Two women dance in the crowd at Five Points Jazz Festival

INSIGHT IN MOTION

Strategic planning is key to shaping a city’s creative future and serves as a framework and practical guide to strengthen and grow the arts and culture ecosystem. While arts have always been integral to the city, Denver’s formal cultural planning began in 1989.

DENVER'S CULTURAL PLANNING TIMELINE

1989

Denver’s first Cultural Plan, Cultural Denver: An Action Plan for the Development of the Cultural Environment of the City and County of Denver established the Denver Office of Cultural Affairs

2011

Merger of the City and County of Denver agencies Theatres & Arenas Division and the Denver Office of Cultural Affairs to form Denver Arts & Venues

2014

IMAGINE 2020: Denver’s Cultural Plan launches with goals set around "7 Vision Elements,” guided by the philosophy “For Denver, By Denver,” ensuring the city’s cultural landscape thrives through collaboration

THE 7 VISION ELEMENTS OF IMAGINE 2020

Integration: embedding arts and culture into neighborhoods and daily life

Accessibility: ensuring inclusivity in arts and culture for all

Amplification: celebrating and elevating creative expression across the city

Lifelong Learning: promoting artistic exploration at every stage of life

Local Talent: fostering growth and investment in Denver’s creative professionals

Economic Vitality: reinforming arts and culture as a key pillar of Denver’s economy

Collective Leadership: guiding cultural development through collaboration

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

A woman holds a camera up to take a photo in front of a colorful art piece

DENVER CREATES was built on a comprehensive, inclusive research process to ensure broad representation. The research methodology was informed by past frameworks like the vision elements of IMAGINE 2020, driven by insights from residents across Denver’s diverse neighborhoods and grounded in the voices of the arts and culture sector. DENVER CREATES reflects the needs and aspirations of Denver’s residents and the arts and cultural community.

RESEARCH PRINCIPLES

The following principles grounded the research process to shape the vision of DENVER CREATES.

ACCESS, EQUITY
AND BELONGING

form the foundation of a just and inclusive city. Centered in these values, artistic and cultural platforms make the invisible visible, challenge systems, imagine new futures and ignite change.

PARTNERSHIPS AND COLLABORATION

are the mechanisms for building thriving communities. Through partnerships and collaboration, arts and culture can build and strengthen meaningful relationships, create change and sustain transformational work today and into the future.

THRIVING COMMUNITIES

are where people want to live and work. A thriving community celebrates the diversity of its residents. Arts, culture and creativity have a role to play in celebrating our unique histories, addressing people’s well-being and fostering a sense of belonging. 

A group of young female dancers perform on stage

Key steps of the research process included:

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

More than 2,500 voices were heard through statistically valid public surveys in 2013, 2017, 2020 and 2024, offering insights into how arts and culture are perceived and accessed across Denver.

ARTS AND CULTURE SECTOR-SPECIFIC RESEARCH

In 2021 and 2024, more than 100 in-depth interviews were conducted with a range of artists, cultural workers and organizations, providing insights into the sector’s evolving needs, strengths and barriers.

SUPPLEMENTAL DATA ANALYSIS

Trends in participation and funding were examined using longitudinal data from studies such as the Colorado Business Committee for the Arts: Economic Activity Study of Denver Metro Culture and Americans for the Arts: Arts & Economic Prosperity. 

COLLABORATIVE PLANNING

Advisory committees, focus groups and targeted outreach ensured representation from historically underrepresented communities, fostering a commitment that prioritizes equity and inclusion. 