Overview
Working with local film and video collectives to envision an anchor for Denver’s experimental film community, the microcinema responds to a longstanding need for small independent theater and screening spaces for the independent filmmaking communities of the Denver Metro area.
The six artist studios will support artists seeking a central location for greater visibility and accessibility to their studio practice. The space will also expand into a small pocket gallery that will serve as the initial landing for visitors to both the microcinema and the studios.
In an adjacent space accessed through the alley, 444 17th Street will offer affordable fine arts storage to both studio artists and nomadic nonprofit cultural organizations. Twenty-five privately leased storage units will be available to artists and/or organizations working in any of the CAST Colorado studio spaces and beyond.
Our Approach
In June 2026, the Denver Downtown Development Authority (DDDA) approved a $1.35 million grant to support the acquisition and conversion of the vacant 6,3000-square-foot, ground-floor space. CAST settled on an acquisition price of $500,000 for the building, using the remaining $850,000 for renovations for the microcinema, studios, gallery, and storage.
Impact
Affordability is a guiding principle in CAST’s work—its projects prioritize community objectives, not commercial endeavors. As CAST’s second acquisition in Colorado, 444 17th Street is an opportunity to introduce a permanent anchor in Downtown for supporting Denver’s artist community.
In addition to providing an affordable 50-seat microcinema, gallery, and five studios, 444 17th Street will include storage space. In her work at RedLine Contemporary Arts Center, CAST Managing Director of National Programs Louise Martorano identified the need for affordable art storage space in Denver. Most storage spaces are expensive, far from the city center, or both.
As of July 2026, CAST is collaborating with local partners in the Denver area to identify groups and artists to co-locate with or use the space.
