youth. artists. community.
transform lives through art
transform lives through art
We Believe
Through the creative process, PlatteForum gives hope and direction to underserved youth who collaborate with master artists from around the world. This experience transforms the lives of the youth, the artists and the community.
youth. artists. community.
Transform lives through art.
Funding
Staff & Board
Special Programs
Video created by Milkhaus for the Denver Office of Cultural Affairs
Through the creative process, PlatteForum gives hope and direction to underserved youth who collaborate with master artists from around the world. This experience transforms the lives of the youth, the artists and the community.
youth. artists. community.
Transform lives through art.
Funding
Staff & Board
Special Programs
Video created by Milkhaus for the Denver Office of Cultural Affairs
About Us
WHO
PlatteForum is an organization where creation, collaboration and connection live. We know that learning through the arts unleashes creativity—creativity vital to the success of individuals, our community and, ultimately, our world. Carefully nurtured collaboration expands possibilities, and, through the process of connecting people, organizations and opportunities, the experience comes full circle.
WHAT
PlatteForum provides an answer to the critical need of learning through the arts for Denver’s youth, particularly for those who have the fewest opportunities. Engaged in creating, kids learn to understand they can contribute to the world—that they are valuable. They collaborate, explore solutions and communicate ideas. The more art students receive, the more excited they are about other subjects and about life.
HOW
The youth-artist relationship is the heart of PlatteForum. It is the core from which all programs flow. This relationship is truly a one-of-a-kind opportunity for the artists, providing them a chance to create and present a body of work while also giving real world experience to youth.
MAGIC
Three is a magic number at PlatteForum. Creation, collaboration and connection are our three cornerstones. Three primary programs fuel PlatteForum—the Creative Residency, Learning Labs and ArtLab. Three groups are transformed at PlatteForum—the youth, the artists and the community. Be part of PlatteForum and experience how art moves. You belong at PlatteForum.
PROGRAMS
CREATIVE RESIDENCY Artists are selected from applicants of all artistic genres and from around the world. The residency provides the artists the time, support and space to advance their work, inspiring risk taking and new possibilities. Each resident dedicates time to work with youth in both the LEARNING LABS and the ARTLAB. PlatteForum is the working studio space and gallery for each residency that culminates in an opening night show at PlatteForum, where the artist’s end product is showcased in tandem with the kids’ creations.
LEARNING LABS Small groups of youth work side-by-side with the CREATIVE RESIDENT in learning-through-the-arts workshops, to build upon the ideas of the Creative Resident. The resulting work, completed by the artist and youth is shown in public exhibitions and performances, at an opening reception.
ARTLAB In this year-long internship program, high-schoolers learn real-world skills working with the CREATIVE RESIDENTS and a lead artist. ArtLab youth are paid a stipend to instill responsibility, reward achievement, inspire new confidence and encourage goals.
PlatteForum is an organization where creation, collaboration and connection live. We know that learning through the arts unleashes creativity—creativity vital to the success of individuals, our community and, ultimately, our world. Carefully nurtured collaboration expands possibilities, and, through the process of connecting people, organizations and opportunities, the experience comes full circle.
WHAT
PlatteForum provides an answer to the critical need of learning through the arts for Denver’s youth, particularly for those who have the fewest opportunities. Engaged in creating, kids learn to understand they can contribute to the world—that they are valuable. They collaborate, explore solutions and communicate ideas. The more art students receive, the more excited they are about other subjects and about life.
HOW
The youth-artist relationship is the heart of PlatteForum. It is the core from which all programs flow. This relationship is truly a one-of-a-kind opportunity for the artists, providing them a chance to create and present a body of work while also giving real world experience to youth.
MAGIC
Three is a magic number at PlatteForum. Creation, collaboration and connection are our three cornerstones. Three primary programs fuel PlatteForum—the Creative Residency, Learning Labs and ArtLab. Three groups are transformed at PlatteForum—the youth, the artists and the community. Be part of PlatteForum and experience how art moves. You belong at PlatteForum.
PROGRAMS
CREATIVE RESIDENCY Artists are selected from applicants of all artistic genres and from around the world. The residency provides the artists the time, support and space to advance their work, inspiring risk taking and new possibilities. Each resident dedicates time to work with youth in both the LEARNING LABS and the ARTLAB. PlatteForum is the working studio space and gallery for each residency that culminates in an opening night show at PlatteForum, where the artist’s end product is showcased in tandem with the kids’ creations.LEARNING LABS Small groups of youth work side-by-side with the CREATIVE RESIDENT in learning-through-the-arts workshops, to build upon the ideas of the Creative Resident. The resulting work, completed by the artist and youth is shown in public exhibitions and performances, at an opening reception.ARTLAB In this year-long internship program, high-schoolers learn real-world skills working with the CREATIVE RESIDENTS and a lead artist. ArtLab youth are paid a stipend to instill responsibility, reward achievement, inspire new confidence and encourage goals.