Katie Skawski | Donate to MCA!

I grew up in a small town in the deep South. The arts were never positioned as a viable career path—barely even an option. And yet, somehow, I found myself surrounded by a small but mighty community of artists and creatives who made my hometown more vibrant, more connected, and more imaginative. I was lucky enough to be part of performances, concerts, and art exhibitions that opened an entirely new world to me—a world I didn’t know existed, but one that shaped who I became as a young artist and, ultimately, who I am today.

It is thanks to the work of institutions like MCA Denver—and the extraordinary people who make them possible—that someone like me could dream beyond the limitations of where I grew up. Dreams that led me to New York City, Germany, Los Angeles, and now Denver.

MCA Denver is full of dreamers, givers, creatives, and connectors who care deeply about this community. We stretch our small but mighty resources to reach nearly 250 artists each year, hundreds of community partners, and thousands of teens who see MCA Denver as a home away from home—a place where they can explore, imagine, and glimpse possibilities far beyond what they’ve known. MCA Denver is where people come to experience contemporary art and leave feeling expanded—challenged, inspired, connected—whether through an exhibition featuring 19 artists from around the world, a multi-ton glass sculpture refracting sunset light, or a performance at the Holiday Theater that makes you feel part of something electric and alive.

Yes, we’re great at throwing unique and epic parties.Yes, we curate internationally acclaimed exhibitions while uplifting our local creative community.Yes, we value being quirky, silly, and a little subversive.

But most importantly: MCA Denver is an essential cultural home for our city—a place that nurtures creative thinking, builds belonging, and keeps Denver’s artistic landscape bold, curious, and alive. Museums of contemporary art don’t just present the world as it is; they help us imagine what it could be. They expand civic imagination, inspire cross-generational dialogue, and cultivate the type of creative resilience that cities rely on to thrive.

And right now, we urgently need your partnership. Arts and cultural nonprofits across the country are facing real financial strain, and MCA Denver is no exception. We rely on supporters like you to keep our galleries open, our programs accessible, and our work with artists and teens thriving. Every single gift—at every level—makes an impact and helps ensure that MCA Denver remains a vibrant, welcoming, and essential resource for our community.

If you believe in what MCA Denver brings to this city, please make a donation today. We truly cannot do this without you.