Anthony Kiendl’s Vision for MCA Denver’s Future

Anthony Kiendl, the new director of the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver (MCA Denver), brings a fresh perspective to the city’s vibrant arts landscape. Moving from the Vancouver Art Gallery, Kiendl aims to foster dynamic “encounters” with art, people, and ideas, all while strategically de-centering traditional art world hierarchies. His appointment marks an exciting chapter for the downtown institution, promising innovative programming tailored to the local community’s needs.

Charting a New Course at MCA Denver

Kiendl’s initial focus at MCA Denver revolves around fostering genuine “encounters”—with people, art, and groundbreaking ideas. He plans to dedicate his first months to deep conversations and mapping out how the museum can best serve and reflect its communities. This approach emphasizes understanding the local context, needs, and desires as a foundation for future programming.

De-Centering the Art World from Denver

Drawing from his experience on the Pacific Rim, Kiendl has consistently worked to “de-center” the art world, challenging conventional views on what constitutes important art or where it originates. For Denver, this means actively breaking down binaries like “superstar vs. unknown” or “local vs. international.” His goal is to highlight what matters “here and now,” connecting Colorado artists and themes to a global dialogue in unexpected ways, thus creating new pathways for recognition and understanding.

Championing Colorado Artists on a Global Stage

While supporting Colorado artists is a core mission, MCA Denver also attracts visitors with international talent. Kiendl sees these two aspects not as competing demands but as interconnected opportunities. He aims to find “paths that connect Colorado to the world and vice versa,” believing that by focusing on community relevance and unique local expressions, the museum can naturally support Indigenous and local artists while engaging a wider audience. This strategy seeks to build awareness, meaning, and pride within the community.

Embracing Indigenous Culture and Community

Building on his significant work with Indigenous artists in Canada, Kiendl plans to continue this focus in Denver. He understands that visitors from around the world are curious about what is unique to a specific place, and Indigenous culture inherently speaks to this. By responding to this interest, MCA Denver can uplift local and Indigenous artists, incorporate diverse forms of knowledge, and strengthen its understanding of its place in the broader global context.

Navigating MCA Denver’s Iconic David Adjaye Design

The David Adjaye-designed MCA Denver building itself is a work of art, described by Kiendl as “playful architecture that expresses delight and rewards curiosity.” He appreciates its balance—a memorable structure that doesn’t overpower the art it houses. While acknowledging the challenge of its “limited space,” Kiendl views such constraints as catalysts for creative solutions, pushing curators and artists to be inventive in their presentations.

Denver: A Thriving Hub in the Global Art Conversation

Far from being intimidated by other major institutions like the Clyfford Still Museum, Kiendl is excited by Denver’s diverse and growing art landscape. He believes that a “critical mass” of institutions, voices, and histories—including those in Aspen, Boulder, Colorado Springs, and even Santa Fe—creates a collective “shared chorus” that resonates not just regionally but internationally. This collaborative environment strengthens Denver’s position as a significant node in the global art world.

Frequently Asked Questions About Anthony Kiendl and MCA Denver

• What is Anthony Kiendl’s background?
  He previously served as CEO and Executive Director of the Vancouver Art Gallery, where he focused on de-centering traditional art world hierarchies and promoting diverse voices.
• What are his immediate priorities for MCA Denver?
  His first 100 days will be dedicated to facilitating “encounters” with people, art, and ideas, and mapping how the museum can best meet its community’s needs.
• How will he balance local and international art at MCA Denver?
  Kiendl aims to break down the “local vs. international” binary, seeking to connect Colorado to the world and vice versa by focusing on relevance to the community and discovering overlooked narratives.
• What role will Indigenous art play in his vision?
  Building on his past work, he believes Indigenous culture inherently speaks to what is unique about a place, offering a powerful way to engage visitors and support local Indigenous artists.
• How does Kiendl view Denver’s broader art scene?
  He sees Denver as a burgeoning art hub, excited by the collective strength of multiple institutions and voices across Colorado, which he believes creates a significant international presence.

As Anthony Kiendl steps into his role, Denver locals can look forward to an MCA Denver that champions community-driven programming, thoughtfully integrates local and global perspectives, and solidifies the city’s place as a vibrant and essential contributor to the contemporary art dialogue.

New director Anthony Kiendl charts MCA Denver course