Mission
Artists Amongst Us is a nonprofit organization that brings artists together, across cultures, to create, develop, and share original performing arts experiences in Colorado. We cultivate artistic excellence by providing opportunities for artists to collaborate, amplify diverse voices, and deepen human connection.
Vision
Our vision is to create a platform where artists from all backgrounds come together to showcase their talents and increase cultural experiences within communities. We envision a world where art knows no bounds and serves as a bridge connecting people across different cultures and perspectives.
The Full Story
In 2022, founder of Artists Amongst Us, Cynthina Giannini, moved into a loft in Denver’s RiNo Arts District with a vision: to create a sanctuary for emerging artists - a space where creativity, community, and cultural expression could flourish. She began hosting private salons, intimate performance gatherings that brought together musicians, dancers, poets, spoken word artists, and filmmakers from diverse backgrounds. These evenings weren’t just performances - they were portals. People came not only to witness extraordinary art, but to feel deeply, connect authentically, and experience the transformative power of creativity up close.
Cynthia saw again and again that these young artists were channeling something profound - yet most were barely surviving. Without institutional support or sustainable platforms, their work was too often confined to side gigs and unpaid appearances. She founded Artist Amongst Us to change that. As a nonprofit, we’re dedicated to supporting diversity, inclusivity, and multicultural expression in the performing arts, providing paid opportunities, visibility, and connection for Denver’s next generation of creatives. Because art isn’t a luxury - it’s a lifeline. And artists deserve their gifts not only to be seen, but celebrated.
A Salon experience - What Makes Artists Amongst Us Unique?
At Artists Amongst Us, we believe the most meaningful artistic experiences happen when the distance between artist and audience disappears. Unlike traditional theater experiences, where audiences watch from a distance and leave when the curtain falls, AAU Salons are built around engagement, connection, and discovery. Our audiences experience exceptional artists and original work up close, often while it is still being created, shaped, and explored.
You might hear the story behind a piece directly from its creator, participate in a conversation after a performance, offer feedback on new work, or meet the artists over a drink. You may arrive knowing no one and leave having met a new friend, collaborator, or artist whose work you want to follow.
Our Salons invite audiences into the creative process while giving artists something equally valuable: a curious, engaged community with whom they can share ideas, take risks, and develop new work. This is not passive consumption. It is participation. It is a chance to encounter artistic excellence at close range, learn about the people and ideas behind the work, and connect with others who believe that art is richer when it is experienced together. At Artists Amongst Us, the performance may be what brings us into the room. Community is what we build once we are there.
Join Our Mailing List
Subscribe for updates on upcoming salons, artist opportunities, and creative happenings in Denver.
