In 2016, the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center formed an alliance with Colorado College designed to enrich the student experience by bridging the gap between art and academics, while forging stronger connections between the college and the local and regional communities. As part of the alliance agreement, the FAC’s assets transferred to Colorado College as a gift, representing the largest gift in the college’s history with a value of more than $176 million. 

The alliance has opened new opportunities for object-based teaching, visiting artists, experiential education, and internships for students. With one of the most important collections of Southwest art in the world, the museum reaffirms CC’s unique sense of place and facilitates collaboration in the visual and performing arts, history, and anthropology.   

Led by the guiding principles of excellence, access, and collaboration, the FAC has put in place several initiatives to increase attendance and accessibility in recent years — including reduced admission prices, twice-monthly museum free days, longer evening hours to accommodate young professionals and working families, discounted theater tickets for students, free K-12 school touring programs, and a “Passport to the Arts” program providing free memberships, theater ticket benefits, and art class discounts to local fourth-grade students and their families.