The most important memories of any year aren’t the ones that pull us back in time for the sake of nostalgia. They’re the ones that propel us forward. The Front Range cultural scene generated its share of them in 2015, and they were all crucial in their own way, maybe not the flashiest guitar solos or soliloquies or symphony performances, but exhibits, events and big decisions that will reverberate for years. Here’s a list.
1. DAM goes free for kids
The Denver Art Museum isn’t the first regional institution to , but it’s the biggest and busiest, and its much-hyped move in March makes it a more attractive destination for schools and families, potentially upping art literacy for generations.
2. Corky Gonzales Library opens
The sleek and playful continues Denver’s century-old tradition of architecture-forward libraries, then goes one step farther. Located on West Colfax Avenue and Irving Street, it serves as a colorful, contemporary new gateway to west Denver, an area that’s poised for big things in the next decade. Studiotrope Design collective got it just right.
3. Murals grow up
The number of murals exploded in Denver this year, and so did the quality of work, transforming neighborhoods and improving the urban journey for those of us who travel by them every day. Seek out the terrific new pieces from creative minds such as (mural above), Anthony Garcia, , , Scott Albrecht and Hyland Mather.
4. Voters approve stock show reboot
The city’s — and revitalize a needy neighborhood in the process — promises to link old Denver traditions with new Denver development. That voters went along with the expensive, in November shows how all pardners can pull together in these parts.
5. MCA goes all-in with Marilyn Minter
The Museum of Contemporary Art took a gamble filling all three floors with Minter’s quirky, anti-glamorous takes on fashion photography. It worked, showing the power of regional museums to make national stars of names who deserve expanded fame. We’ll see more of that. ( is up through Jan. 31.)
6. CSO hires two young conductors
The Colorado symphony Orchestra , 25-year-old Christopher Dragon and 31-year-old Andres Lopera, passing the baton, at least in part, to a new generation.
7. Biennial doubles down
More people should have come out for the because it was as good as promised, showing Denver can pull off an international-level cultural happening while building relationships across the hemisphere that will pay off for years in tourism, business and art.
8. Artist housing goes up
Colorado communities — and to keep those neighborhoods interesting — by backing affordable housing for the creative class. Denver, Lakewood and Loveland got in the game and so did the state, unveiling plans to open nine apartment communities across Colorado.
