At the crossroads of creativity and community, Apple Hultz stands as a dynamic force shaping Denver’s cultural evolution. As an artist, curator, and advocate, Apple blends storytelling and expression to forge spaces where diverse voices thrive. Through their work with the Biennial of the Americas, they bring a bold, forward-thinking energy to Denver’s arts scene, amplifying underrepresented narratives and pushing the boundaries of what art can mean in our everyday lives. We’re thrilled to spotlight their powerful impact in inspiring connection, dialogue, and change.
Let’s start with the big picture—can you tell us what drew you to your role with the Biennial of the Americas?
Engagement with arts and culture. I’m an artist myself and have always had a deep interest in inter-cultural exchange. I studied International Affairs and Spanish in college, and I’ve had the immense privilege of traveling abroad at different points in my life. The Biennial’s mission of building community, fostering connection, and inspiring change across the Americas felt like a natural—and inspiring—fit for me.
The Biennial is all about celebrating ideas, art, and culture from across the Americas. How does your digital marketing work help bring those stories to life?
I feel really privileged to highlight, showcase, and celebrate so many incredible stories from across the Americas. There’s so much beauty, creativity, and cultural richness that deserves to be seen and shared—especially here in Denver, where there can sometimes be less exposure to international perspectives.
Through my digital marketing work, I get to share just a slice of that diversity in arts and culture, and it truly brings me joy to connect our audience with such vibrant and inspiring content. The Biennial holds a unique position as a platform for artists, leaders and innovators from across the hemisphere and I’m grateful to play a role in uplifting their stories and helping those voices reach a broader audience.
What are some recent or upcoming Biennial projects that you’re especially excited about—and how can the community get involved?
There’s always something exciting happening with the Biennial—and all of our initiatives allow for different levels of community participation. One of the best ways to get involved is through our Culture Club, which offers multiple ways to plug into Denver’s vibrant arts and culture scene.
Our weekly CultureHops are a community favorite. Every Friday from 10–11am, we “hop” to a different cultural space in the city—museums, galleries, creative studios, and more—to explore what’s happening and connect with each other. It’s a fun, informal way to build community, meet new people, and discover parts of Denver you might not have experienced yet.
We host monthly events ranging from networking to live music and performance. The easiest way to stay in the loop is to follow us on Instagram or visit our website for the latest CultureHop schedule and event updates. Everyone’s welcome—just bring your curiosity and willingness to connect!
We love that you’re not only promoting the arts but creating them. How does your own experience as an artist inform your work behind the scenes at the Biennial?
I really believe that we’re all inherently creative beings—and nurturing that creativity is essential. It looks different for everyone, but tapping into it is something we all need. Tending to my own creativity is a core part of both my personal artistic practice and my work with the Biennial. Keeping that creative muscle active helps me stay inspired, think outside the box and adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment.
One of the things I’m most proud of at the Biennial—is how deeply we value and support artists. We pay artists fairly, center their work and listen to their visions. We hear all the time from collaborators about how grateful they are to feel truly supported—through tangible action.
That commitment inspires me in two ways: first, as an artist myself, it sets a standard for what real respect and care looks like in artist–organization relationships. Second, it makes me proud to be part of a place that truly walks the walk when it comes to uplifting artists. It keeps me motivated to continue doing this work with intention and heart.
You’ll be performing at Denver Fringe this year. Can you give us a sneak peek?
I’m so excited—and also incredibly grateful to the Denver Fringe team, who do such an amazing job putting the festival together and truly supporting artists.
The piece I’m bringing is called When I Looked in the Mirror and Saw God Staring Back. It’s a theatre work that explores the sacredness of trans-femininity and the beauty of living fully and authentically. I was raised Catholic, and the strictness of that upbringing—and of the institution of the Church—tried to train me, or tame me, away from my own inherent truth and divinity as a trans nonbinary person. This show is about reclaiming that divinity. It’s a return to your inner truth, to that holy, radiant part of yourself that makes you shine and lights up the world.
I’m debuting the piece ahead of Fringe on May 1st and 2nd at D3 Arts in Westwood, so if anyone wants a sneak peek before the official festival, that’s the perfect opportunity to check it out!
What themes are you exploring in your Fringe performance?
The inspiration actually came from a really simple, quiet moment. One night, I was getting ready for bed—nothing glamorous, not particularly “put together”—but I looked in the mirror and felt this deep joy just being myself. I felt good in my queer body, which is a big deal when society so often teaches us to feel the opposite.
That moment got me thinking about how often, as a queer person (and, let’s be real, a diva), I find myself in front of the mirror—choosing an outfit, putting on makeup, just connecting with myself. I started thinking about how intimate that act is. For queer and especially trans people, the mirror holds so many emotions—affirmation, grief, joy, euphoria, doubt, celebration. It’s a space of vulnerability and transformation.
My fellow performer Amayas Gonzalez and I explore the experience of being trans femmes and the sacredness of that identity. We also tap into the universality of it—the very human experience of seeing yourself, really seeing yourself and everything that can come with that. From the moments when you think, “Damn, I look good,” to the ones when you feel distant or disconnected from your reflection. It’s about all of that.
The piece is about the holiness of being fully, unapologetically yourself. Trans people are sacred because we show what’s possible when you live in your truth. We remind the world that identity is self-defined, that there’s beauty in transformation, and that being present in your body—with all its complexity—is a deeply human, deeply sacred act. That’s what we want to offer with this piece: a celebration of being alive, of feeling deeply and of honoring the sacredness in all of us.
Balancing creative work with a marketing career isn’t easy. How do you stay creatively energized while juggling both worlds?
For me, creativity is a daily practice, not just a thing I turn on when I need it. Every morning, I write an unfiltered stream-of-consciousness. It helps clear my head, ground me, and honestly, it lifts my mood.
At night, I wind down with some kind of visual art. No masterpieces—usually just messy doodles, lines, shapes, or words in my sketchbook. It’s not about the outcome; it’s about letting myself play, fail and be unpolished. Even five minutes of freedom keeps me creatively engaged.
I’d be remiss not to shout out my amazing family and friends—especially my mom and dad. Their love and support make it all possible.
Denver’s art scene is full of vibrant intersections. Where do you feel the most connected—to artists, makers, or the community at large?
When I am around artists, I feel whole. Parts of myself that don’t make sense in other spaces suddenly feel clear and comfortable in their presence. Around artists, I feel alive, and they inspire me to continue to be alive, to experience the full depth of the human experience.
Are there any local artists or creatives you’re excited about?
Denver is overflowing with talented, kind and supportive creatives. I have to give a special shoutout to my fellow performer, Amayas Gonzalez. They are pure light, love and energy. I’m constantly learning from them. We’re all lucky to share this world and bear witness to their creativity.
MaryV Benoit is another undeniable, generation-defining talent. When MaryV speaks, we all listen. Her work resonates deeply and it’s impossible to ignore her impact. I’m also completely obsessed with Ha Pham’s work, especially with her magazine Girl Pervert.
I’m really excited about Daggers for Eyes, a formidable artist coming to us from New York. I can’t wait to see how they will transform the Denver scene with their unique vision and energy.
Finally, I can’t leave out Ann Sabbah from the Denver Fringe Festival. I’m incredibly grateful for what she’s building for Denver’s arts scene. She’s a true force—creating space for performing artists to grow, be supported and come together in community.
Thank you, Apple! To learn more, please visit www.biennialoftheamericas.org and denverfringe.org