Denver Arts & Venues, alongside Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure and the Denver Downtown Development Authority, plans to debut a temporary aerial art program in summer 2026 across downtown Denver. The initiative will install multiple large-scale floating kinetic sculptures by Poetic Kinetics in prominent public locations, an activation aimed at boosting pedestrian traffic, visitation and overall vibrancy in the urban core.
“Downtown Denver should look and feel like no other place in the country,” said Mayor Mike Johnston. “These installations should be nothing short of awe-inspiring and will be another great reason to pay a visit to our city’s center.”
“We are so excited to collaborate with DOTI and the DDDA on this visually stunning outdoor artwork that activates downtown Denver this summer,” said Gretchen Hollrah, executive director for DAV. “Leading with this temporary project will pave the way for future DDDA-funded ‘must-see’ art installations downtown in the coming years.”
The project is drawn from Poetic Kinetics’ globally recognized art series. The DDDA investment will fund site-specific aerial art installations for a four-month period at two to three sites downtown. This multi-site strategy will draw visitors through downtown, connecting major commercial hubs, increasing foot traffic, and supporting nearby businesses at street level. The project will also be supported by convenient access to transit, with installation sites connected by RTD routes between Union Station and Civic Center Station.
With its floating kinetic sculptures that are constantly changing form, no two viewings of the aerial art will be the same, promising an ever-changing and immersive experience.
Denver Arts & Venues will lead coordination with the artist team, DOTI, Denver Parks and Recreation, and the Downtown Denver Partnership to support overall project delivery.
“Downtown is a hub for community gathering, and this investment celebrates the DDDA’s mission, the city’s diversity, fosters community pride, and helps attract new visitors to downtown,” said Doug Tisdale, board chair, Denver Downtown Development Authority.
At its meeting on February 13, the DDDA approved a grant of $627,500 toward the design and installation of this exhibit. The DDDA’s Arts & Culture application process is currently being refined to provide applicants with improved site-specific guidance, like that used successfully for this aerial art installation. Installation of the exhibit is anticipated to begin in early summer 2026.
Poetic Kinetics brings a proven track record of captivating audiences and generating measurable visitation and economic impact worldwide. Last summer, a Poetic Kinetics installation in Green Mountain Falls, Colorado, attracted more than 100,000 visitors and resulted in a 36% year-over-year increase in sales tax revenue during the four-month-long installation period. The artwork generated national media attention, attracted representatives from major cities exploring similar activations, and positioned the town as a destination for visitors, demonstrating the ability of this work to meaningfully draw, inspire, and engage people.
Denver’s DDA, approved by voters in 2024, is building a vibrant downtown Denver through strategic and catalytic investments that promote economic growth and revitalization. Guided by a Plan of Development, the DDDA has committed over $165 million across 13 projects to date. The DDDA has a seven-member Board of Directors, which includes the current City Council President, and other members are appointed by Mayor Mike Johnston for four-year terms.
