Tariana Navas-Nieves

Tariana Navas-Nieves is the Director of Cultural Affairs for the City and County of Denver. 

Navas-Nieves has over 23 years of experience in non-profit management, museum work, community building through the arts, and communications, most recently as Public Information Manager for the Gold Line commuter rail transit line, part of the largest transportation project in the US. She also served as Curator of Hispanic and Native American Art at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center during their 25-million-dollar expansion project.

As Director of Cultural Affairs, Navas-Nieves oversees the city’s Public Art, Cultural Programs, Create Denver, Scientific and Cultural Facilities District Tier III (tax district funding), and the Arts Education Fund. She is also the Venue Director for the McNichols Building. The Public Art Division includes the 1% for Public Art and the Urban Arts Fund, a graffiti prevention and youth development initiative.The Events Department is responsible for citywide programs such the Five Points Jazz Festival. Through Create Denver, she directs programs that develop Denver’s art districts, and creative businesses in the city. Navas-Nieves is responsible for the SCFD Tier III funding working with City Council and the Denver County Cultural Council. She oversees Arts Education programs supporting youth and teachers. She works to implement IMAGINE 2020, Denver’s first cultural plan since 1989. She also leads the Diversity, Inclusion and Equity initiative for the city agency.

Navas-Nieves serves on multiple boards and advisory groups including but not limited to the Mayor’s Latino Commission, Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Arts & Diversity Task Force, the Denver Art Museum’s Latino Audience Alliance, and many others. She was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico.