Denver Art Unites International Communities
Denver’s dedication to international friendships is beautifully expressed through our public art installations across the city. These works of art bring to life the stories, culture, and connections shared with our sister city communities locally and globally. Denver Sister Cities promotes educating the public through its annual art exchanges bringing together local and global artists to collaborate and showcase their inspiring work. Bringing us closer together one artwork at a time.
Denver-Chennai Sister City Mural at Noble Riot
In July 2024, art brought Denver and Chennai closer together as we celebrated 40 years of sister city friendship with an incredible mural collaboration in RiNo Art District! This was part of the Denver Sister Cities and RiNo Art District Artist Exchange Program. Chennai-based artist A-Kill @ad57akill_t3k and Denver's Koco Collab @kococollab joined forces to create a stunning piece that beautifully merges both cultures.
Sacha Heppell
The mural, located in The Alley next to Noble Riot @noble_riot , features a traditional Chennai flower seller (Pookkari) surrounded by plumeria flowers and Denver's natural elements. The July 18th unveiling was a true cultural celebration, complete with traditional Indian dance performances and an engaging artist Q&A.
Denver-Brest Sister City Mural at Improper City
In April 2022, Denver’s RiNo Art District became the vibrant canvas for an international collaboration celebrating art and cultural exchange. The mural, located at Improper City, was created by Denver artists Anna Charney and Mike Graves alongside Brest-based muralists Gwendal Huet and Eddy Barclem. Their combined styles—blending abstract patterns with character-driven imagery—produced a visually striking piece that reflects the rich cultural vibrancy of both cities. This mural serves as a bold symbol of the creative partnership between Denver and Brest, embodying the power of art to connect communities across borders.
Sacha Heppell
The project, part of the Denver-Brest Mural Artist Exchange, was organized by Denver Sister Cities International and RiNo Art District. It included not just mural creation but also a workshop led by renowned artist Darrell Anderson, fostering dialogue and skill-sharing among local artists and community members. The Denver Artists also painted murals in Brest and did workshops with the youth while they were there. Recently, in July 2024 Denver artist, Anna Charney was invited back to Brest, France paint one of the largest murals.
Sculpture at City of Ulaanbaatar Park: “Tulga”
The Tulga sculpture, completed in 2009, is a towering 20-foot stainless steel artwork located in the City of Ulaanbaatar Park in Denver, Colorado. Designed by Mongolian artist Tsogo, the sculpture symbolizes the traditional Tulga, or fireplace, a central and sacred element in Mongolian culture representing the spirit of the home. The Tulga’s three interlocking rings embody the sun, moon, and stars, while the four legs—sculpted to resemble birds’ heads—protect the fire. At its base, an engraved endless knot pattern signifies infinity and eternal good fortune. Positioned according to the four cardinal directions, the sculpture connects Mongolian traditions with the Denver landscape, creating a lasting symbol of warmth, unity, and hope for future generations.
The Tulga Sculpture stands as a monumental achievement, being the first permanent public sculpture in the U.S. designed by a Mongolian artist. The journey to its creation spanned five years of fundraising, collaboration, and advocacy, supported by Denver’s Mongolian community, the Lowry Foundation, and numerous generous donors. The project highlights the enduring bond between Denver and Ulaanbaatar, their sister city since 2004, and commemorates Mongolia’s 800 years of statehood. Beyond its cultural significance, the Tulga serves as a beacon of pride for Mongolian-Americans, symbolizing their resilience and aspirations while sharing their heritage with Denver's diverse community.
"Let the Creators Create" Sister City Mural at City of Axum Park
Created in summer of 2023, the "Let the Creators Create" mural at City of Axum Park in Denver reflects the resilience of the Tigray people and celebrates the enduring bond between Denver and its sister city, Axum. Designed by renowned artist Jack Price II and supported by Vincent Owens of Park Hill Financial District, the mural incorporates bold colors and thought-provoking imagery to depict an abstract representation of a king. This artistic choice pays homage to the rich cultural heritage of Tigray, offering a visual narrative of strength and hope during challenging times. The mural is not just a masterpiece of abstract art but also a symbol of unity, compassion, and solidarity for all who visit the park.
Sacha Heppell
Funded through Denver Arts and Venues' P.S. You Are Here Grants, the mural is a collaborative effort rooted in community engagement. It reflects the mission of Denver Sister Cities International to foster connections through cultural and artistic collaborations. Owens and Price brought their shared vision to life with the support of Denver Sister Cities Axum Committee Members, ensuring that the mural resonates deeply with its cultural and historical context. With its captivating imagery and profound message, the mural serves as a reminder of the power of art to bridge divides, inspire communities, and honor shared legacies. Denver Sister Cities hosted an unveiling celebration.
While visiting City of Axum park check out other works of public art murals reflecting the deep ties between Denver and Axum. You can also find an obelisk symbolizing the history and collaboration between the two cities thanks to our partnership with Denver Parks & Recreation, we are inquiring to Denver Parks and Recreation about the artist who designed the additional murals.
Sister Cities of Denver Street Sign
Denver is set to unveil its first-ever Sister Cities Street Sign, an inspiring piece of public art that celebrates the city’s international relationships and cultural exchange. This dynamic installation will honor Denver’s ten sister cities, showcasing their unique identities while symbolizing the shared bond of friendship and cooperation. Designed by Dan Ericson (The Signtologist) and Mike Graves, the sign reflects the creativity and cultural diversity that are hallmarks of Denver’s global connections. Once installed in its permanent location in Upper Downtown, the sign will serve as a lasting reminder of the power of citizen diplomacy and the city’s commitment to fostering global unity. The sign was made possible by Denver Sister Cities International and the Upper Downtown Neighborhood Association with support by the Dynamic Downtown Denver Grant Program.
Sacha Heppell
The sign’s journey began with an exciting temporary debut at the Global Unity Block Party on the 16th Street Mall in October. This event transformed the 16th street mall into a cultural celebration. Performances by international artists and Sister City representatives from around the globe—ranging from the Shinobue flute for Takayama, Japan, to Día de los Muertos dancers for Cuernavaca, Mexico—brought the city’s partnerships to life. As the sign becomes a permanent fixture, it will not only enhance the city’s public art landscape but also inspire residents and visitors alike to appreciate Denver’s rich cultural heritage and its role as a global hub of friendship. Stay tuned for updates on the sign’s installation.
Sister City Displays Near Paramount Theater
Tucked in an alley on 15th Street between Glenarm and Welton, near the Sonesta Denver Downtown Hotel and the Paramount Theater parking garage, the Sister City Displays transform an unassuming alley pathway into a celebration of Denver’s global connections. These beautifully crafted signs highlight the cities around the world with which Denver shares close ties, offering passersby a unique glimpse into the international relationships that shape the city’s identity. The installation, whose artist remains unknown due to its creation many years ago, serves as a timeless tribute to Denver’s spirit of unity. If you have any information about the artist or the history of this display, please contact info@denversistercities.org—your insight can help preserve the story behind this meaningful public art.
Public Art Collaborations in 2025
Stay tuned for exciting artist collaborations and public art displaying Denver's ten sister cities this coming year. We are proud to share that an artist exchange and public art works in Denver with Takayama, Japan and Nairobi, Kenya among others are scheduled. A permanent home for the sister city street sign will be established in the Upper Downtown Neighborhood on the 16th Street Mall. Thank you to all the artists and partners who make this possible. Become a member of Denver Sister Cities to stay up to date on the latest and get involved.
