Colorado, Creativity & Co-Creation: A Trip Full of Inspiration

Rose Hill
Jun 25
3 min read

We’ve just returned from an unforgettable research trip to Colorado and we’re feeling recharged, inspired, and buzzing with new ideas for Co-Creative Connection. This two-week trip gave us the chance to explore creative spaces, natural wonders, and community vibes that offered so much inspiration for the future of CCC and maybe even a future across the pond 👀

Here are some of our highlights and reflections.

Rose, founder of CCC, Eddie, her husband and Summer, their daughter pose on a rocky cliff, smiling, with a vast canyon and mountains in the background. Bright sunlight and clear skies. — Gunnison’s National Park and the Black Canyon, Colorado

Immersive Art at Meow Wolf

A definite standout from week one was our visit to Meow Wolf in Denver, an immersive art experience like no other. Imagine walking through a house filled with hidden portals, secret passageways, and whole worlds built by artists. It was bold, colourful, chaotic in the best way, and a brilliant reminder of how storytelling and creativity can connect people in powerful ways.

We left full of ideas about how we might incorporate more immersive and interactive elements into our own public art projects. We have a real desire to create our very own room in their new locations in New York or Los Angeles, and would love to discuss opportunities.

Colourful abstract sculptures against wavy patterned walls. Intense reds and blues dominate, creating a surreal, dreamlike ambiance. — Meow Wolf, Colorado

Awe and Exploration in Nature

We picked up a campervan and hit the road, soaking in Colorado’s incredible landscapes. We explored the Red Rock, Dinosaur Ridge, Garden of the Gods, Manatau Springs visited mountain towns, and even spent a full day (and night!) at Joyful Journey Hot Springs.

We chatted to locals over dinner, shared stories, and ended up staying longer than planned because the atmosphere was just that good. We also explored the Great Sand Dunes, Zapata Falls, Gunnison’s National Park and the Black Canyon – nature’s own surreal installation!

All these moments reminded us how important pace and place are when working with people. Being out in nature gave us space to reflect on how CCC can make space for slowness, connection, and joy.

Rose, Eddie and Summer pose on sandy dunes with a snow-capped mountain backdrop. They wear bright and patterned clothing, smiling under clear blue skies. — Sand Dunes, Colorado

Red rock formations under a clear blue sky, with a person in red taking a photo in the far background on the right. Trees and shrubs dot the rocky landscape. — Garden of the Gods, Colorado

Magic in Observation and Play

A trip to the Denver Zoo, aquarium, and butterfly garden added a layer of intentional play and wonder to our journey. These visits weren’t only fun, they highlighted to us how much creativity is sparked through careful observation, curiosity, and a sense of exploration. These are all qualities we aim to centre in our creative process at CCC, especially when working with children and intergenerational groups. Spaces that spark joy and learning really do fuel imagination.

Brown butterfly with eye-like patterns perched on vibrant green leaves and pink flowers, set in a sunny garden. — Butterfly Pavilion, Colorado

Street Art, Culture & Conversations in Colorado

Colorado’s street art scene is incredible. From tucked-away murals to giant wall pieces downtown, we were constantly stopping to take photos and soak up the colour, messaging, and energy. It was exciting to think about how CCC’s own murals could evolve, and how cultural differences might shape the way we do community art in new places.

We also stopped by Trader Joe’s, and yes, even the supermarket was a source of inspiration! Their playful, hand-drawn signage and colourful branding reminded us how good design and creativity can be infused into everyday environments. A great example of how graphic storytelling can make even a supermarket feel joyful and welcoming.

We also had some amazing conversations with people everywhere we went - locals, artists, fellow travellers. These chats made us reflect on how universal the desire for connection is, and how art is a powerful entry point to that.

Street corner with vibrant mural of pyramids and camels under a colourful sky. Sign reads “Paradise Found Records & Music.” — Street Art, Colorado

Thinking Bigger: CCC Beyond the UK

One of the most exciting parts of this trip was realising how much potential there is for CCC-style work globally. Being in Colorado sparked conversations about international collaboration, potential partnerships, and what it might look like to expand the CCC approach to new communities around the world one day.

We came home feeling re-energised, with fresh ideas and even bolder dreams for the future.

Colourful fantasy castle with tall spires in vivid pink, green, and yellow hues. Set against a rocky, purple-lit cavern background. — Meow Wolf, Colorado

Get in Touch

We’re always open to new conversations, creative collaborations, and hearing from people who are passionate about community and co-creation. If something sparked your interest while reading or you’d like to chat more about our work, get in touch - we’d love to hear from you.