Empowering Artists and Enriching the Community: Inside the Denver Theatre District’s Art Incubator

Denver’s own art incubator, Understudy, is dedicated to providing a space for local artists to spotlight their work.

A 700-square-foot space in the Colorado Convention Center was vacant for years. At the same time, artists in Denver were searching for the necessary resources to showcase their work. 

After taking over the space in 2017, The Denver Theatre District (DTD) saw an opportunity to transform it into something special, while furthering the development of the organization’s mission to support local arts. The small space was given the name Understudy and is now home to a thriving program that is uplifting the arts community in Denver. 

“There aren’t a lot of paid opportunities for emerging artists to test, play and expand their creative practice without risk of failure; we wanted to be that resource,” said Annie Geimer, Director of Special Projects and Curator at the DTD. “Understudy empowers artists to produce an exhibition with resources and support.”

Alongside Thadeaous Mighell, Director of Operations and Curator at the DTD, Geimer works with artists who can use the space as a blank canvas and make it their own, sans any financial constraints. Understudy allows numerous artists to find their purpose, while also giving the DTD a means to directly support the arts community in Denver. 

“Initially we really weren’t sure what our purpose would be in the greater arts community, but soon fell into our niche of an incubator space for growth and experimentation,” said Geimer. 

Geimer and Mighell work with artists beyond the finale of their exhibition, aiming to support their long-term career aspirations and goals. As a result, artists become part of the Understudy family. 

“Beyond showcasing their work, we invest in their long-term success by offering paid opportunities and personalized mentorship,” said Geimer. 

Understudy is more than an incubator. The project allows the DTD to work with local artists by contributing to their success and growth. 

“By nurturing the careers of our artists beyond the exhibition space, we aim to cultivate a vibrant ecosystem where creativity thrives, ensuring that every artist has the opportunity to flourish and make a lasting impact on the world,” Geimer explained. 

Geimer and Mighell accept submissions for Understudy from artists year-round. The decision process takes diverse representation into account, emphasizing artists who not only have unique mediums or forms of expression but whose life experiences tell a story as well. 

“We value giving opportunities to individuals who have been historically left out of the sometimes insular art community,” Geimer added. “We spend a lot of time in the community looking for new and underrepresented artists.”

The DTD aims to increase awareness about Understudy through marketing efforts and to spread awareness about the organization and the art incubator space. Geimer and Mighell hope to expand the program to eventually operate additional spaces to give more artists a canvas for their work and potentially find a permanent home for popular past exhibitions. 

The latest exhibition, Solar Signs is an experimental project between Beatie Wolfe and Aaron Rose. Focused on the sun while introducing a conversation around climate change to viewers, the exhibition showcases shadow poetry, sun prints and interactive displays. While the exhibition closed on May 12, Beatie and Wolfe intended for Solar Signs to serve as a call to action and a catalyst for environmental advocacy to become a priority. The DTD showcases past exhibitions on its website, so the beauty of Solar Signs and the process behind the exhibition will live on. 

Follow the DTD and Understudy on Instagram for upcoming news and exhibitions and get involved as an arts supporter by visiting Understudy during open hours, attending one of the openings, or checking out current and future programs.

All photography by Third Dune Productions.

The Curio Cabinet is supported by the Denver Theatre District through its Microgrant Program.