Colorado Photographic Arts Center

A nonprofit organization

Welcome! The Colorado Photographic Arts Center (CPAC) fills a unique niche in Denver's arts community as the only nonprofit organization dedicated exclusively to the art of photography, with 600+ members, year-round exhibitions, classes, events, and over 5,000 visitors annually. 

Located at 1200 Lincoln Street in Denver's Golden Triangle Creative District, CPAC's award-winning space includes two galleries, a darkroom, digital lab, classroom, photobook library, and more. 


Make an Immediate Impact

Please help the Colorado Photographic Arts Center meet its goal to raise $60,000 by December 31, 2024! 

Your donation will provide essential funding for CPAC's exhibitions, education, and community programs in 2025. 

Your gift will support: 

  • The 2025 Month of Photography Denver Festival, highlighting more than 500 local, national, and international photographers through 100+ exhibitions and events throughout the month of March
  • Exhibition opportunities for 200 artists in 10 exhibitions presented by CPAC in 2025 to the public for free
  • Year-round classes and workshops for adults and teens at every skill level, both in person and online  
  • Resources for artists, including a fully equipped darkroom, digital lab with editing software and high-quality printers, photobook library, and Permanent Collection with over 800 photographic prints
  • Continue to support artists in Colorado’s military community through the Veterans Workshop Series, providing local military veterans with free photography education and mentorship 

Please help us reach our goal to raise $60,000 by Dec. 31st. 

Thank you for your support! 


Mission

CPAC is dedicated to fostering the understanding and appreciation of excellent photography in all forms and concepts through exhibitions, education and community outreach.

Background Statement

Founded in 1963, the Colorado Photographic Arts Center (CPAC) has a 60-year legacy of promoting the art of photography in Denver and the Rocky Mountain region through exhibitions, education, and community outreach. Early exhibits featured major artists such as Paul Strand, Judy Dater, and Philippe Halsman, as well as many local photographers. Ansel Adams helped establish CPAC’s Permanent Collection, which now holds over 800 fine art prints that offer a historical overview of 20th-century photography.

Today, CPAC is the main hub for Colorado’s photography community, with more than 600 members, year-round exhibitions, workshops, and events at our gallery in downtown Denver. While most CPAC members live in the Denver Metro region, we have members in Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, Grand Junction, and other cities throughout the state of Colorado, as well as many out-of-state members. Membership discounts are available for students, teachers, military, Veterans, and seniors.

EXHIBITIONS

Each year, CPAC presents 7 - 10 exhibitions of outstanding photographic art that are free to attend. Our exhibitions emphasize quality with a strong focus on contemporary ideas presented by established, emerging, and underrepresented artists.

EDUCATION

Our Education program includes classes and workshops for students of all skill levels, from beginners seeking a better understanding of camera settings to advanced courses in lighting, editing, and portfolio development. We also present free artist talks in alignment with our exhibitions schedule, portfolio reviews, and artist resources including an onsite digital lab, darkroom, and photobook library. CPAC also leads summer photography workshops specifically for teens to help nurture the next generation of photographers.

VETERANS WORKSHOP SERIES

Launched in 2017 in partnership with local Veteran-led organizations, CPAC's annual Veterans Workshop Series is a unique arts education program that provides Colorado-based U.S. military Veterans with free photography education, mentorship, and exhibition experience that prepares them for careers as professional artists.

MONTH OF PHOTOGRAPHY DENVER FESTIVAL

Finally, CPAC presents the biennial Month of Photography Denver Festival (MOP), one of the most significant platforms for photographic art in the Rocky Mountain region, highlighting more than 500 local, national, and international artists through 100 exhibitions and events.

CPAC is located at 1200 Lincoln Street in Denver's Golden Triangle Creative District, close to the Denver Art Museum, shops, and restaurants.

Learn more at cpacphoto.org.

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

Colorado Photographic Arts Center

other names

CPAC

Year Established

1963

Tax id (EIN)

84-6036988

Category

Arts, Culture & Humanities

Organization Size

Medium Organization

Address

1200 Lincoln Street Suite 111
Denver, CO 80203

Service areas

Denver County, CO, US

Phone

303-837-1341

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