Clinicas: Continuing the Conversation in Mexico

In the summer of 2013, Denver played host to the Biennial of the Americas, which is a celebration on art, culture, dialogue and ideas for countries in the western hemisphere. At the 2013 event many countries were represented in day-long clinicas and symposiums to address topics that affects all countries. The Biennial of the Americas describes clinicas as “a diverse and innovative gathering of leaders from across the Americas will participate in a series of facilitated, peer-to-peer workshops called clinicas. Clinicas are unique to the Biennial of the Americas experience as they offer a select group of invited specialists in their field the opportunity to interact with other innovative though leaders on a variety of topics.” The invite-only attendees discussed in an open dialogue issues such as environment and public health, water, energy, innovation, conscious business practices, education, technology, and the new normal.

The viewpoints from the morning clinicas were then reported out to a public audience in the evening while the content was used to drive the panel discussions.

The education conversation has recently continued in Mexico City during the trademission this week with Governor John Hickenlooper and various leaders from Colorado. The clinica topic of education was discussed with greater in-depth analysis of physics, soft skills, scale and socioeconomic issues and workforce development. The next clinica coversation is on energy and will take place during the week-long trademission.

Photo Credit: The Biennial @thebiennial

Colorado Leaders Create Collaborative Dialogue with Mexico

Today, Gayle Dendinger, CEO of ICOSA Media will join Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper and seventy other various leaders from Colorado businesses on the Biennial of the Americas trade mission to Mexico City. This four day trade mission is sponsored by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade and is meant to build ideas, connections and a collaborative dialogue for the upcoming Biennial of the Americas to be held in Colorado in 2015. Participants include Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, Museum of Contemporary Art, Gill Foundation, Urban Market Partners, Colorado State University, CH2M Hill, Bravo! Vail, Vail Resorts Inc., Denver Museum of Nature and Science, CIMCO Private Wealth, Colorado School of Mines, Unreasonable Institute, ICOSA Media, Denver Hispanic Chamber, Project C.U.R.E., Chamber of the Americas, Lockheed Martin, Colorado College, Denver International Airport, Smithsonian, Suncor, Colorado State University…just to name a few.

“The Biennial of the Americas provides an international platform for leaders in business, government, civil society, and the arts to examine the significant issues impacting life in the Americas.” For more information on the Biennial please visit, www.biennialoftheamericas.org.

To view coverage of the 2014 Biennial of the Americas please visit, http://bit.ly/B_A Participants will arrive this afternoon into Mexico City and will start the evening with a welcome reception hosted by Vail Resorts that will include leaders from Colorado and Mexico City.

Photo credit: www.luc.edu

Platform 5280 , Biennial of the Americas

The Denver Biennial of the Americas has transformed into a platform about global ideas, art and people.

Following Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper’s agenda for economic growth vis-à-vis the arts, culture and design, Platform 5280, Biennial of Americas is set to prompt economic growth as well as bring world class thought leaders and art.

The board of directors for the Biennial consists of 20 members including Erin M. Trapp, Ph.D., Vice President of Advancement and External Relations and Executive Director of the Foundation at Metropolitan State College of Denver.  Ms. Trapp explained that the Biennial is Denver’s way of creating a cultural brand, building upon the established sport teams.

The highlight of Denver’s Biennial is that it looks to art and cultural of the Americas where traditionally Europe and Asia are considered.  The event engages business persons who often times are the demographic supporting the arts.

Abaseh Mirvali is the Executive Director, CEO and Comisaria of Platform 5280 and was recently interviewed by Jan Mazotti of ICOSA.  Ms. Mirvali’s background in contemporary art as a juror juxtaposed to her interest and work in public policy sparks a new type of biennial for Denver, Colorado.  The title of a comisaria is unique and translates to one that works from the “nitty gritty of putting the program together but then also oversees other components of it from marketing to organization,” Mivali.  This event is the epitome of “think globally but act locally,” said Mirvali.  During the interview with ICOSA Mirvali speaks of the process of becoming part of Platform 5280 with a bit of reminiscence, showing the dedication she has to her work.  To watch the interview on Driving Force Radio, visit; http://youtu.be/ccsoqXW7Q00.

An impressive board of directors are involved with Platform 5280 ensuring it ssuccess, including;

Mike Fries, Chairman President and CEO, Liberty Global Inc.

Thomas Williams, Vice Chairman President and CEO, Williams Group, LLC

Frederick B. Taylor, Treasurer President and Co-Founder, Northstar Investment Advisors, LLC

Rick Pederson, Secretary Chairman, NFK Frederick Ross

Don Bailey Chairman and CEO, Triton Investmen tCompany

Patricia Barela Rivera Owner, PBR Solutions

Gayle Dendinger President and CEO, CAP Logistics and Publisher, ICOSA Magazine

Verónica Figoli Director of Outreach and Engagement, Piton Foundation

Amy Harmon Founder and Owner, Urban Market Partners, LLC

Walter Isenberg Co-Founder,President and CEO, Sage Hospitality

Bruce James Managing Partner, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP

Susan McIntire CH2M Hill

Kent Rice Executive Director, Arts & Venues Denver

Hassan Salem President, U.S. Bank, Colorado

Erin Trapp Vice President of Advancement and External Relations, Metropolitan State College of Denver

Michael Van Gilder CEO,Van Gilder Insurance Corporation

Roxane White Chief of Staff, Governor Hickenlooper

Edward (Ted) White Partner, Moye White, LLP

EX OFFICIO Jayne Buck Vice President of Tourism, Visit Denver

Jamie Van Leeuwen, PHD: Senior Advisor, Governor Hickenlooper

“Thereis a natural affinity for us to go tie into Canada and Mexico,” said Publisher of ICOSA Gayle Dendinger.  In kind services offered in collaboration with community organizations, education, governmentand businesses are what bring about Denver’s best interests and get it done.

Opinions vary to how this biennial can be a model.  Dendinger believes it can be exported to other states while Mirvali envisions best practices within relative perspective creating a dialogue then prompting action.

The platform can be used to spark change in one’s own community.  Take ownership and sponsor or volunteer with Platform 5280, Biennial of the Americas.  For more information about Platform 5280, visit; www.platform5280org.