Awards & Achievements

IFEA Haas Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards

Gold Award - Best Sponsor, Janus Capitol Group

 

 

Cherry Creek Arts Festival

Janus is a Denver-based investment management firm with a passion for seeking the world’s best investment opportunities.  Janus applies the same passion and dedication they use to select securities for their funds to make a positive difference in the communities in which their investors live.  Whether investing in the markets or in the community, their goal is to make life—and lives—better. “At Janus, we view our work in the community as both a responsibility and a privilege. We’re committed to using our financial and intellectual resources to act as a catalyst for positive change. This philosophy underscores our commitment to responsible philanthropy and our dedication to supporting the communities where our investors, shareholders and employees live and work” said Casey Cortese, Janus’ director of community relations and Vice President of The Janus Foundation.

A Year Round Commitment to Sponsorship

Their commitment to introducing everyone to the world of art not only is present at the event, but throughout the year with their extensive involvement with the Arts in Action year-round Art Education and Outreach Program. Most event sponsorship activations are complete at the end of the event, however Janus provides a unique means for students to take a hands on approach to art in the real world.

 

Every year, the Arts Festival showcases its Mobile Art Collection on site at the Festival. The Collection is comprised of art purchased from exhibiting artists involved with the Festival. Janus makes these purchases possible through their sponsorship of the Student Art Buying Program. Participating schools have three student committees that tour the Festival on the last afternoon and discuss which piece of art will be purchased for the Mobile Art Collection. The students work together to select the piece and reconvene in front of the Janus Jury to “defend” their selections. The students give presentations outlining why they believe that particular piece of art should be purchased and added to the Mobile Art Collection.

Artists have come to respect the students at the Festival making their selections, “I was really impressed with the concept and the realization of your Student Art Buying Program. I was honestly surprised with maturity and determination the students have demonstrated in negotiating a deal for something they view as valuable artwork for their school collection. In my opinion, it is very important to stimulate interest for art at a very early stage of development, especially nowadays when parents often have no time for such activities. In that respect, Students Art Buying Program initiated by Cherry Creek Arts Festival is one of those innovative ideas that may have great results in the future.”  Vesna Yankovich, Exhibiting Artist at the 2004 show, Metalwork

Community Involvement and Education

Throughout the year, the Mobile Art Collection tours schools, libraries, community centers and other public areas. Students assist with the set up and dismantling of the displays. While the art is on exhibit, the students are actively engaged; they learn about the artists and pieces and become docents for the tour. The docents educate other students, care for the art and give tours to the local school boards and parents in the communities. These activities incorporate art education with public speaking in a real life environment and create awareness for the importance of art education.

At the Event

The Cherry Creek Arts Festival is traditionally the hottest weekend of the year and the Janus booth, has become a destination for the hot and thirsty festival attendees. Located adjacent to the Janus Main Stage, Janus provides free cups of ice water with a “signature” cherry dropped into a Janus branded cup for any and all attendees of the event.  This is always a welcome relief to passer-bys, or those enjoying entertainment on the main stage. It is not uncommon for Janus to provide over 28,000 cups of water during the 3 days of the event. To serve nearly 30,000 cups of water to the public, upwards of 15-20 Janus staff members volunteer, serving water and greeting the public. As a result of serving almost 30,000 cups of water every summer for the past 12 years, Janus has become a recognized and respected company in the Denver community. An employee remarked, "Janus is a household word in our community. I see our logo on an arts festival poster, a man notices my Janus t-shirt and starts talking with me about his investments. I realize daily what an impact we have on the local community - it's exciting to be part of it." In addition to the free water, Janus also sponsors the Mobile Art Collection on site display and the Main Stage. The Janus Main Stage has been host to over 100 different entertainment acts in the past.

Janus is one sponsor that successfully brands their corporate goals together with those of the event to create award winning advertising, displays and brochures. The Janus logo has become synonymous with the Cherry Creek Arts Festival logo as they have been a sponsor for 12 of the 17 years the Festival has occurred.

Janus has developed a partnership with the Cherry Creek Arts Festival that is contracted for 2008 as well. Janus has provided an innovative approach to event sponsorship that continues to bring the Cherry Creek Arts Festival world renowned recognition. Janus doesn’t only sponsor, they invest. They put their resources into events and programs that correspond with their company’s ideals. Janus believes that every participant should walk away from an experience with something more that what they came with. Janus sees their work in the community as a responsibility and a privilege, and they are committed to use their resources for positive change.

During the past ten years, Janus has developed a symbiotic partnership with the Cherry Creek Arts Festival.  They have just extended their sponsorship for the 2008 and 2009 festivals. Janus’ commitment to enterprise innovative approaches to event sponsorship continues to aid the Cherry Creek Arts Festival in bringing cutting-edge improvement and originality to this award winning event.