Duran shared that his favorite part of his Día de los Muertos vision was how he was able to truly transform the park into another world for 8,000 attendees. Especially with the large ofrenda (an offering place or alter) in the Greek Theater. “Community was key as everyone was allowed to add to the ofrenda, the space allowed us to expand and nurture in a way that felt expansive,” said Duran of the large alter, acting as the beacon of the beautiful event that showcased traditions and celebrated culture.

Each year the Conservancy wants to provide another Denver Metro artist (or team) with the opportunity to share their story with our Denver community, to showcase an artistic vision that holds tradition on the one hand and innovation on the other. We don’t ask the Artistic & Creative Director to create the event alone. The Civic Center Conservancy guides through every step of the process—focusing on the operations—to help make the event a success. “The Civic Center team was a breath of fresh air, very communicative,” said Duran, “they supported our vision and helped us with patience, ease, and grace through every aspect.” 

As you prepare your proposal applications for the Artistic & Cultural Director of Día de los Muertos at Civic Center, Duran’s last bit of advice is: “Step away from the ego, look at ways this event will impact the community. How art can create joy. Really think how your vision will better enhance how our community supports each other—be a bridge. Do not lose sight on what this beautiful celebration is about: honor[ing] our loved ones and ancestors!”

We look forward to reviewing proposals and selecting the next Artistic & Cultural Director of Día de los Muertos at Civic Center. Click the link below for more information and apply by April 21, 8pm. If you have any questions, please email Eric Raya Steinbeiss, Director of Community Partnerships + Activations, at ers@civiccenterconservancy.org.

Apply to be our next Artistic & Creative Director of Día de los Muertos at Civic Center

The post Cal Duran reflects on 2024 Día de los Muertos at Civic Center, will pass the torch to the next Artistic & Cultural Director appeared first on Civic Center Park.

The Conservancy has long been fortunate to have support from civic-minded donors, and we hear repeatedly that you want to engage and help year-round. The Conservancy is always thinking of new ways to connect people through shared interests—in this case, it’s the beauty of Civic Center Park and the events that bring the communities of Denver together.  And so, Cultivators Collective was germinated to help Civic City Park blossom as the inclusive public space that it is.

“I used to run a similar program, and I loved the community it cultivated—pun intended. I really loved meeting our donors at events; that’s what I want in Civic Center,” said Sara Leitch, Development Director for the Conservancy.

Not only do Cultivator Collective members nurture the Conservancy but they all sow some great benefits: an  exclusive Cultivators Collective sticker, special news and program insight, plus bonus access to events like free STARGAZE tickets and perks at events like NIGHT MARKET. Nurturer and Community Greenskeeper tier benefits include access to invite-only events, dedicated volunteering days in the park, and their name in the Annual Report.   

“We’re excited to cultivate our shared love for public space, events, and nature,” Leitch said. The Conservancy is also curating special Cultivator Collective activations that will allow members’ relationships with the park and each other to bloom.

Want to help lay down a plot? Join today.

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Civic Center Conservancy: What got you interested in astronomy and what have you done with that passion?

Coda Lucas: I’ve been fascinated by the stars for about as long as I can remember.  One of my earliest memories is of my dad waking me up late at night during a long road trip in the middle of nowhere, wrapping me up in his coat and pointing out the Milky Way.  Ever since then I’ve been determined to learn everything I can about those shiny points of light and share that knowledge with others!  I’ve dabbled in a few different iterations of Astronomy education/communication including K-12 outreach trips and teaching a middle school astronomy class, but AstroTours is where I feel most at home.

Luke Huxley: I’ve been starstruck since I was a kid growing up in Denver. My grandpa gave me my first telescope—an old 4-inch Mak-Cassegrain—and I’ve been hooked ever since! I studied physics and astrophysics, traveled to Australia to guide tours under the Southern Hemisphere sky, and eventually came back to Colorado to start AstroTours so I could share that same wonder with others.

CCC: How did you come up with the concept of STARGAZE?

LH: It was a total team effort! The Civic Center Conservancy and I joined forces, wanting to bring an easy, accessible stargazing experience right to the city center. Together, we crafted STARGAZE to showcase that you don’t need a dark sky in the middle of nowhere to have an out-of-this-world experience.

CCC: What should we expect when we go to a STARGAZE event at Civic Center Park? 

LH: We kick things off with a quick intro to the night sky, point out key constellations…after that, you’re free to explore at your own pace—

CL: The STARGAZE events are self-guided adventures to observe our cosmos.  We have a fleet of telescopes trained on planets, stars, and nebula with knowledgeable astronomers on hand to provide a tour of seasonal constellations and answer any questions.

LH: [You] can grab a cozy drink from the Astro Coffee Van and soak in the cosmic vibe too.

CCC: What are the special stars, planets, or other celestial bodies we can expect to see on February 12 and March 5?

CL: This is honestly my favorite time of year for stargazing.  We are spoiled with planets like Venus, Mars and Jupiter, bright stars like Sirius, and the opportunity to peek at the early lives of stars with the Orion Nebula and the Pleiades (a cluster of stars often called the “Seven Sisters”).  The moon will also make an appearance during the evening, providing the opportunity to see something familiar in a new way.  We’ve got a little bit of everything!

