Denver Arts & Venues Announces Grantees for Inaugural Arts Complex Creates Programming at Denver Performing Arts Complex

 

DENVER – Denver Arts & Venues is excited to announce the inaugural cohort of grantees selected for Arts Complex Creates, an initiative set to amplify and diversify the city's cultural offerings by providing access to the agency’s world-class stages at the Denver Performing Arts Complex.

 

In total, seven partners will receive $190k in funding for projects that fall under Arts Complex Creates’ New Works Incubator or Producing Partners opportunities, promising to bring new voices, experimental projects and innovative cultural expressions to the Arts Complex this year.

 

“Denver’s strength has always been the creativity and cultural richness of our communities,” said Mayor Mike Johnston. “In alignment with DENVER CREATES and Denver’s renewed cultural plan, this year’s Arts Complex Creates programming elevates voices from across Denver and the region’s creative sector, ensuring that more artists and residents see themselves reflected on our city’s most iconic stages.”

 

Below are the partners and projects selected for this year’s Arts Complex Creates programming:

 

New Works Incubator

 

Zoid Art Haus – KINFOLKTALES: The Untold Stories of Black Denver

A new theatrical project inspired by Black American folktales and Denver’s living history.           

 

ArtistiCO Inc. – Colorado Folklore Dance Festival

A vibrant, multi-day celebration of Mexican folklórico and live music that centers community, cultural preservation and innovation.

 

Blue Silk Productions – Valarie

When a miniature dachshund named Valarie vanishes into the vast forests and foothills of the Rocky Mountains, her disappearance marks the beginning of an extraordinary tale.

 

 

Producing Partners

 

Denver Film – 49^th Annual Denver Film Festival

Supporting two public screenings at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House during the 49^th Annual Denver Film Festival.

 

Biennial of the Americas – Across Black Worlds: Movements of the African Diaspora

A movement-centered performance and dialogue exploring the global influence of Black movement traditions across the Americas.

 

Akaiya Productions – GIRA GIRA: A Cyberpunk Opera Odyssey

A cyberpunk opera odyssey that will transform the Ellie Caulkins Opera House into a living, immersive world.

 

Regan Linton & M. Graham Smith in collaboration with High Hard Heat – FDR's Very Happy Hour

An interactive, happy hour experience that brings Franklin Delano Roosevelt back from the "great beyond" for a new generation.

 

 

“We can’t wait to showcase these dynamic new works and productions at the Arts Complex,” said Jody Grossman, venue director of the Denver Performing Arts Complex. “Each piece challenges convention, offering fresh ideas, distinct perspectives and storytelling that redefines what audiences can experience here.”

 

Partners selected for Arts Complex Creates funding were chosen through an application-based process that was rooted in accessibility and inclusivity. For more information on Arts Complex Creates and the selected partners, visit https://www.artscomplex.com/events/arts-complex-creates-2026.

 

 

 

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About Denver Arts & Venues
Denver Arts & Venues’ mission is to enrich Denver’s quality of life and economic vitality through the advancement of arts, culture and entertainment opportunities for all. Denver Arts & Venues operates Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Denver Performing Arts Complex, Colorado Convention Center, Denver Coliseum, Theatre at Loretto Heights and McNichols Civic Center Building, using proceeds from events at these venues to run and maintain these facilities and to provide access to art for all through free and low-cost community events, grants for artists and arts organizations, public art and art education. Using Good Times, For Good. For more information, visit www.ArtsandVenues.com