Vision Statement
To make Denver a community that attracts, cultivates, and mobilizes the creative spirit.

Programs

• Mayor’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts – Recognizing individuals and organizations that have made significant and lasting contributions to the arts in Denver
• Doors Open Denver – Taking an inside look at Denver’s distinct buildings and unique places, both modern and historic, stimulating conversation about the importance of architecture and design in daily life
• Audio Picnic – Featuring a variety of local performing arts groups and individuals in Denver, highlighting classical, jazz and multicultural offerings
• One Book, One Denver – Stimulating reading and building community in Denver through a "citywide book club,” sparking provocative discussion
• Poetry in Motion® – Inspiring people in their everyday lives through poetry and art in public transit
• Denver Poet Laureate – Increasing the general awareness and appreciation of poetry in Denver, providing support to the fields of poetry and literature
• Create Denver – Supporting, promoting and growing the commercial arts sector in Denver (e.g., film, music, art galleries, etc.)
• Public Art – Engaging the public, informing the visitor and adding vitality to Denver’s cultural landscape

Participation & Collaboration

• The overarching goal of DOCA is access to Denver’s art and culture. On average, the office’s events and programs achieve participation of over 100,000 people total per year, not including the countless people who experience the city’s public art each day.
• Programs sponsored by the office are generally collaborative efforts with other city offices, local business and nonprofit organizations.

2004-2007 Highlights

• Published Space Matters: A Report from the Mayor's Task Force on Creative Spaces. 
• Produced the first annual Building Creative Businesses Expo.
• Developed and launched the Creative Enterprises Revolving Loan Fund in partnership with the Denver Office of Economic Development. 
• Produced the Denver Gallery Guide, showcasing Denver's extensive commercial gallery community and vibrant arts districts.
• Commissioned the Creative Vitality Index (CVI), a three-year study that measures the health and vigor of the creative economy in the city of Denver. 
• Launched the Poetry in Motion® program, in collaboration with the Regional Transportation District (RTD), placing poem placards in over 800 buses.
• Produced first Report to the Community, significantly increasing DOCA’s profile.
• Launched Doors Open Denver in partnership with building owners and managers to provide opportunities for the community to experience Denver’s great architecture and design
• Secured the bequest of the Clyfford Still Collection for the City of Denver.
• Established the Denver Poet Laureate program.
• Launched One Book, One Denver and, through the program, provide thousands of books to Denver Public Schools (DPS) and the Denver Public Library yearly. 
• Launched an expanded program of free concerts, including the 5 Points Jazz Festival and Latino Rhythms concert.
• Completed over 40 public art projects.

  For more information on the Denver Office of Cultural Affairs, please contact Pauline Herrera, Communications & Marketing Director, at pauline.herrera@ci.denver.co.us or 720-865-4309.