Civic Center Conservancy is honored to bring Día de los Muertos at Civic Center back in 2025 with a fresh perspective from another talented Artistic & Cultural Director. Cal Duran, the 2024 Artistic & Cultural Director for Día de los Muertos at Civic Center, reflects on a day that brought communities across Denver together to honor and remember their loved ones who have passed. He said of his experience, “Civic Center Park is a safe space for our community to celebrate their loved ones, it wasn’t about me but how we can spark the joy and love in all our journeys of death and beyond.”
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
