Member Highlight: Center for Visual Art (CVA), MSU Denver

By Jenna Miles, CVA Communications Manager

Tell us about you:

The Center for Visual Art (CVA) is the off-campus art gallery and division of Metropolitan State University of Denver’s College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences which is dedicated to providing students with an unparalleled urban learning environment and a strong sense of community within the local art scene. CVA provides diverse, high-quality art experiences that bring local and international artists, MSU Denver students and the broader community together to advance the global urban dialogue.

How is your organization supporting the creative economy?

Research shows that youth participating in arts programs are much more likely to develop life-long relationships with museums and cultural institutions. CVA welcomes students from all walks of life to gain the experience they need to reach their creative goals. CVA’s Art + Action Lab high school internship program fosters creative leaders of tomorrow by introducing teens to careers in the arts and providing professional mentorship with creatives in a museum setting.

The Art + Action Lab offers a paid internship where high school students get an inside look at many different careers in the arts while working one-on-one with creative mentors to develop their individual art practice.

Here is how this program is encouraging future art leaders:

  • Arts enrichment beyond school and home.

In a supportive environment, participants hone skills and engage in critical thinking exploring a variety of perspectives. Art + Action programs provide a safe space to take risks, create and experiment, building confidence and problem-solving skills both inside and outside of the studio.

  • Valuable near-peer relationships for kids and teens.

MSU Denver art education teaching apprentices reflect the population we serve. When participants learn from educators who have a similar background and/or share their experience, they are better able to visualize their own potential.

  • Develop artistic behaviors.

While activities are informed by current exhibitions, participants draw from their own lived experience to create and respond to contemporary art.

  • Build creative futures.

As a part of MSU Denver, CVA is uniquely positioned to offer pipelines to creative careers.

We are proud that MSU Denver is a Presenting Sponsor of the 2024 Business for the Arts Awards and presenter of the MSU Denver Next Wave Leadership Award, which honors rising professionals who are leading the future of our cultural community.

Why are you involved with CBCA?

As an art center, educational institution, and member of Denver’s Art District on Santa Fe, CVA is aligned with CBCA’s vision for a Colorado where arts and business are integrated to catalyze and build strong and vibrant communities. CVA recently hosted CBCA’s board meeting, immediately followed by an ArtsConnect event, featuring the current exhibition “Pressing for Change” for CBCA Member companies and their employees.

If you would like more information about becoming a CBCA member, visit the CBCA Membership page or contact our Membership & Development Manager, Sarah Braverman at sbraverman@cbca.org.