Features

Feature Story arts society list

Across Colorado, funding the arts, lifting society

The Arts in Society grants back projects that aim to make the state a better place for all, bringing together the region's biggest funders of culture: the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation, Colorado Creative Industries, SCFD and the Hemera Foundation.

Feature Story cci change tanya

Faces of change: Supporting leaders, building crucial networks in Colorado's creative sector

A special report on Colorado Creative Industries' Change Leader Institute.

Feature Story grand junction list

Special Report: In Grand Junction, connecting creativity to all aspects of civic life

Grand Junction has plenty of sculpture on its downtown streets, but what other kinds of creativity can move the remote Western Slope city forward? Change doesn't always come easily in Colorado's more rural and remote places.

Feature Story grand lake list

Special Report: In Grand Lake, building year-round momentum powered by creatives

Grand Lake wants to build on its tradition of supporting creatives by providing them with economic opportunities and - if things go as planned - affordable housing. Can the town keep its warm weather spirit going over the long winter?

Special Report CCI

Colorado's Creative Districts: A Series of Special Reports

Confluence Denver kicks off a new series of profiles of Colorado Creative Industries' Certified Creative Districts, arts-centric, entrepreneurial neighborhoods all over the state. There are currently 18 such districts from Greeley to Telluride.

Feature Story maven list

The Boutique Boom: A New Crop of Hotels, Specializing in Personality, Welcome Denver Visitors

Across Denver's developing neighborhoods, boutique hotels, like the Born, Maven and Halcyon, are redefining the hospitality industry and filling a niche in a wide-ranging construction boom that is bringing dozens of new hotels and thousands of guest rooms to the city. They aim to lure travelers and entertain locals at the same time.

Feature Story dei list

Imagining a More Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Approach to Arts and Culture in Denver

The city's IMAGINE 2020 cultural plan envisions a more inclusive and equitable Denver. Local leaders are taking the mission to heart as the plan advances from drawing board to the city's neighborhoods.

Special Report RiNo thumb

The Curious Evolution of the RiNo Art District

Denver's RiNo Art District is in the midst of one of the biggest construction booms the city has ever seen. How will local leaders preserve its creative roots as quirky and industrial morphs into chic and mixed-use?

Feature Story Redline

Not Exactly: What Home Means to Those without One

Is an art exhibit capable of ending homelessness? No, not exactly. But RedLine's newest exhibit may very well spark discourse by authentically and tactfully capturing the experience of living without shelter. Not Exactly opens at the nonprofit art lab June 1.

Feature Story Grid

A Tale of Two Grids: Confusion Aside, Diagonal Streets Distinguish Downtown Denver

The street grid Denver was born with in the 1850s became the exception to the rule as the city grew around it in the subsequent decades. The askew layout has both drawbacks and benefits. 

Feature Story Marijuana

The High Cost of Growing Cannabis

Cannabis cultivation uses as much as 10 percent of Denver's electricity, and there are no best practices for sustainable growing. A number of startup businesses and organizations are looking to change this.

Feature Story livewell elderly list

Colorado's hidden hunger story: The elderly

How can communities make sure their older citizens are fed? Amplify messages about available food services, and slay the stigma against asking for help.

Feature Story diverse boards list

One tough question for arts nonprofits: Why aren't boards more diverse?

The boards of Denver's arts and culture nonprofits sometimes don't match their audiences. That often proves a stumbling block to equity and inclusion.

Feature Story dia 3

26 and Counting: For Denver, Adding International Flight Destinations Is Crucial to Growth

The city of Denver leans heavily on its international airport when building a brand in an increasingly global economy. From Cozumel and Calgary to London, Paris, Panama City, and Zurich, travelers departing from DIA will have direct access 26 international destinations by 2018.  

Special Report Manitou thumb

Creativity Abrew in Manitou Springs

At the foot of Pikes Peak, the Manitou Springs Creative District is building on one of Colorado's original arts economies. The key concepts: authenticity, collaboration and connectivity.

Special Report 40 West

Highway to Revitalization in Lakewood

Welcome to 40 West Arts District, home to many eclectic talents, and the juxtaposition of glitter and grit on West Colfax Avenue.

