Confluence After-Hours
Named for the point at which two rivers come together to become one bigger, more powerful flow, Confluence has lived up to its billing when it comes to a community of professionals from different sectors and backgrounds, bringing their diverse experience to a shared workspace in downtown Lafayette.
A complimentary dynamic is taking shape at Confluence in the late afternoons, evenings, and weekends, adding an exciting dimension to the makeup of the community. This important piece of our identity features the next generation. Several youth-focused organizations are using the Confluence Flex Space ‘after-hours’ to create, learn, and lay the groundwork for the future.
Why Confluence?
Accessibility is a big reason that Confluence is becoming a hub for diverse, youth-centered activities. Positioned near South Public and South Boulder Roads, the space is within walking distance to four elementary schools, two high schools, and one large middle school. It’s conveniently situated between higher- and lower-income neighborhoods, and only steps away from a public transportation hub.
The Space
The warehouse at Confluence has been transformed into a flexible space with capacity for medium and large meetings, events, and gatherings. All of the furniture is mobile, so it can be configured appropriately or cleared out altogether. A ceiling-mounted projector and high-quality speakers were recently added to facilitate movies, music, slide presentations, and more. The walls and floor are decorated with original art by friend and Boulder artist, Kevan Krasnoff, giving the space a one-of-a-kind creative energy. A roll-up glass door offers natural light and plenty of fresh air when the weather is right.
Photo Credit Tier Two Live
All-Ages Live Music
Rocking loud live music since 2019, concert promoter Tier Two Live has hosted an eclectic series of all-ages shows in the Flex Space showcasing young local artists. From punk nights to heavy metal to prog rock and more, bands have included names like Paradox, Sunrise Daydream, and My Dog Ate Chad. Upcoming shows will feature Life Among Trees, Spliff Tank, Desolation Angels, Mellowpunk, Immigrant’s Child, and Finn O’Sullivan. Concerts are supported by arts grants, donations from concertgoers, discounted venue rental from Confluence, and a number of generous volunteers.
Nature Kids Instrumental Music Program
Nature & Instruments
Confluence values its relationships with Thorne Nature Experience, Cottonwood Institute, Great Outdoors Colorado, and other collaborators who administer and support Nature Kids/Jóvenes de la Naturaleza (NKJN). NKJN is a collective impact project focused on connecting Lafayette kids with nature. The program’s hard-working Community Liaison has found numerous ways to use Confluence as a home base for connecting with families, hosting community meetings, and giving youth a gathering place for programming. Early in 2022, NKJN offered a unique instrumental music opportunity for kids, giving them an indoor enrichment alternative during the cold-weather season. NKJN is currently enrolling qualified students in outdoor summer camps and activities with full scholarships.
Lafayette CTC at Confluence
Communities That Care - Prevention Strategies in Action
Confluence is proud to host monthly coalition meetings and other gatherings related to the work of Lafayette CTC. Communities That Care, known as CTC for short, is a proven prevention system that’s made a difference to real kids in real communities for nearly 30 years. Locally sponsored by Boulder County Public Health and driven by nearly 50 community members of all ages, backgrounds, experiences, and identities, Lafayette CTC is a multi-year, citizen-led coalition that seeks local solutions to local public health problems before they start. The coalition is working in five areas of focus, including restorative justice, positive spaces, local policy, mental health, and access to programs and resources.
Private Meetings & Events
When the Flex Space isn’t in use by one of these great organizations, it’s available for booking a variety of private events. Hourly and daily rentals are reasonable and nonprofits are eligible for a discounted rate. In recent weeks, private bookings have been made for board meetings, dance parties, high-school team banquets, movie screenings, birthday parties, and showers. Unlike many rental venues, Confluence does not require specific vendors or caterers. Hire a food truck, make it a potluck, or cater from any one of Lafayette’s delicious restaurants. We’re always happy to hear about your special event and talk about the setup that will make it a success.
If you have an idea about how Confluence can continue to support positive youth development in Lafayette or to inquire about your private event, get in touch!
Posted by Tom Hardie, March 16, 2022