Photos: People, Birds and a Roaming T-Rex Fill the Capitol Building for SCFD Day

The west foyer of the Colorado State Capitol building filled with people of all ages — and the occasional screech of a falcon — for SCFD Day at the Capitol on Tuesday, February 24.

And the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District, the regional tax that gives one penny from every $10 purchase back to cultural institutions across the seven counties of Denver, Boulder, Jefferson, Adams, Arapahoe, Douglas and Broomfield, is worth getting its own day to shine.

The event, in which arts and science fill the halls of the Capitol to celebrate the Denver metro’s cultural offerings, is also meant to engage legislators. It’s been a tradition since 2018, and this year, Governor Jared Polis officially proclaimed February 24 as SCFD Day in Colorado.

“The cultural organizations SCFD supports…provide access to educational and enriching experiences for people of all ages and backgrounds, and they make our region feel like home,” says SCFD Executive Director Andrea Albo. “It’s thanks to the efforts of our district communities, legislators and our funded partners that we have such a thriving arts ecosystem here in the Denver metro area.”

And the SCFD is the biggest monetary supporter of Colorado’s arts ecosystem, contributing $85 million in 2024, according to data from the Colorado Business Committee for the Arts.

The SCFD was first approved by voters in 1988, and has been renewed three times since its founding nearly forty years ago (the last time was in 2016; it’ll be on the ballot again in 2028). It’s the only cultural funding model in the U.S. to serve a region of seven counties, and it supports everything from big organizations like the Denver Art Museum and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science to smaller ones, like Downtown Aurora Visual Arts and HawkQuest, both of which joined in the festivities at Day at the Capitol.

DAVA displayed work from its students on a table while handlers from HawkQuest walked around with owls, a falcon and even an eagle, sharing information about the birds. Also roaming the crowded foyer was a walking T-Rex and Penny, the bright pink SCFD bear mascot. The Butterfly Pavilion and Ocean First Institute both had specimens on display, and the Colorado Fine Arts Association showed off a traditional South Asian costume and instruments.

Everyone crowded around CherryArts‘ table, where there was a printmaking demo and the opportunity to print the SCFD logo on canvas tote bags.

The event also included a breakfast for legislators and their staff, as well as celebratory tributes to SCFD in the House and Senate chambers.

“We hope this day reminds folks who attend how important and unique it is that we have such a wide range of cultural experiences available to residents here,” Albo says. “There’s truly something for everyone, from free days and educational programs to local performances and volunteer opportunities.”

See more photos from the event: