CPAC front desk

CPAC Announces Move to Lincoln St. in 2023

3D Rendering by Semple Brown Design

Breaking News:

CPAC Announces Move to Lincoln Street in 2023

The Colorado Photographic Arts Center (CPAC) is delighted to share exciting news that will have a significant, positive impact on the future of the organization and Colorado’s photographic community.

In early 2023, CPAC will move from our current location at 1070 Bannock Street to the Art Studios building at 1200 Lincoln Street in Denver’s Golden Triangle Creative District.

“While our Bannock St. location has served us exceptionally well, the end of our lease presents an opportunity to expand CPAC’s vision and impact, and start a new chapter of stability,” said Samantha Johnston, CPAC’s Executive Director & Curator.

“Over the last five years, we’ve grown significantly, welcoming over 500 members and thousands of new visitors to our exhibits and events, and taking on leadership of the Month of Photography Denver Festival. We’re excited to move to a space tailored to meet the needs of our growing community of working artists, members, students, industry professionals, and the public.”

3D Rendering Video by Semple Brown Design

CPAC’s vision for the new space includes: 

  • Two galleries that can be divided, creating more opportunities for artists to display their work and providing flexibility to present simultaneous exhibits and pop-up shows.

  • Dedicated classroom space with seats for 14 students, two computer workstations with printers, and wall space to hang student work.

  • Dedicated storage for CPAC’s Permanent Collection, which includes more than 800 fine art prints collected over five decades, with works by masters like Ansel Adams to contemporary photographers on the cutting edge of the medium. 

  • Larger Darkroom that can accommodate three photographers, with three enlargers generously donated by The Nichols Partnership.

  • A refreshed reception area and expanded office space for staff, storage, and administrative needs.

CPAC classroom
3D Rendering of Classroom by Semple Brown Design
3D Rendering of Gallery by Semple Brown Design

Formerly occupied by the Art Institute, Art Studios is a 10-story building that is being transformed into 194 studio apartments developed by The Nichols Partnership. CPAC’s new space will be on the ground floor, and CPAC will be the only non-residential tenant in the building.

“We are very proud to announce this partnership with the renowned CPAC in the Art Studios building as it reflects the long history of arts in the building as well as the dedicated arts scene in the Golden Triangle,” said Melissa Rummel, Project Executive at The Nichols Partnership.

The interior space for CPAC is being designed by Nathan Gulash, CPAC Board member and Architect at Semple Brown Design.

“We are so pleased to partner with the Colorado Photographic Arts Center on this project,” Gulash said. “The design is sympathetic to tight budgets while meeting a long list of space requirements unique to CPAC’s mission. We started with a simple material palette that will allow the exhibitions to command the main focus. With flexible and divisible gallery spaces, a purpose-driven darkroom, a classroom, and the breakroom facilities, all the components will work together to create and display the works of the Colorado photographic community and create a welcoming space for visitors.”

CPAC expects to be at Lincoln Street for at least 10 years, said Johnston.

Until then, CPAC will continue its operations, exhibitions, classes, and events at its Bannock St. location.

Please stay tuned for more details and ways to support this exciting new chapter!

Questions? Please contact [email protected] and join CPAC’s email list for the latest updates.