Biennial to Bring Western Hemisphere to Denver

DENVER, CO – The 2010 Biennial of the Americas kicks off Thursday, July 1, for a month-long celebration of the culture, ideas and people of the Western Hemisphere. Hosted by the City of Denver, the first-of-its-kind festival welcomes national and international visitors for a cross-cultural experience filled with art exhibitions, concerts, food, film and dance, all celebrating the 35 countries of the Americas.

“This is an exciting time for our hemisphere with Mexico, Colombia, Chile and Argentina all celebrating their bicentennials in 2010, and the Organization of American States celebrating its centennial,” states Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper. “This is the perfect time to bring together visitors and residents, artists, musicians, thinkers, businessmen, scholars, filmmakers, and leaders to celebrate the rich culture and amazing creativity of the Americas.”

The international event, July 1-31, throughout Denver cultural facilities and headquartered at the Civic Center Park McNichols Building, also includes a speakers series. Titled “The Americas Roundtable,” the discussions offer a public dialogue on topics ranging from energy to climate change with guests that include former heads of state from Mexico, Brazil and Argentina. Concerts will fill the Mile High City with the music of the Americas, offering everything from hot Latin bands like Panama’s Horacio Valdes to a steel drum workshop with Ray Holman, renowned steel drum composer and performer from Trinidad and Tobago.

At the center of the celebration’s visual arts is The Nature of Things, a 24-artist exhibition at the restored McNichols Bulding in Civic Center Park. Denver cultural partners including the Denver Art Museum, Denver Botanic Gardens, Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Butterfly Pavilion, and Museum of Contemporary Art Denver will host special tours, exhibitions, and other events throughout the month.

Twenty-six restaurants will offer a series of themed happy hours, fine-dining feasts, and wine pairings exploring new tastes, recipes, and cultures through food that originated in the Americas.

“Every day in July, visitors will be able to choose from a diverse program schedule ranging from concerts by the Colorado Symphony Orchestra to public art installations by renowned artists such as Janet Echelman to discussions with world leaders including the former president of Peru,” said Donna Good, president of finance and operations, Biennial of the Americas.

The Biennial is also expected to boost tourism. “This event attracts every type of visitor – from families with young children to young professionals to baby boomers. The Biennial will certainly be a great addition for visitors to Denver’s blockbuster summer with events including King Tut, Body Worlds and Moore in the Gardens,” said Richard Scharf, president & CEO of VISIT DENVER, The Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Civic Center Park will be the centerpiece of the Biennial experience. Visitors can have a global experience, starting in Egypt at the Denver Art Museum’s “King Tut” exhibit, then walk across the street for lunch in Denver’s gorgeous Greek Theatre, and lastly, tour the remodeled 25,000-square-foot McNichols Building to enjoy art, dance and film inspired by the Americas at The Nature of Things exhibit.
Art in all forms with be on display throughout Denver, from breakdancing on the 16th Street Mall, to concerts featuring the chamber music of Mexico, Argentina and Brazil. 

Seven roundtable discussions on education, poverty reduction, energy and climate change, women in leadership, health, philanthropy, and trade will take place at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. Each roundtable will feature 10-12 participants who are considered thought-leaders in their industries. These are public events are designed for large audiences of 1,000 or more, but the dialogue will be candid, spirited, and like an unscripted conversation.

Two special events of international importance will include a Summit of Bilateral Ambassadors luncheon on July 8 and a Summit of Former Heads of State as a roundtable on July 12.

For a complete list of events, schedules and prices, visit: www.biennialoftheamericas.org.

Nikki

Nikki is a writer and editor for Do It Yourself RV, RV LIFE, and Camper Report. She is based on the Oregon Coast and has traveled all over the Pacific Northwest.