DENVER — AXS, a trusted leader in advanced ticketing and live event technology and Denver Arts & Venues (DAV) today announced the launch of Beyond AXS in Denver, a new Denver community initiative that connects people with arts, live entertainment, creative education and career pathways through the resources of the live events industry.
Beyond AXS is an AXS community initiative designed to expand access to arts, culture, live events and creative career opportunities and provide more than access to an event. Through partnerships with local organizations, artists and venues, the initiative gives participants opportunities to learn from creative professionals, explore what happens behind the scenes and discover the many people and careers that bring live experiences to life.
“AXS connects millions of people with live events, but access to a ticket is only the beginning of what our industry can offer,” said Kim Pabst, Vice President, AXS. “Beyond AXS brings together the artists, venues, expertise and experiences within our community to help young people see new creative possibilities – and imagine themselves as part of them.”
The initiative is launching publicly ahead of Denver-native Big Gigantic’s September 26 performance at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, with two connected experiences that will take Denver students from hands-on creative learning to a behind-the-scenes look at a major live event.
On Friday, September 25, students will participate in a DJ and music-production workshop led by Mobile Studio at the Denver Performing Arts Complex. The workshop will introduce students to beat-making, mixing, performance and creative careers within music. Pending final confirmation, Big Gigantic will join the students for a conversation about the Colorado duo’s journey as artists, the work behind building a Red Rocks performance and the importance of pursuing their own creative interests.
The following day, 15 to 20 students from RiseUp Community School will attend a soundcheck experience at Red Rocks, offering them a firsthand look at how artists, crews and venues prepare for a major live performance.
“Denver’s arts and cultural venues belong to the community, and we want more young people to see them as places where they can participate, create and build a future,” said Brian Kitts, Executive Director of Denver Arts & Venues. “Through Beyond AXS, we can connect students not only with memorable experiences, but also with the people, knowledge and opportunities behind them.”
Beyond AXS is already underway in Denver. In June, 275 local high school students participated in Youth Yoga at Sculpture Park, a community-centered program combining movement, music and social connection. Additional experiences have connected young people and families with Yoga on the Rocks and Film on the Rocks.
Programming will continue this fall with a veteran music-therapy retreat from November 16–18, bringing together veterans, licensed therapists and songwriters for an experience centered on creativity, wellness and community. Additional programming will expand opportunities for youth wellness, cultural participation and exposure to careers across live entertainment.
AXS and DAV intend to build Beyond AXS as an ongoing platform, adding new programs and major community experiences in the years ahead. The Denver initiative is focused on four areas: youth creativity and wellness; veteran and military wellness; LGBTQ+ visibility and cultural inclusion; and equitable access to arts and live entertainment.
“Red Rocks has played such an important role in our story, so being able to help young people experience the creative process behind a show – and see where their own ideas could take them – is incredibly meaningful to us,” said Big Gigantic.