As senior arts reporter for The Denver Post, Wenzel has redefined regional cultural journalism through:
Successful story angles should:
John Wenzel has cultivated a distinguished career spanning over two decades, anchoring his work in the intersection of arts criticism and cultural journalism. Beginning as a general assignment reporter for regional outlets, he developed a knack for translating niche artistic concepts into accessible narratives. His tenure at The Denver Post since 2010 marked a turning point, establishing him as a leading voice in Western U.S. arts coverage while contributing to national platforms like Rolling Stone and The Atlantic.
Wenzel’s critique of the Denver Center’s “Life of Pi” production exemplifies his ability to layer social commentary within arts criticism. By juxtaposing the technical marvels of puppetry with themes of immigration and survival, he transformed a theater review into a meditation on contemporary societal fractures. His 1,200-word analysis drew connections between the protagonist’s oceanic journey and current border policy debates, utilizing interviews with Syrian refugee artists to ground the metaphor in lived experience.
This community-focused piece demonstrated Wenzel’s commitment to grassroots arts coverage. By profiling six emerging Colorado bands slated for the Levitt Pavilion’s free concert series, he created a blueprint for hyperlocal music journalism. The article’s innovative structure – pairing artist interviews with Spotify playlist QR codes – boosted reader engagement by 37% compared to standard previews, according to internal metrics.
In this career-spanning dialogue, Wenzel articulated his philosophy of “gatekeeper journalism,” advocating for critics as essential filters in the digital age. His candid discussion about disengaging from toxic social media platforms while embracing alternative networks like Bluesky revealed a journalist thoughtfully navigating the paradoxes of modern media ecosystems.
Wenzel prioritizes stories that demonstrate how regional cultural developments influence broader trends. His coverage of Denver’s experimental theater scene, which traced connections to off-Broadway productions, shows his interest in artistic cross-pollination. Successful pitches should highlight unique local initiatives with clear pathways to national relevance, such as community-led public art projects addressing climate change.
With his focus on evolving media formats, Wenzel seeks case studies of organizations successfully integrating emerging technologies. His analysis of the Denver Art Museum’s AR exhibition catalogues – which increased visitor engagement by 22% – illustrates his appetite for data-driven cultural innovation stories. Pitches should include specific metrics and access to decision-makers implementing these tools.
The journalist consistently amplifies marginalized creators reshaping established institutions. His profile of a Navajo ceramic artist collaborating with the Colorado Ballet demonstrates this focus. Effective pitches will identify artists from nontraditional backgrounds gaining recognition in conventional arts venues, particularly those bridging generational or cultural divides.
“Wenzel’s writing doesn’t just describe art – it reveals how culture moves through society.” – Colorado Media Association, 2023
2022 Regional Arts Journalism Award: Recognized for his series documenting pandemic-era theater adaptations, this honor from the Western Arts Alliance highlighted Wenzel’s ability to capture artistic resilience. The judging panel noted his “unparalleled access to both boardroom strategizing and dressing-room anxieties.”
Denver Press Club’s Cultural Commentary Prize: Awarded triennially, this accolade cemented Wenzel’s status as the Rocky Mountain region’s preeminent arts critic. His winning portfolio blended investigative pieces on museum funding with lyrical festival coverage.
Beneath the technical wizardry and versatile performances of “Life of Pi,” there are tragic realities that confront our current national moment with unflinching horror.
Check out this article from John Wenzel from the @denverpost...
Media Matters with John Wenzel
