Member Highlight: Fort Greene Bar
Tell us about you: provide a short bio or mission statement.
Fort Greene is a woman-owned community-rooted creative space dedicated to intentional gatherings and human connection. I was born in London, grew up in Austin, and later lived in New York; with a background in studio art/art history, I worked in fashion and creative art production. Moving to Denver, I began bartending at the bar that occupied Fort’s space before Fort Greene existed, spending years in the industry before being able to take over what is now Fort Greene today. I reimagined and redesigned the space into Fort Greene as it exists today—a women-owned, industry-owned creative community space and cocktail bar that is now 10 years old!
Share a story of your company’s engagement or an employee’s engagement in the arts.
Fort Greene has partnered with organizations like Sapphic Social Club to host drag performances, art shows, and queer-centered gatherings that also raised funds for mutual aid efforts. Fort continually works with Denver Community Fridges through fundraising events and community outreach and has collaborated with Denver Fringe theatre group to uplift experimental theatre and performance art.
Fort Greene has become home to recurring programs like Reading Den (a literary reading series), queer book clubs, and music and creative-industry mixers. Hosted spoken word nights, poetry readings, modular synth showcases where artists can fully express themselves in a safe environment, and “Still Chill,” a nude figure drawing class featuring local artist models with sets designed as collaborative community art projects.
Beyond performances, the space has held DJ workshops, photography workshops, yoga classes, sound baths, podcast recordings, and queer weddings. Through a City of Denver grant, Fort Greene helped produce the Globeville Block Party, an all-ages neighborhood celebration that combined accessible art workshops, yoga, dance classes, and musical performances while directly supporting local nonprofits.
In partnering with artists and community organizers, the space becomes more than a bar—it becomes a platform for creative expression, mutual support, and shared resources. By pairing celebration with care, an environment is created where art is supported and engaged with!
How have arts and/or creativity helped your company innovate or grow your impact in the community?
Arts and creativity are the foundation of how Fort Greene innovates and grows its impact.
By centering artists, performers, and organizers, Fort reimagines what a “bar” could be, transforming it into a flexible cultural platform. Creative programming like drag shows, literary readings, experimental theatre, workshops, and community fundraisers brings together diverse audiences who might not otherwise share space, strengthening connection across the neighborhood.
Pairing celebration with mutual aid has allowed the space to generate revenue while reinvesting in community care. Because of this model, Fort Greene isn’t just a place to gather. It’s a trusted, inclusive space where art fuels sustainability, partnership, and collective impact.
Why are you involved with CBCA?
I’m involved with CBCA because I believe deeply in the intersection of arts, business, and community. As a small business owner in Globeville/RiNo for over a decade, I’ve seen firsthand how creativity strengthens local economies, builds belonging, and drives meaningful connection.
Being part of CBCA allows Fort Greene and myself to advocate for artists, support policies and partnerships that sustain creative work, and help ensure that Denver’s cultural ecosystem remains vibrant, inclusive, and accessible.
If you would like more information about becoming a CBCA member, visit the CBCA Membership page or contact Membership & Development Manager, Sarah Braverman at sbraverman@cbca.org.
