Denver’s RiNo Art District named Street Art Capital of the U.S.

Denver’s RiNo Art District is home to more than 200 murals, and the outdoor collection adds more each year.

Denver’s RiNo Art District is proof of the powerful impact of public art. The art district’s mural project draws visitors to an industrial corridor once less desirable, but now hip and happening. The murals not only beautiful the buildings in the art district, but also support the growth and expansion of businesses. The mural project supports artists, as well tis the RiNo Art District tagline: “Where art is made.”

RiNo Art District: Where art is made

Reporting this story, I learned the difference between street art and graffiti: Street artists have permission. Graffiti artists do not. In the case of RiNo, both sorts of artists are at work. Graffiti artists are known to tag murals. “That’s the street talking to the street,” said Tracy Weil, the RiNo co-founder and director who admits he’s put up both murals and graffiti.

More about RiNo Art District’s olinnovative, creative and wildly successful mural collection in my article published by Art & Object:

Click here — no pay wall and no advertisements.

Denver says “yes” to RiNo Art District

RiNo Art District is Denver ranks as one of the leading art districts in the nation.

My feature for Colorado Expression magazine shares the area’s history and tips for making the most of your visit to this colorful and creative area of the Mile High City with lots of street art, tasty restaurants, hopping breweries, and much more. Even three hours of free, covered parking!

One point stuck with me when touring RiNo Art District with Tracy Weil, an artist who co-founded the district and serves as president/creative director. He said he prefers to think of the development as “empowerment” rather than “gentrification.”

RiNo even includes a tiny house village for people who are homeless, proving the district has not only art but also heart.