When organizers began planning the Biennial of the Americas eight months ago, they had no performers or artists confirmed, and their bank account was empty. By July, 95 percent of the $2.5 million budget had been raised and hundreds of events were scheduled.

The Biennial came in under budget by about $200,000, which, when added to funding pledges, means organizers will be in the black about $450,000 when they begin planning the next Biennial. They hope to hold the event every two years in Denver.