Athena Project

Athena Project is the Colorado nonprofit that celebrates and nurtures women’s artistic expression, working actively for equality of opportunity, recognition and pay based on artistic merit alone. We celebrate and nurture women’s artistic expression while serving the larger arts community.

Athena Project empowers women* through the arts by providing women artists with paid work opportunities while also ensuring audiences get to see and hear them. We change the world, one paid woman artist at a time. Our programs evolve as the political and social landscape changes.

Athena Project's mission is to empower women and strengthen the Denver community through developing and showcasing women's and girls' artistic contributions, while inviting new audiences into the creative process.

We envision a world with gender equity where women's voices are valued and amplified in the arts.
We value: (in order)

1. The inherent power in the artistic voices of women
2. Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
3. Equitable access to the arts
4. Equality in opportunities, representation, and pay
5. The creative process
6. The power of art to connect communities

Athena Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women and girls through the arts. Their mission is to foster the voices and perspectives of women in the performing arts, allowing them to take center stage and make a lasting impact on society.

Athena Project achieves its mission and vision through a range of programs and activities that provide opportunities for women and girls to engage in various artistic disciplines. These programs include:

Artistic Development: Athena Project offers resources and support for artists to develop their craft. This includes providing opportunities for networking, artistic residencies, and professional development workshops, enabling women and girls to enhance their skills and build connections within the arts community.

Community Engagement: The organization actively engages with the community by organizing outreach programs, partnerships, and collaborations. These initiatives aim to expand access to the arts, foster dialogue, and create opportunities for women and girls to participate in artistic endeavors.

Youth Education: Athena Project prioritizes the involvement of young girls in their programs. They offer educational programs, such as workshops and summer camps, where girls can explore various artistic disciplines, gain confidence, and develop their creative potential.

Through these diverse programs and activities, Athena Project empowers women and girls to express themselves, share their stories, and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society. By nurturing and amplifying the voices of women in the performing arts, the organization aims to create lasting social change and inspire future generations of artists.

How to get involved: 

At Athena Project, we value the involvement of youth in our programs and believe in nurturing their creativity and self-expression. We have developed several initiatives to engage and support young individuals, including Read & Rant, Artful Reflections, Girls Create Summer Camp, and Artfully Minded Open Mic Night. Here's an overview of these actions:

Read & Rant: Combines reading and discussion with an emphasis on promoting critical thinking and fostering dialogue. Through this program, participants have the opportunity to explore literature written by women authors, discuss themes, characters, and social issues, and share their perspectives in a safe and supportive environment. Read & Rant encourages youth and artists to develop their analytical and communication skills while engaging with diverse narratives.

Artful Reflections: This monthly event, held at a gallery (owned or curated by women* artists) is open to artists and nonartists alike. Participants are invited to reflect about the art work, with an opportunity to let the art in as a way to increase understanding of themselves and others. Through participants’ experience of the art shown, and moderated conversations that follow, connection and community are strengthened. This initiative provides a platform for young individuals to practice communication about the impact of the art and engage with others in a meaningful and introspective way.

Artfully Minded Open Mic Night: A dynamic and inclusive platform where individuals (specifically middle school girls) can showcase their talents and creativity. It is an opportunity for artists in the community to perform spoken word poetry, music, dance, or any other form of artistic expression. Open Mic Night allows young artists to gain confidence, receive feedback, and connect with a supportive community of fellow performers and arts enthusiasts. It creates an empowering space for artists to share their voices and talents.

Girls Create Summer Camps: Immersive and empowering program designed exclusively for girls, nonbinary, and trans and inclusive for youths in the LGBTQ+ community as well. Through a variety of artistic disciplines, including playwriting, fashion, and stand up comedy, participants explore their creativity, develop skills, and find their unique artistic voices. With experienced mentors as guides, girls engage in workshops, collaborative projects, and performances, fostering self-confidence, teamwork, and problem-solving. The camp culminates in a showcase of their creations, celebrating their artistic journey and empowering them to become the next generation of women artists and leaders.

These actions demonstrate our commitment to providing meaningful experiences for youth and fostering their artistic growth. While we selected our preference to work with Adults, 18+, please know that we welcome all self-motivated and passionate people to volunteer with us or engage with our programming. Athena Project implements these programs with the aim of fostering critical thinking skills among artists and youth, while also empowering girls, women, non-binary, trans, and allies in the LGBTQ+ community to express themselves authentically.