A sign for the RiNo Art District hangs along Brighton Boulevard on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024. (BusinessDen file)
The second top leader at the RiNo Art District is stepping down, weeks after the first submitted her notice, with no clear succession plan in place.
Alye Sharp, who has been leading the organization as co-executive director, will work through June 6, according to her resignation letter.
“I have decided it is time for me to pursue my next opportunity, moving forward with the vast knowledge and experience I have gathered throughout my career with RiNo,” she wrote, without specifying what would be next.
Alye Sharp
The organization’s other co-executive director, Sarah Cawrse, gave notice last month that her final day would be April 4.
In an email to its mailing list, the Art District said that Sharp’s decision to leave was made independently of Cawrse’s decision.
Sharp joined the Art District in 2014. She and Cawrse were named co-executive directors of the RiNo Art District in December 2023 following the departure of Charity Von Guinness, who also exited the top job after a short stint.
“While transitions are never easy, they can be healthy,” Tracy Weil, chair of the RiNo Art District Board of Directors, said in a statement. “The foundation Alye and Sarah laid has only clarified our direction. As we move ahead, our focus remains on championing local artists, creatives, and businesses to support a vibrant, inclusive district.”
The departures come amid a contentious renewal process for the RiNo Business Improvement District, which is funded by taxes on commercial property and works to promote businesses in the hip former warehouse district. The BID is managed by the RiNo Art District, but some property owners have argued the BID should be dismantled, or have its mill levy cut in half.
In November, the BID’s board recommended that the BID be renewed for another decade at the current mill levy, while acknowledging it needed to refocus its spending. The decision on whether the BID should be renewed is ultimately up to the Denver City Council. A hearing is set for May.
The Art District said its various boards are working to identify interim leadership.
A sign for the RiNo Art District hangs along Brighton Boulevard on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024. (BusinessDen file)
The second top leader at the RiNo Art District is stepping down, weeks after the first submitted her notice, with no clear succession plan in place.
Alye Sharp, who has been leading the organization as co-executive director, will work through June 6, according to her resignation letter.
“I have decided it is time for me to pursue my next opportunity, moving forward with the vast knowledge and experience I have gathered throughout my career with RiNo,” she wrote, without specifying what would be next.
Alye Sharp
The organization’s other co-executive director, Sarah Cawrse, gave notice last month that her final day would be April 4.
In an email to its mailing list, the Art District said that Sharp’s decision to leave was made independently of Cawrse’s decision.
Sharp joined the Art District in 2014. She and Cawrse were named co-executive directors of the RiNo Art District in December 2023 following the departure of Charity Von Guinness, who also exited the top job after a short stint.
“While transitions are never easy, they can be healthy,” Tracy Weil, chair of the RiNo Art District Board of Directors, said in a statement. “The foundation Alye and Sarah laid has only clarified our direction. As we move ahead, our focus remains on championing local artists, creatives, and businesses to support a vibrant, inclusive district.”
The departures come amid a contentious renewal process for the RiNo Business Improvement District, which is funded by taxes on commercial property and works to promote businesses in the hip former warehouse district. The BID is managed by the RiNo Art District, but some property owners have argued the BID should be dismantled, or have its mill levy cut in half.
In November, the BID’s board recommended that the BID be renewed for another decade at the current mill levy, while acknowledging it needed to refocus its spending. The decision on whether the BID should be renewed is ultimately up to the Denver City Council. A hearing is set for May.
The Art District said its various boards are working to identify interim leadership.
This story is for our paid subscribers only. Please become one of the thousands of BusinessDen members today!
Your subscription has expired. Renew now by choosing a subscription below!
For more informaiton, head over to your profile.
SUBSCRIBE NOW
TERMS OF SERVICE:
ALL MEMBERSHIPS RENEW AUTOMATICALLY. YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR A 1 YEAR MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL AT THE RATE IN EFFECT AT THAT TIME UNLESS YOU CANCEL YOUR MEMBERSHIP BY LOGGING IN OR BY CONTACTING SUPPORT@BUSINESSDEN.COM.
ALL CHARGES FOR MONTHLY OR ANNUAL MEMBERSHIPS ARE NONREFUNDABLE.
EACH MEMBERSHIP WILL ONLY FUNCTION ON UP TO 3 MACHINES. ACCOUNTS ABUSING THAT LIMIT WILL BE DISCONTINUED.
FOR ASSISTANCE WITH YOUR MEMBERSHIP PLEASE EMAIL SUPPORT@BUSINESSDEN.COM
Already a Member? Sign in
Return to Homepage
