Biennial of the Americas

The Biennial of the Americas is a international event of ideas, arts and culture that assembles dynamic leaders to identify unique opportunities and solutions to shared challenges across the Americas.

The 2019 festival takes place from September 25-28, 2019 at McNichols Building and Civic Center Park, and it centers on the timely theme of "Empathy in Action."

Here are just a few of the festival's highlights:

2019 Americas Symposium: The Business of Empathy featuring Sir Richard Branson

Thursday, Sept. 26
5:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Buell Theatre

At the 2019 Americas Symposium: The Business of Empathy, Sir Richard Branson will showcase his career highlights and the entrepreneurial spirit that has led to his incredible success. This exclusive fireside chat will address the value of purpose-driven and the importance of empathy in fostering effective leadership and advancing goals. Branson will also discuss his passions, interests and innovations surrounding environmental sustainability.

Cósmico Americas

Saturday, Sept. 28
4:00-10:00 p.m.
Civic Center Park

Join the Biennial for its closing event, Cósmico Americas, an epic party culminating the Biennial of the Americas Festival. Cósmico Americas is a complete takeover of Civic Center Park in downtown Denver - a free celebration of the art and culture of the Americas. Cósmico will feature Jaguara: a spectacular light and sound show and the artistic centerpiece of the festival. With cosmic lights, cultural performances and the rhythmic sounds of the Amazon jungle - Cósmico Americas is the event of the Biennial that you won't want to miss.

Clínica Workshops

Sept. 25-27
McNichols Civic Center Building

Clínicas are unique to the Denver Biennial experience as they offer participants an opportunity to connect with diverse thought leaders from across the Americas on a variety of topics. By bringing individuals together with different perspectives, backgrounds and experiences, ideas are sparked, incubated and built upon to enhance the quality of life in the Americas. Each clínica workshop explores the connection between the festival's theme (Empathy) and a particular industry or topic, including technology, marketing, fashion, transportation, art and more!

Black Americas Project Dinner & Ozomatli

Sept. 27
5:30-10:00 p.m.
Newman Center for the Performing Arts

Join the Black Americas Project, in partnership with Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, for a pop-up soul food dinner experience hosted by acclaimed food journalist and resident Soul Food Scholar, Adrian Miller. Learn about the culinary influences and cultural history of the African Diaspora while enjoying the rich flavors and unique combinations of Afro-Colombian cuisine. The buffet meal includes wine, specialty beverages and a curated presentation by Adrian Miller.

Immediately following dinner, guests will experience the vibrant sounds of Ozomotli, twice-honored with Grammys for Best Latin Rock/Alternative Album. Ozomatli, the six-piece band that mixes Latin, hip hop and rock music together under the influence of salsa, jazz, funk, reggae and rap, brings their eclectic music style to the 2019 Biennial of the Americas festival in partnership with Newman Center for the Performing Arts.

Art Exhibits