For more than 40 years, the Lincoln Center Support League has believed in the power of the arts to bring people together, enrich lives and strengthen community. Founded in 1980, the Support League, a volunteer-run nonprofit organization run by dedicated community members, played an essential role in advancing The Lincoln Center through fundraising and advocacy efforts. Over the years, its fundraising efforts—like the beloved Hall of Trees and Craft Fair—supported critical needs such as capital improvements, equipment upgrades, artist support and educational programming—helping shape The Lincoln Center into the cultural institution it is today.
As the community grew, so did the organization’s purpose. What began as behind-the-scenes support evolved into a dynamic advocate for arts education, expanding the reach of its support beyond the walls of The Lincoln Center to impact thousands of children and families. Through funding engaging and transformative artistic experiences, the Support League helped ignite creativity, curiosity and inspiration in young people across Northern Colorado.
Today, that legacy enters an exciting new chapter as the Lincoln Center Support League transitions to Artspire NoCo. This new name honors the organization’s roots while embracing a broader vision for the future. Artspire reflects the powerful combination of art and inspiration—two forces that can change a child’s life forever. While the name has changed, the heart of the mission remains: to excite, enlighten and educate through the arts. Artspire NoCo will now focus on inspiring creativity across all art forms throughout Northern Colorado and will no longer be dedicated solely to supporting and funding experiences through The Lincoln Center.
As Artspire NoCo looks toward its future, it is also a moment to reflect on the remarkable accomplishments of the Support League’s 45-year history. Over the decades, its support of The Lincoln Center’s arts education outreach programs have impacted thousands of students, offering free or low-cost access to world-class artists and immersive learning experiences, including:
- Hands-on music, theater and poetry workshops for elementary students
- Field trips for elementary and middle school students to The Lincoln Center
- Opportunities for local dancers to perform alongside national touring artists
- Professional development workshops for educators
- Complimentary tickets for underserved and marginalized youth and their families
- Free outdoor summer performances for the community
Through these art immersion field trips, live performances, and interactive educational experiences, the organization has helped children discover creativity, confidence and curiosity—often for the very first time.
“For more than four decades, The Lincoln Center Support League has been a quiet but powerful force behind so many meaningful artistic moments in our community,” Eileen May, Director of the Arts and Culture Department at the City reflected. “Their dedication, generosity and belief in the transformative power of the arts has shaped not only The Lincoln Center, but the lives of countless children and families across Northern Colorado. We are so grateful for their work and commitment to helping the arts flourish in Fort Collins.”
Looking ahead, Artspire NoCo remains committed to creating inclusive, inspiring opportunities that shape the next generation of creators, dreamers, thinkers and doers. By extending its impact beyond The Lincoln Center stage and into classrooms and communities across Northern Colorado, Artspire NoCo is poised to make a lasting difference by funding education and outreach to enrich the community’s next generation. Artspire NoCo will continue advocating and supporting not only The Lincoln Center, but also multiple local arts organizations and their programming. Learn more about Artspire NoCo, its evolving mission and its transition to expand its impact by visiting www.artspirenoco.org.
The City of Fort Collins gratefully accepts direct contributions to The Lincoln Center to further its purpose to provide a diverse array of artistic and cultural offerings to enhance our community. Gifts to The Lincoln Center are tax-deductible. For more information about supporting The Lincoln Center, contact Elizabeth Messerli, Arts & Culture Development Officer (emesserli@fortcollins.gov; 970-416-2697).