The five community organizations, selected through a juried application process, that will be featured in Common Ground’s inaugural project are:
COLORADO NEPALESE COMMUNITY
The Colorado Nepalese Community uplifts Nepali heritage throughout multiple neighborhoods of Denver and the metro area. Their Common Ground installation will be inspired by one of Nepal’s most culturally significant architectural traditions - the falcha. Historically a small pavilion used as a transit resting place for travelers between fields, the falcha will be imagined for the Nepalese diaspora in the city.
GREATER DENVER CARES MENTORING MOVEMENT
Greater Denver CARES is committed to enhancing the mental health and literacy of economically disadvantaged and BIPOC youth in Sun Valley, Montbello, Green Valley Ranch and East Colfax neighborhoods. Their Common Ground installation will focus on inspiring marginalized young boys to connect with their imaginations and stories through literature.
COLORADO IMMIGRANT RIGHTS COALITION
CIRC represents the 543,000 immigrant residents of Colorado as a statewide, 80+ membership-based organization. Throughout 2026, CIRC plans to collect first-person immigrant narratives across the state, and their Common Ground installation will explore a way to foster broader memorable public interaction with the diversity of cultures present in Colorado.
EMPOWER MEDIA EXCHANGE
EMX is dedicated to preserving and celebrating local histories by empowering marginalized communities to shape Denver’s local media ecosystem. Their Common Ground installation will support EMX’s vision of storytelling as a tool for cultural preservation and public activation.
LAVENDER HILL CULTURAL DISTRICT
Lavender Hill’s mission is to celebrate Denver’s queer community by honoring the contributions of LGBTQIA+ residents and serving as a resource of contemporary queer activity anchored in East Denver. Through Common Ground, they will explore the role of design in placemaking and the creative contributions of the queer community.