Athena Project amplifies the voices of all women & underrepresented genders through the arts by providing paid work opportunities while also ensuring audiences get to see and hear their artistic work. We recognize that the term “women” does not automatically include all aspects of the gender spectrum. We want to create a safer space for the expression and growth for all women, non-binary, and LGBT
QIA+ individuals. Athena Project was established in 2012 by Angela Astle to close a critical gap in the creative life of the Denver community. Athena began with a playwright program called Plays in Progress – an annual event that highlights the work of women playwrights across the U.S. and brings their work to life by collaborating with directors, dramaturgs and actors. Since that time, Athena Project has gone on to produce an array of fabulous events that celebrate amazing women artists from all creative disciplines as well as empower women and girls toward artistic leadership. WE VALUE: (in order)
The inherent power in the artistic voices of women. Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Equality in opportunities, representation, and pay. The power of art to connect communities. Why We Need Athena
In the US, and around the world, women have a vibrant and vital presence in the arts – but did you know that right now the huge majority of women working in arts industries are in the least influential roles, with low pay and poor representation? Overwhelmingly, leadership positions like Stage Directors, Museum Chiefs, Movie Directors, Cinematographers, Choreographers, Music Producers, Head Designers, Featured Artists … are still dominated by men. This means women’s voices, influences and ideas are being systematically muffled. That’s why Athena Project celebrates and nurtures women’s artistic expression – and works actively for equality of opportunity, recognition, and pay based on artistic merit. Because enabling women’s artistic voices to be powerfully expressed alongside men’s is not just good for women – it builds a healthy society for everyone. The richer the weave of ideas around us, the stronger the fabric of our communities. Which means a more connected, less polarized, safer, and happier world for us all.
