Welcome! The Colorado Photographic Arts Center (CPAC) fills a unique niche in Denver's arts community as the only nonprofit organization dedicated exclusively to the art of photography, with 700+ members, year-round exhibitions, classes, events, and over 5,000 visitors annually.
Located at 1200 Lincoln Street in Denver's Golden Triangle Creative District, CPAC's award-winning space includes two galleries, a darkroom, digital lab, classroom, photobook library, and more.
Give Today and Make Twice the Difference!
For every donation CPAC recieves by December 31st, two generous donors will match every gift 1:1 —up to $25,000. That means your $100 becomes $200! All donations are tax-deductible and will support the Colorado Photographic Arts Center’s 2026 exhibitions, education, and community programs.
Your gift will support:
2026 Veterans Workshop Series
Please help us reach our goal to raise $50,000 by Dec. 31st.
Thank you for your support!
CPAC is dedicated to fostering the understanding and appreciation of excellent photography in all forms and concepts through exhibitions, education and community outreach.
Founded in 1963, the Colorado Photographic Arts Center (CPAC) has a 60-year legacy of promoting the art of photography in Denver and the Rocky Mountain region through exhibitions, education, and community outreach. Early exhibits featured major artists such as Paul Strand, Judy Dater, and Philippe Halsman, as well as many local photographers. Ansel Adams helped establish CPAC’s Permanent Collection, which now holds over 800 fine art prints that offer a historical overview of 20th-century photography.
Today, CPAC is the main hub for Colorado’s photography community, with more than 700 members, year-round exhibitions, workshops, and events at our gallery in downtown Denver. While most CPAC members live in the Denver Metro region, we have members in Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, Grand Junction, and other cities throughout the state of Colorado, as well as many out-of-state members. Membership discounts are available for students, teachers, military, Veterans, and seniors.
EXHIBITIONS
Each year, CPAC presents 7 - 10 exhibitions of outstanding photographic art that are free to attend. Our exhibitions emphasize quality with a strong focus on contemporary ideas presented by established, emerging, and underrepresented artists.
EDUCATION
Our Education program includes classes and workshops for students of all skill levels, from beginners seeking a better understanding of camera settings to advanced courses in lighting, editing, and portfolio development. We also present free artist talks in alignment with our exhibitions schedule, portfolio reviews, and artist resources including an onsite digital lab, darkroom, and photobook library. CPAC also leads summer photography workshops specifically for teens to help nurture the next generation of photographers.
VETERANS WORKSHOP SERIES
Launched in 2017 in partnership with local Veteran-led organizations, CPAC's annual Veterans Workshop Series is a unique arts education program that provides Colorado-based U.S. military Veterans with free photography education, mentorship, and exhibition experience that prepares them for careers as professional artists.
MONTH OF PHOTOGRAPHY DENVER FESTIVAL
Finally, CPAC presents the biennial Month of Photography Denver Festival (MOP), one of the most significant platforms for photographic art in the Rocky Mountain region, highlighting more than 500 local, national, and international artists through 100 exhibitions and events.
CPAC is located at 1200 Lincoln Street in Denver's Golden Triangle Creative District, close to the Denver Art Museum, shops, and restaurants.
Learn more at cpacphoto.org.
Organization name
Colorado Photographic Arts Center
other names
CPAC
1963
Tax id (EIN)
84-6036988
Category
Arts, Culture & Humanities
Organization Size
Medium Organization
Address
1200 Lincoln Street Suite 111Denver County, CO, US