Generous Partner Funds Diversity Mural
Urban Land Conservancy (ULC) strongly believes in the power of partnership and recognizes that much of our work is made possible by our valued community partners. In alignment with our mission, ULC’s vision to create a community-focused mural celebrating inclusivity at the Mountain View Nonprofit Tower became a reality in late 2019. With the incredible diversity of cultures and backgrounds represented not only at Mountain View, but throughout the City of Denver as well, ULC proposed a mural installation to honor our community at large. Through the generous support of local businesses, foundations and community members, ULC celebrated the installation of a 700 square foot mural at our Mountain View Nonprofit Tower.
The BBVA USA Foundation was one of the project’s many generous funders, and a new partner for ULC. Upon receiving a grant from the Foundation’s Art and Culture Department, the mural officially reached its fundraising goal. According to the Foundation, funding for Arts and Culture must facilitate access to cultural experiences for lower-income and minority populations, promote integration of the arts and reflect the diversity of the community.
With a solid presence in Denver and Colorado, BBVA USA is dedicated to serving and investing in the Centennial State’s communities, places that the bank proudly calls home. Prime examples of BBVA’s commitment to Colorado in 2019 include grants to 48 organizations and 1,531 volunteer hours from Denver BBVA employees.
“The BBVA USA Foundation has a long history of funding projects that positively impact and create opportunities for local communities throughout Colorado, and we immediately recognized the value of Urban Land Conservancy’s Welcoming a Diverse Community mural,” said BBVA USA Community Relations Officer Nicole Marquez. “The mural is a beautiful representation of Denver’s diverse community, and reminds passersby to always act with love, kindness and acceptance. We greatly appreciated the opportunity to fund this project.”
Today, the “Welcoming a Diverse Community” mural located at 16th and Downing Street in North Capitol Hill stands more than 70 feet tall, proudly welcoming individuals from all walks of life into the building. ULC worked extensively with Tristan McGregor of Esoteric Arts – who served as the lead designer and artist for the mural – on ways to ensure the art was as inclusive as possible. ULC also worked with the building’s anchor tenant, Lutheran Family Services, to better understand common languages spoken by members of the Denver’s refugee community. The words hope, love, peace, welcome, acceptance, harmony and diversity were then translated into each language, serving as the mural’s backdrop.
ULC is proud to partner with organizations like the BBVA USA Foundation, whose clear commitment to supporting inclusive community development is very much in line with our own. It is ULC’s hope that this mural makes the surrounding community feel welcomed, loved and accepted, and pushes the greater Denver community to remember these values as well. We are very thankful for the BBVA USA Foundation and their help making our vision a reality. We look forward to continued partnership in the future!