Whether you’re in awe of stepping foot in four states simultaneously at the Four Corners, learning about the rampant tales of the late cowboys and indians, or enjoying a Broncos game in the enormous stadium, the state of Colorado is a mecca for both history and culture. To top it off, its capital city is now creating a way for all people, both rich and poor, both young and old, to enjoy something that trumps even the tallest of borders: art.
The Mile-High City is now offering a program that provides opportunities for some of its youngest and poorest residents to visit and learn from the city’s most prominent cultural institutions.
The Five by Five Program gives children and their families free access to over twelve museums and cultural venues, including the Denver Art Museum, Colorado Ballet, and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. These strictly VIP locations are now being made available to those whose last thing on their mind is which designer to wear to the next opera. Because such luxuries are being offered to these families, one would be correct in assuming that they have a lot to take away from the program.
And take advantage they have! In 2008 alone, over three thousand participating families clocked nearly thirty thousand visits to the different venues! "Eliminate the barriers to accessing culture, and our families will show up," says executive director Maria Guajardo. "As one father told me: 'I feel like the city belongs to me now.' "
Denver is providing unparalleled opportunities to those who would normally be pushed aside for the almighty dollar. Simultaneously, they are evening out the playing field and therefore asserting that the fruits of culture shouldn't solely be enjoyed by the wealthy. Have YOU helped save the world today?
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