Dates & times
All times are local to the venue · America/Denver
- 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
The Diva as Cultural Revolutionary looks beyond the celebrity stereotype
What can a performer’s voice and image change beyond the stage? The Diva as Cultural Revolutionary takes up that question in a presentation by Dr. Reiland Rabaka, inspired by the Denver Art Museum exhibition DIVA.
Who gets called a diva?
Rabaka’s presentation considers the diva as more than a caricature of celebrity excess. The museum describes a talk about artists who challenged conventions through performance and public self-presentation, and about how their work relates to ideas of race, gender, sexuality and power.
The examples cross generations: Josephine Baker, Nina Simone and Aretha Franklin appear alongside Beyoncé and Janelle Monáe. Prince, RuPaul and Grace Jones are also among the figures named, widening the discussion to include gender-expansive artists. These are subjects of the talk, not performers scheduled to appear.
Further reading: The Diva as Cultural Revolutionary | Denver Art Museum Events ↗
A different way into DIVA
The presentation draws on an exhibition that looks at fashion as well as performance. Organized by London’s Victoria and Albert Museum and adapted by Denver Art Museum for an American audience, DIVA brings together approximately 250 objects and costumes associated with nearly 100 performers.
The exhibition traces the idea of the diva from opera and the screen to contemporary stars, asking how dress can give performers visibility and influence. It is on level 2 of the Hamilton Building through January 31, 2027; Rabaka’s talk is a separate event in the building’s lower-level auditorium.
Further reading: The Diva as Cultural Revolutionary | Denver Art Museum Events ↗ · DIVA | Denver Art Museum ↗
The presentation
Rabaka’s talk considers the cultural influence of performers across generations, taking its themes from DIVA.
2026-11-14 · Sharp Auditorium—Hamilton Building, Lower Level
- Presentation and discussion with Dr. Reiland Rabaka on the diva as a cultural figure and agent of social transformation.
Planning the afternoon
Reserve for the talk
A ticket is required. Members receive a discount; Museum Friends, CultureHaus and students attend free. Confirm the standard price and whether museum admission is also needed for the lecture when booking.
The Diva as Cultural Revolutionary | Denver Art Museum Events ↗
Allow for a separate gallery visit
DIVA requires an exhibition ticket. The museum lists it at $7 on top of general admission; check the applicable ticket terms if you plan to see both the exhibition and the talk.
Plan Your Visit | Denver Art Museum ↗ · DIVA | Denver Art Museum ↗
Request interpretation or captioning
The museum offers free ASL interpretation and CART captioning for programs with five business days’ notice. Email [email protected] to request either service.
Accessibility at Denver Art Museum | Parking, Mobility & More ↗
Getting to Sharp Auditorium
Hamilton Building
The talk is in Sharp Auditorium on the lower level of the Hamilton Building, at Denver Art Museum, 100 W. 14th Avenue Parkway. The museum permits entry through the Hamilton or Martin Building.
The Diva as Cultural Revolutionary | Denver Art Museum Events ↗ · Directions and Parking | Denver Art Museum ↗
Transit and parking
The museum suggests the Free MallRide to Cleveland Place, followed by a walk south through Civic Center Park. The Cultural Center Complex Garage is at 12th Avenue and Broadway; street and metered parking are also nearby.
Drop-off and building access
Accessible drop-off is on 13th Avenue between Broadway and Bannock. The museum says both main building entrances have power-assist doors, public areas are wheelchair accessible, and elevators are located throughout the museum.
Accessibility at Denver Art Museum | Parking, Mobility & More ↗
Before you make a plan
When is the presentation?
Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 2 to 3 p.m.
The Diva as Cultural Revolutionary | Denver Art Museum Events ↗
Are the artists named in the talk appearing in person?
No performances by them are listed. They are examples of artists discussed in the presentation.
The Diva as Cultural Revolutionary | Denver Art Museum Events ↗
Does a lecture ticket include the DIVA exhibition?
That is not specified. DIVA requires an exhibition ticket, so check the terms when booking both experiences.
The Diva as Cultural Revolutionary | Denver Art Museum Events ↗ · DIVA | Denver Art Museum ↗
Can I request captioning for the talk?
The museum offers free CART captioning and ASL interpretation for programs with five business days’ notice. Request either at [email protected].
Accessibility at Denver Art Museum | Parking, Mobility & More ↗
Location & Google Maps
Sharp Auditorium—Hamilton Building, Lower Level, Denver Art Museum
100 W. 14th Avenue Parkway, Denver, CO 80204
Map search by venue and address. Check the organiser’s entrance details before travelling.