CCC: What’s your favorite constellation or solar phenomena?

LH: I have a soft spot for globular clusters—those tight balls of ancient stars are just mind-blowing. But honestly, Earth itself is probably my favorite “celestial body”—we gotta remember how special our own planet is and take care of it!

CL: I will always have a particular fondness for Orion as the very first constellation I ever learned how to find, but my favorite constellation would have to be Cassiopeia.  I love sharing her story with guests and it’s a great way to demonstrate how our perception of the constellations change as we move around the sun.

CCC: What is something people are always surprised to learn about astronomy?

LH: How faint the North Star actually is. Everyone expects it to be super bright, but it’s pretty modest up there. Also, folks are always stunned when they first see Saturn’s rings or the Moon’s craters up close—those views never get old.

CL: I always enjoy people’s reactions when we talk about the immense sizes and distances in astronomy.  It’s one thing to have an abstract understanding that the universe is big, but I can never get enough of that moment when someone really wraps their head around just how big it is.

CCC: What’s your favorite thing about using your telescopes in the Civic Center Park?

LH: It’s right downtown, so we reach a huge crowd that might not usually get to stargaze. Despite the city lights, people still get that jaw-dropping “wow!” moment when they look through the scope. It’s awesome to bring space so close to home.

CL: I’m always amazed by how much we can see, even in the heart of Denver.  Getting to share that wonder with so many people is an incredible experience.

Don’t forget to join us on February 12^th, March 5^th, and April 9^th  for our unforgettable STARGAZE experience right downtown.

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Civic Center Conservancy programming makes our park safe, engaging and beautiful for all. But the impact of EATS, WORKS, SPARKLES and more don’t just enhance one of Denver’s most vibrant spaces. Our programs can be the start of something big for a small business, or put someone on a path they never expected. 

That’s what happened for John, who started with our WORKS program out of obligation, but stayed with it by choice. We spoke with him this summer about his path to employment.

Answers have been edited for clarity

Civic Center Conservancy: How did you get connected with our WORKS program?

John: I’m part of WORKS here at Civic Center Park through my work at Bayaud Enterprises. I started at Bayaud in order to be compliant with my sobriety program, and three years later, I’m a summer crewlead for the Civic Center WORKS team. 

Civic Center Conservancy: What’s your favorite part of WORKS and Civic Center Park?

John: I’m really proud to lead a crew of people who are committed to keeping this park sparkling and beautiful. You don’t always get to work as a collective toward a single goal like making the park a great place to be, and I’m lucky to be a part of that. 

Civic Center Conservancy: Anything else you’d like to add? 

John: Well, if you haven’t seen how magical the Civic Center Park is, come take a look for yourself. I think you’ll be surprised whether you’re from Denver or not.

WORKS Works! In 2023, we doubled our adult workforce crews and maintained a 38% employment rate – all while keeping the park clean and green and building community. You can support WORKS and other programs this year by donating to Civic Center Conservancy on Colorado Gives Day! Schedule your donation now at https://www.coloradogives.org/organization/civiccenterconservancy.

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Did you know? The music you hear at Civic Center EATS comes from some of the most promising young musicians in Denver, thanks to our partnership with Youth On Record. Meet Mango Slushy (real name Danny Acree), one of those musicians making his mark in the park.

Answers have been translated and edited for clarity

Civic Center Conservancy: Tell us about yourself! Is Mango Slushy your real name?
Mango Slushy: My real name is Danny Acree, but when I’m performing, I’m Mango Slushy. I’m a student at CU Denver, studying music business and recording arts. I’ve been with Youth on Record for two years.

Civic Center Conservancy: How did you get involved with Civic Center EATS?
Mango Slushy: I found out about Civic Center Eats through Youth on Record and Bottlefly. Youth on Record booked me as a performing artist, and one of my first shows as Mango Slushy
was actually at Civic Center Park. It’s been pretty great. From there, I ended up becoming an intern for the sound engineering program that Bottlefly and Youth on Record run.

Civic Center Conservancy: What have you learned working with Youth on Record and performing here at Civic Center Park?
Mango Slushy: My performance skills have improved significantly. Communication is key, whether it’s with the artists or the audience. Being at Civic Center Park has given me the opportunity to get that real-world experience and exposure, which is invaluable in the music industry. Indie 102.3 even named us Artist of the Month for July, which was an incredible experience. It was my first time being on the radio, and it felt amazing to get that recognition.

Civic Center Conservancy: How are you able to apply that to what you’re studying in school?
Mango Slushy: A lot of what we learn is about making connections and utilizing promotions effectively. For example, I’ve been making stickers with my branding on them, which I hand out
for free after my performances to build a fanbase and connect with people. It’s all about engagement and creating opportunities for future shows.

Civic Center Conservancy: What’s been your favorite memory of your EATS performances?
Mango Slushy: Every time I perform, there’s this lovely lady named DJ who always comes to support me. She’s been with us from the beginning, and seeing her in the crowd lights me up
and inspires me to keep making music. Shout out to DJ—thank you for being such a fantastic
supporter!

Enjoy the music of Mango Slushy and other rising artists at Civic Center EATS, returning September 11!

Find Mango Slushy on Instagram

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