Our mission

Platform 5280 is a celebration of the global ideas, art, and people rooted in the history and diversity of the Americas. Hosted by the greater Denver community, the programs are a catalyst for visionary leaders in art, policy, and business to foster innovation and collaboration in the Americas through provocative conversations and artistic expression.

Our programs

THE BIENNIAL:
This eleven-week event will have three primary components: Thought, Art and Knowledge.

The thought component is designed to serve as a catalyst to break down conceptual boundaries between art, policy, and business to demonstrate that collaboration can have transformational effects. The platform will bring together leading personalities from each sector to engage complex issues in candid dialogue. This platform is also designed to generate economic development opportunities.
During the inaugural week of the biennial, in four symposia (one per day), four world-renowned speakers from different sectors and a moderator will engage a variety of topics of interest and value to the region. These sessions are open to the public. The speakers will be visionary and inspirational leaders in their areas of expertise.

On the same day, prior to the evening symposia, industry leaders, artists, creative minds, and invited participants will take part in interactive discussion forums called clínicas. Here they will have the opportunity to build partnerships, develope business opportunities, and create a network in the Americas. There will be five clínicas per day, led respectively by the four panelists and the moderator and facilitated by expert in the field. Each clínica can host twenty-five to thirty-five participants. Altogether, the five daily clínicas over five days will bring together 700 current and future leaders from Colorado and the Americas.

The clínicas are a unique opportunity for Colorado businesses to be part of a platform that will convene decision makers and game changers to shape regional and industry agendas, share their innovative approaches to conducting business, and obtain exposure to be better positioned as worldwide leaders.

During Platform 5280’s off years, quarterly two-day summits will address important and timely topics, focusing on Colorado leaders and expertise and building audiences for the 2013 biennial and beyond.

The art and culture component is designed to question the way society visualizes itself and the relationships it builds with its surroundings, whether artistic, political, social, or economic. We will achieve this spirit of inquiry by activating public spaces in Denver through curated contemporary art exhibitions, architectural and urban interventions, design, and films by emerging and established artists. Denver museums and cultural organizations, in alliance with renowned local and international institutions and Platform 5280 staff, will design and exhibit special programs.

Our artistic platform will directly involve the public in building and transforming public spaces, as well as increasing audiences for contemporary art. For example, our architectural urban interventions will include the participation of architects and designers who will propose revitalizations to existing spaces in order to address pressing urban needs in Denver.

Finally, through our knowledge component, we will partner with K-12 public and private organizations and foundations to further bring art to the classroom. Platform 5280 aims to leave a legacy for our next generation by promoting greater expertise and interest in art and critical thinking.

THE SUMMITS:
Starting in 2012, our biannual summits will address important and timely topics important to our community in Denver and the State of Colorado. These summits will focus on Colorado leaders and our local expertise while building audiences for our future programs.