to revitalize the West Colfax Avenue corridor, which includes the college. The lab is one program that sprung from these meetings.

For more information, contact the lab’s co-founder Bill Marino, managing partner of SJI, Ltd. and former Chairman of the Lakewood Planning Commission, at 303-988-5133.