Governor Polis Signs Catlin's First-in-the-Nation Colorado Artist Company Act (SB26-133)
NEWS RELEASE
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Office of Colorado
State Senator Marc Catlin
303-866-5292
marc.catlin.senate@coleg.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Denver, Colorado – Tuesday, June 2, 2026 - Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed bipartisan legislation Tuesday creating the nation's first business structure designed specifically for artists and creative professionals. Senate Bill 26-133 (SB26-133), the Colorado Artist Company Act, creates a new business structure that allows artists to maintain majority ownership and control of their creative work. The bill was signed at the SIE Film Center in Denver.
The new law establishes Colorado as the first state in the nation to authorize artist companies, creating a framework that recognizes the unique business and ownership needs of artists, writers, musicians, filmmakers, performers, and other creative professionals. Artist companies operate as limited liability companies while providing additional protections related to artistic mission, ownership, governance, and intellectual property.
The Colorado Artist Company Act builds upon Colorado's longstanding support for the creative economy through programs such as Colorado Creative Industries and the state's nationally recognized Creative District program. According to the Colorado Office of Economic development and International Trades, Colorado Creative Industries division, arts and cultural production accounts for $19.7 billion of Colorado's economy, representing 3.72 percent of the state's economic output and supporting 121,228 jobs. Arts and cultural value-added ranked third among Colorado comparison sectors, surpassing both mining and transportation.
Colorado's creative economy is an important driver of tourism, entrepreneurship, and economic development in communities throughout the state. Colorado is home to 31 certified Creative Districts, nearly 60 percent of which are located in rural communities. Senate District 5 alone includes four Creative Districts: Carbondale, Crested Butte, Gunnison, and Paonia. These districts help support local businesses, attract visitors, and strengthen community identity throughout Western Colorado.
The prime sponsors of SB26-133 are Senators Marc Catlin (R-SD5) of Montrose County and Jeff Bridges (D-SD26) of Arapahoe County, and Representatives Matthew Martinez (D-HD62) and Rick Taggart (R-HD55).
This legislation requires that certain businesses located in coal transition communities give preferred opportunity to coal transition workers when possible. SB26-052 does not impact the state budget.
"Colorado's artists are entrepreneurs," said Senator Marc Catlin. "They create jobs, support local businesses, attract visitors, and contribute to the identity of communities across our state. The Colorado Artist Company Act creates a business structure designed specifically for creative professionals, helping artists maintain ownership of their work while providing new opportunities to grow, collaborate, and build sustainable businesses."
"Whether it's a filmmaker on the Western Slope, a musician in a mountain town, or a visual artist in one of Colorado's Creative Districts, artists deserve business tools that recognize the unique nature of creative work," said Catlin. "Communities like Carbondale, Crested Butte, Gunnison, and Paonia show how the arts support local businesses, strengthen local economies, attract visitors, and enhance quality of life throughout rural Colorado."
Colorado State Senator Marc Catlin represents the seven counties of Delta, Eagle, Garfield, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Montrose, and Pitkin. Senator Catlin is a member of the Agriculture & Natural Resources; Transportation & Energy; and Business, Labor, & Technology Committees. Senator Catlin also serves as a Member on the Colorado Tourism Board.
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Summary of SB26-133
Bill: SB26-133 -Colorado Artist Companies
Sponsor: Senator Marc Catlin
Purpose: Creates the nation's first artist company business structure, allowing artists, musicians, filmmakers, writers, performers, and other creative professionals to organize businesses while maintaining majority ownership and control of their creative work
Status: Signed into law by Governor Jared Polis
Date Signed: June 2, 2026