Special Report Westwood CCI thumb

In Westwood, Art Ascends and Transcends

In southwest Denver, Morrison Road is the spine of the newly certified Westwood Creative District. The neighborhood's Mexican-American heritage is shaping an organic approach to placemaking and revitalization.

Feature Story dha list

Yes, This Is Public Housing: How Denver Housing Authority Is Mixing It Up -- and Making Better Homes

Forget everything you thought you knew about low-income housing. In DHA’s redevelopments, modern design elements straight out of Dwell magazine harbor sleek, mixed-income villages, resulting in public housing that’s affordable and forward-thinking.

Special Report ADSF 250

A Crossroads for the Art District on Santa Fe

Over the last decade and a half, Denver's Art District on Santa Fe has emerged as a national standout. How can it build on its past successes without diminishing what made it special in the first place?

Special Report Golden Triangle 250

A Golden Opportunity for the Golden Triangle

The Golden Triangle Creative District has some seriously enviable assets for a creative district. By leveraging such anchors as the Denver Art Museum, the plan is to catalyze the neighborhood for working artists.

Feature Story Westwood Thumb 2

A Vision for Westwood

Re:Vision got started in southwest Denver's Westwood neighborhood with urban agriculture initiatives aimed at quenching one of the city's driest food deserts. Now the nonprofit has moved into creative placemaking to plant the seeds for an art district.

Feature Story Racial Inequality

Building Equity in the Arts in Denver

Denver's downtown performing arts scene draws visitors from across the region every year, but African Americans and Latinos are typically not among them. Amid changing demographics, institutions are challenged to create authentic diversity.

Feature Story arts society list

Across Colorado, funding the arts, lifting society

The Arts in Society grants back projects that aim to make the state a better place for all, bringing together the region's biggest funders of culture: the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation, Colorado Creative Industries, SCFD and the Hemera Foundation.

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Featured Focus

Featured Place

Places

Five Points

Denver has -- in large part -- Five Points to thank for its strong musical culture. This neighborhood used to host acts like Duke Ellington and Miles Davis.

RiNo

RiNo is one of the city's most creative business zones but also a great place to live for those interested in living in the city without compromising diversity.

LoDo

LoDo is the best place to go if you can't figure out what you want to eat or drink. It's got everything from breweries, to fine dining, to farm-to-table restaurants. 

The Highlands

Cut off from the center of the city by I-25, the Highlands, LoHi and Sunnyside are popular among Denver's families. 

Golden Triangle

Home to numerous museums and art galleries, the Golden Triangle is a must see for Denver visitors and residents. 

Theatre District

With more than 12 performance spaces, this area offers a little bit of something for everyone. 

Auraria

Home to Metro State University of Denver, the University of Colorado Denver and the Community College of Denver, this neighborhood is flush with innovation and creativity. 

City Park

One of the largest and best parks in the city, this neighborhood is a popular spot for joggers and sight seers. 

Washington Park

One of the best places for parks and rec anytime of the year, Wash Park's two-mile natural area is a nice escape from the rush of downtown living. 

Arapahoe Square

Arapahoe Square is a symbol of Denver's transformation from a visitor's city to a residential one.

Ballpark

The Ballpark neighborhood was one of the catalysts for the eastern expansion of downtown development. 

Baker

This quirky neighborhood has great housing structure and access to fun cafes and bargain hunting. 

Central Platte Valley

If it's shopping, boutiques and cafes you're looking for, head to Central Platte Valley. With your credit card. 

Art District on Santa Fe

With more than 60 galleries and creative businesses, the Art District on Santa Fe epitomizes Denver's innovative approach to supporting the arts. 

Capitol Hill

This neighborhood's golden dome is hard to miss which is a good thing as it is home to the Capitol, the Botanic Gardens and other Denver attractions. 

CBD

Home to one or the largest pedestrian malls in the country, the CBD (Central Business District) is flush with places to shop and is easily accessible to other parts of the city. 

Washington Park West

Technically the city's first suburb, Wash Park West is rooted in Denver culture and much more a favorite neighborhood than a suburb. 

Uptown

Definitely one of the city's more posh neighborhoods, Uptown is a nice mix of city life and suburban living.