With a mission to “provide programs that enrich the lives of our community and its visitors by increasing cultural awareness, promoting the arts, and educating about the area's history, diversity and natural environment,” the Cortez Cultural Center maintains its role as the heart of the Cortez community. Today the Cultural Center is home to the summer Native American Dances presented in the dance plaza added in ‘94, with the seating area completed in ‘97.  The Center’s Gallery is a showcase for local artists, with a new exhibit opening in the art gallery every month.  

The Center hosts many amazing events throughout the year, including the Ute Mountain Mesa Verde Birding Festival in the spring which brings visitors from throughout the country to explore the diverse landscapes and birding spots in the Four Corners area. Tours combine birding, archaeology, ecology, and history.  In the fall, Everybody Eats, offers a month-long program of harvest culture and culinary adventures, at the area’s most bountiful time of the year. The Event celebrates the harvest and showcases agricultural and food traditions of the area. Many other special events occur each month at the Center.

The Cortez Cultural Center also features interpretative exhibits on Native American Culture and representative artifacts from the Fulkes Collection.  Building on the reputation of being at the heart of Cortez, the Center recently added a Community Coffeehouse, providing a cozy, welcoming place, where residents and visitors may gather and enjoy a good cup of coffee, locally made pastries and great conversation. While enjoying a hot beverage and sharing experiences, visitors are surrounded by the beautiful art gallery featuring work by local artists.

In 2000 the Hawkins Preserve was deeded to the Cortez Cultural Center by Jack Hawkins.  It contains evidence of our rich and diverse cultural heritage in a natural environment.  The Preserve provides an excellent opportunity for outdoor education.

All these programs together fulfill the mission of the Center, whether it is art, education, cultural diversity or the natural environment. Come visit the heart of Cortez and share in this adventure.

A Community Resource

The Cultural Center offers a warm and inclusive experience and atmosphere where local artists and diverse community members come to be inspired and express themselves through the arts. Locals and visitors alike learn about the culture, history, and uniqueness of our natural environment and we are recognized as a valuable community resource for Indigenous knowledge. Because we are small and open, we are able to respond to emerging issues and community needs in an agile and flexible way such as providing space for meetings, new initiatives, and cultural and arts programming.