Meet Hayley Kirkman | Artist, Designer & Nonprofit Co-Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hayley Kirkman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hayley, what’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?
Growing up, I was advised not to pursue higher education or career in the arts, lest I become a “starving artist”. I have never once agreed with that trope. I have found my degree in graphic design and natural creativity to be a huge asset to every job I’ve ever had, and to the two nonprofits that I’ve co-founded. I have yet to come across a shortage of work in the creative arts — in fact, I can barely keep up! Artists and creatives are valuable to society that can absolutely demand competitive pay scales and support systems for starting/growing their businesses.

What should our readers know about your business?
I am the Executive Director of the Durango Creative District, which is a grassroots nonprofit and physical arts and culture district. In 2018, I helped convene the broader Durango community to get us prepared for official certification under the state of Colorado. This certification would not have been possible without the hundreds of volunteers who came to weekly meetings, the generous donors that helped fund the effort, and the passionate individuals who served on the steering committee (now Board of Directors).

Our humble nonprofit has faced numerous challenges since its inception. In addition to launching this business during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, our biggest challenge has been identifying effective ways to communicate the value and return-on-investment of the creative arts. We have advocated for public funding and greater commitment to growing our local creative economy, which doesn’t just happen overnight. However, we have made great strides and accomplished a lot in our first three years, including securing the first robust public fund for Arts and Culture through a local lodgers tax increase.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’d start the day by taking my friend to coffee at Smiley Cafe and show them the magical Smiley building. From there, we’d take a walk down historic 3rd Avenue and grab brunch at El Moro Tavern. We’d go for a drive up Highway 550 and take in the beautiful Molas Pass area, then go catch a show at the Durango Arts Center or the Community Concert Hall. To cap the evening off, we’d soak in Durango Hot Springs or enjoy an incredible dinner at the Ore House.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have been fortunate enough to have many mentors on my journey, many of which who are strong women. I am forever grateful to my high school ceramics teacher, Margie Weinstein, who convinced me to lay roots in Durango. I’m grateful to the many teachers and professors I’ve had over the years that inspired me to keep creating and learning. Finally, I give the utmost recognition to Monique DiGiorgio, who gave me my first nonprofit job out of college and encouraged me to take further steps into nonprofit leadership.

Website: hayleykirkman.com | durangocreativedistrict.org

Instagram: @durangocreativedistrict

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hayleykirkman

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hayley.kirkman.90 | https://www.facebook.com/durangocreativedistrict

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRJw4utwuLB8Mcm_YfG–yQ

Image Credits
-Single photo of me in front of my mountain/lake mural was taken by Alex Pullen Photography. -Art photos around town taken by Imagesmith Photo. -Single photo of me sculpting/painting was taken by Renee Cornue Photo. -Photo of trio in front of Town Plaza Mural was taken by Durango Family Photography. All of these photos have been paid for or donated to the Durango Creative District.