2017 Denver Independent Comic & Art Expo to Expand to McNichols Civic Center Building

The wildly successful Denver Independent Comic & Art Expo (DINK), will be expanding in 2017 to the beautifully restored McNichols Civic Center Building.

Set to take place on on April 8 & 9 in the heart of Downtown Denver. The grassroots arts festival was carefully selected as one of the first city-wide events to debut at the new hall developed exclusively by Denver Arts & Venues. DINK exhibitor registration is set to open August 30th, accepting international, national and locally celebrated artists, publishers, designers, graffiti artists, tattoo artists, zine makers and independent graphic novelists of all kinds.

'We take great care in the creative direction and crafting of our show, and the McNichols building provides a fantastic shot of inspiration for 2017. Just as our last venue had charm and artistic inspiration throughout, McNichols will exceed people's expectations by adding a sophisticated historical appeal for visitors, artists, and vendors alike" stated Charlie La Greca, executive director, and Co-founder of DINK and Denver Comic Con.

Established in 1909, the former Carnegie Library (now home to the McNichols Civic Center Building) stood as a confluence of learning in Denver. Neoclassical in design, it was the first building to be constructed on the Civic Center site. Thirty of the original 35 Carnegie libraries built in Colorado between 1903 - 1911 still stand today working in service as libraries and research centers. With the re-design of the McNichols Civic Center Building, the tradition of higher learning will continue with vibrant events such as DINK, ushering in a new hub of arts and culture downtown.

"DINK is an excellent example of the breadth of arts, culture, and creativity in Denver - it's the type of creative venture that we are proud to feature and support." -Tariana Navas-Nieves
Director of cultural affairs with Denver Arts & Venues.

"We are excited to host DINK at the McNichols Civic Center Building, and be a part of the festival's fantastic growth," said Tariana Navas-Nieves, director of cultural affairs with Denver Arts & Venues. "DINK is an excellent example of the breadth of arts, culture, and creativity in Denver - it's the type of creative venture that we are proud to feature and support."

A major win for the Mile High City, DINK and Denver Arts & Venues are committed to a three-year partnership that will accommodate the expansion of the annual event and culture in Denver, while continuing with the vintage allure that put DINK on the map with small press, independent publishers, and guests worldwide. A creative resource for local and nationally celebrated artists to sell and promote their work, the convention is poised to grow its footprint tremendously in the coming years while escorting in a new generation of art enthusiasts, fans, and independent creators to Colorado.

More than just an art show, DINK will kick off its non-profit pilot program for Camp Comic Book this September at Sunrise Ranch in Loveland, Colorado in partnership with the Denver Zine Library. One part comic and art education and one part outward bound, the annual campout and retreat developed to provide inner city and under-served youth a paid for curriculum in a vibrant, beautiful learning environ.

For many students at Camp Comic Book who might be experiencing the great outdoors for the first time, the not-for-profit retreat will include educational resources and guidance in creating comics from start to finish. The unique programming will also include instruction and confidence building tracks that include backpacking, setting up camp, collecting wild plants, organic growing techniques and more. By first imagining, planning and then making comic interpretations of their experience, participants learn the value of the outdoors, hard work, self-expression, and the thrill of seeing it pay off.

The 2017 Denver Comics and Art Expo (DINK) will kick off Saturday, April 8th - April 9th, bringing with it a new home for independent creators in the Queen City. Exhibitor registration will open August 30th, 2017 with a range of affordable options for exhibitors including booth space, full table, and half table spaces in the medium of comics, small press/micro-publishing, zines, tattoo, street & urban art.

Registration will also include an open call for new and existing submissions for the DINKy Awards, Colorado's first and only annual Comic & Art Awards focused on regional, national and international work. For more information about DINK and event registration or participation check out www.dinkdenver.com.

Pictured:? DINK at Sherman Street Events Center in 2016

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