BY MELANIE ULLE
Last month I mentioned a particularly cool and vibrant organization, the Biennial of the Americas, which we’re dang lucky to have in our community so, I thought this month I would give them a bit more ink.
While its origins lie in a festival series focused on the exchange of arts and big ideas between our region and communities across the Americas, the Biennial has evolved into a constant presence. It strengthens local community ties while building international relationships. This helps the Biennial to position our state as a global hub, interwoven with the nations of the Western Hemisphere.
The large-scale Biennial festival still takes center stage every two years, drawing significant attention and showcasing a diverse range of artistic expressions. However, the organization’s impact extends further still through consistent weekly and monthly programming. This ongoing engagement actively strengthens community bonds through the universal languages of arts and culture and creates important conversations across different sectors right here in our beloved home. In the past year alone, over 200 days of cultural events were hosted within the Denver metro area, attracting a substantial number of attendees and highlighting their consistent commitment to the local cultural landscape.
One particularly engaging initiative is the Culture Club, a thriving membership community that fosters unique experiences celebrating the diverse creative scene. Culture Club curates special outings, ranging from attending captivating dance performances followed by after-parties at unique venues, to enjoying private exhibition tours with commentary from the artists themselves, often complemented by social gatherings at local establishments. These immersive experiences create a deeper appreciation for the arts and build lasting connections among members.
Expanding on this popular initiative is CultureHop, a weekly morning gathering that offers an intimate look inside the studios of talented artists, the inspiring spaces of galleries and museums, and the significant landmarks that define our city’s cultural identity. These gatherings often feature the delightful addition of refreshments from local businesses with roots across the Americas, offering a taste of global flavors. Past CultureHops have provided behind-the-scenes glimpses into local enterprises and offered the privilege of stepping into the creative spaces of diverse artists and cultural institutions.
For those who appreciate public art, the Plaza of the Americas initiative is a significant contribution. Each summer, large-scale art installations are brought to the heart of downtown, creating vibrant opportunities for community engagement through truly immersive art experiences. Collaborations with innovative art organizations have resulted in captivating installations designed to interact with the urban environment, transforming public spaces into dynamic and colorful gathering spots for everyone to enjoy. This initiative highlights a commitment to making art accessible and engaging the wider community in meaningful ways.
The Biennial also curates international Culture Trips each year, providing members with opportunities to experience the arts and cultural landscapes of other parts of the world. These immersive journeys foster a broader understanding of global artistic trends and build connections between our local creative community and significant international cultural hubs. Recognizing the importance of nurturing future cultural leaders, the organization also sponsors students on these enriching trips.
The Biennial serves as a convener of important conversations through its Roundtable Series. These regular gatherings bring together influential leaders from business, government, and the arts to delve into timely and often provocative topics that shape our world. Through dialogue across different sectors, these discussions contribute to a more informed and engaged community.
The organization is actively planning international summits that will further extend its reach and influence beyond the local level. These initiatives aim to bring together leaders from across the hemisphere to discuss pressing global challenges and foster cross-border collaboration.
So, what I’m saying, party people, is that the Biennial of the Americas is a bit more than folks may think. It’s a year-round, constantly evolving network dedicated to cultural exchange, creative engagement, and leadership development. It’s a cool, colorful Colorado-born bridge, connecting our local community with the richness and diversity of the Americas and beyond. Check it out folks, www.biennialoftheamericas.org.