About CityStory Denver
Our City. Our Story
CityStory Denver is a community storytelling initiative that invites people from every neighborhood and every background to share the people, places, memories and moments that shape our city. Together, we’re creating a living archive that reflects Denver through the voices of the people who know it best.
WHAT IS CITYSTORY DENVER?
Every city has a story.
This is ours.
CityStory Denver is a community storytelling initiative designed to collect, preserve and share the stories that make Denver unique. The project highlights the people, places, memories, traditions, businesses, creative spaces and everyday experiences that shape life across the city.
The project was created to make storytelling more accessible and inclusive. Too often, the stories that define a community are told only through institutions, headlines or major events. CityStory Denver centers the voices of everyday people, including residents, visitors, students, artists, workers, families, elders, entrepreneurs and community leaders whose lived experiences help tell a fuller story of Denver.
Stories may be shared through writing, audio, video, photography or in-person interviews. Together, they become part of a living community archive that preserves Denver’s history while creating new opportunities for connection, understanding and civic pride.
WHY IT MATTERS
Building connection through storytelling.
Stories help people see their city – and each other – in new ways. They preserve memories, celebrate neighborhoods, build understanding across communities while creating a lasting record of the people who shape Denver every day. CityStory Denver exists to ensure those stories are collected, shared and remembered.
Preserve Denver's Stories
Everyday experiences become part of a permanent community archive.
Build & Strengthen Belonging
Stories help neighbors better understand one another and the city they share.
Celebrate Every Community
We welcome stories from every neighborhood, generation and background.
Create a Resource for the Future
Together we’re documenting today’s Denver for future generations.
WHAT WE COLLECT
Every experience helps tell Denver's story.
CityStory Denver welcomes stories about the people, places, memories, traditions, creativity, businesses and everyday experiences that shape our city. Whether your story is decades old or happened yesterday, it belongs in Denver’s living community archive.
People
Places
Memories
Culture
Business
Future
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE
Everyone has a story worth sharing.
CityStory Denver is open to everyone. You don’t need to be a professional writer, photographer or storyteller to participate. Whether you’ve lived in Denver your entire life, recently arrived, work here, study here or simply have a meaningful connection to the city, your experiences help tell a richer and more complete story.
Stories can be shared through writing, photography, audio, video or in-person interviews. Every perspective adds something valuable to Denver’s living story.
Everyone is Welcome
CityStory Denver welcomes residents, visitors, students, artists, entrepreneurs, workers, families, elders and community leaders. Every perspective helps create a richer picture of Denver.
Share in Your Own Way
Stories can be submitted through writing, photography, audio, video or in-person interviews. Whether your story is a single memory or a lifelong journey, we’ll help preserve it.
Every Story Matters
Not every story makes headlines, but every story has value. Together, these experiences create a living archive that reflects Denver through the voices of the people who know it best.
THE CITYSTORY PROJECT
A community storytelling initiative by Empower Media Exchange
CityStory Denver is part of The CityStory Project, a community storytelling initiative created by Empower Media Exchange. The project helps communities preserve local history, strengthen belonging and ensure more voices are represented in the stories that shape a city.
Stories collected through CityStory Denver may also be featured through community events, exhibitions, educational programs, public storytelling showcases and local media partnerships.
About Empower Media Exchange
Empower Media Exchange is a Colorado nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening local journalism, expanding media literacy and helping communities tell their own stories.
Through journalism, storytelling and community engagement, Empower Media Exchange works to preserve local history, elevate underrepresented voices and build stronger connections between people and place.
CityStory Denver is one of several community storytelling initiatives developed by the organization.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Built through community collaboration.
CityStory Denver is made possible through collaboration with community organizations, cultural institutions, artists, storytellers and residents across Denver.
Every city has a story.
Share yours today.
Share a memory, place, person or perspective that helps tell the story of Denver.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Everything you need to know before you share your story
Have a question? Here are answers to a few of the most common questions about participating in CityStory Denver.
Who can participate?
Anyone with a meaningful connection to Denver is welcome to participate. Residents, visitors, students, artists, business owners, workers and former residents all have stories worth preserving.
What types of stories can I submit?
Stories can be shared through writing, photography, audio, video or an in-person interview. You can tell a story about a person, place, memory, neighborhood, business, cultural tradition, community event or a vision for Denver’s future. Every experience helps tell the city’s story.
Do I have to be a professional writer or storyteller?
Not at all. CityStory Denver is designed for everyone. Whether you’re sharing a favorite memory, a family tradition or a personal reflection, your perspective is valuable. Authentic stories matter more than perfect writing.
What happens after I submit my story?
Every submission becomes part of CityStory Denver’s growing community archive. Selected stories may also be featured on our website, social media channels, community exhibitions, storytelling events, educational programs or local media partnerships, helping more people discover the people and places that make Denver unique.
Is there a cost to participate?
No. Participation is completely free. CityStory Denver is a community initiative that welcomes everyone to share the stories that help define Denver.
How can I support CityStory Denver?
CityStory Denver thrives because of community participation and partnerships. There are many ways to get involved, including:
- Become a Community Partner to help expand storytelling opportunities across Denver.
- Host a Story Collection Event at your organization, school, neighborhood or community gathering.
- Volunteer as a Story Collector or event participant.
- Partner With Us to bring CityStory Denver to your community or program.
- Make a Donation to help preserve Denver’s stories and ensure participation remains free and accessible.
If you’d like to support the project, we’d love to hear from you. Visit our Get Involved or Contact page to start the conversation.