FloraJane DiRienzo Combines Her Passion for Denver and the Arts as Executive Director of The Biennial of the Americas
PHOTOGRAPHED BY FROM THE HIP PHOTO & THIRD DUNE PRODUCTIONS (ALL ARTWORK)
WRITTEN BY ANNIE BLOJ
If you haven’t heard of The Biennial of the Americas, one of the most exciting and interesting events in Denver, we are thrilled to introduce you to the Executive Director, FloraJane DiRienzo. The Biennial proves that Denver can draw international talent to our growing and culturally diverse city. FloraJane’s natural talent for community building and her passion for integrating the Arts into Denver’s culture makes for an incredible combination, perfect for her role at the Biennial.
Annie Bloj: You received a BA at UC Santa Barbara in Communications and Art History; what brought you to Denver?
FloraJane DiRienzo: After college, I took on a year-long consultant role traveling to college campuses across the United States of which CU Boulder, the University of Denver, and Colorado State University were all part of my region. I fell in love with Colorado during that time, it felt (and still does!) like the perfect balance of vibrant downtown and easy access to outdoor space. When I finished my role as a consultant a dear friend was coming to Colorado for medical school, so I decided to tag along! Now over 13 years later I can’t imagine living anywhere else.
AB: How have you seen the Denver arts scene evolve through your positions at The Wildlife Experience, Denver Center for the Performing Arts, and now the Biennial of the Americas?
FD: That’s such a great question! In some ways, it’s hard to say as I’ve grown right alongside Denver as the arts and culture scene has evolved. But overall I would say there is a greater emphasis on building more inclusive spaces that truly champion and celebrate the audience, our community, the artists, and creatives who call Denver and Colorado home. I also think many of our art organizations have become more skilled at building partnerships together and collaborating which creates greater outcomes and impact. Of course, it feels like our appreciation and appetite for international art, music, fashion, film, and food has grown tremendously - I think this exchange of local and international creativity fosters a stronger creative ecosystem and continues to build Denver as a premier destination for art and culture.
AB: For those readers that aren’t familiar with the Biennial of the Americas, can you share with us the mission and vision of this organization?
FD: The Biennial of the Americas was the brainchild of many talented civic and cultural leaders from across Colorado who saw the unique opportunity Denver has to offer as a gathering place for the Americas. Denver’s unique location on both the east-west and north-south axis as well as our collaborative spirit make this city an ideal place to bring together ideas and arts to solve our hemisphere’s most challenging problems. Our work is centered around building city-to-city connections, amplifying diverse cultures, creating educational opportunities, and supporting rising artists and thought leaders from across the Americas.
AB: What are you most proud of during your tenure at the Biennial of the Americas? What kind of attention do you aim to bring to this organization?
FD: I should start by saying that I feel proud every day working for an organization that champions working across borders and being a platform for ideas, art, and culture. It’s so hard to pick any one moment especially when it feels like at the core of this job is creating these iconic memorable moments like Jaguara and Cósmico Americas, the Americas Summit to Mexico City, or the Denver installation of the Empathy Museum! But at this moment I am especially proud that Denver secured hosting the inaugural Cities Summit of the Americas, in April 2023. The Cities Summit will bring together over 2,500 government, civil, business, and youth leaders from across the Americas to focus on topics of equity, sustainability, youth empowerment, and female leadership as well as promoting regional cooperation. I truly couldn’t be more proud that Denver will host this important gathering and that the Biennial of the Americas will be supporting this effort.
AB: I’ve found that public art, in any form, connects people to the arts in a way that perhaps felt there was a barrier to a creative experience. Can you share the intention of the Biennial’s upcoming installation, Edge Effect?
FD: At the beginning of this year, the Biennial was optimistic about the chaos of the pandemic coming to an end, and the goal was to bring to Denver another impactful public art installation as we have done over the last twelve years. When the opportunity to work alongside the creative and curatorial magic of Cortney Stell and the Black Cube team presented itself it was the perfect opportunity to activate an unused space in Downtown Denver. Edge Effect features a temporary, public art installation by Guadalajara-based artist Gabriel Rico. Rico's art installation, titled La inclusión de mi raza (The inclusion of my race), is composed of a wide range of objects donated by the Denver community that the artist transformed into five totemic sculptures and layered with a custom, interactive augmented reality (AR) component. The installation will be open Sept. 1-Nov. 13 at Denver's Tail Tracks Plaza, near Union Station. The intention behind the project was to reactivate a downtown space, invite the community into the artistic process and foster curiosity and bring joy to the public through art. Edge Effect also includes a variety of free programming including panels, poetry, activities for kids, and guided tours.
AB: You seem to have always followed a path towards community building, through many different avenues. Can you share your philosophy on the power of community?
FD: I think it comes from a personal place of wanting to feel like I belong. I think those moments of being invited, feeling welcomed, and having a seat at the table (or party!) fill our deep human desire and need for belonging. So with this, I’ve approached the idea of community from the perspective of what can I do to build spaces, events, and situations where people feel included. Certainly, I would say I am also an extrovert so spaces where community gather is energizing to me, so I’ve naturally gravitated towards building a path where I could build and be in community.
AB: FloraJane, thank you so much for sharing your story and your work at The Biennial of the Americas. We can’t wait to attend the Cities Summit next year, what an outstanding achievement for our welcoming city.
Photography of Gabriel Rico, La inclusion de mi raza. 2022 by Third Dune Productions. Images courtesy of the artist, Black Cube Nomadic Art Museum and the Biennial of the Americas.