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In a move that almost certainly will enliven and attract a broader audience to the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, Adam Lerner, director of The Lab at Bel Mar, sent another of his carefully worded e-mails this morning. This time he announced that his institution will merge with the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver. Under Lerner’s direction, The Lab has attracted masses–often over 900 people–all the way to the dozing suburb of Lakewood with innovative programs that blend offbeat discussions with contemporary art. Lerner will take over as director of MCA Denver on March 16–but he’s also demanded the title of “Chief Animator, Department of Structures and Fictions.” In other words, MCA is about to get the same sort of fun programming that’s been such a hit at The Lab. “I see my role to continue to animate art for the public,” Lerner told me over the phone today. “To bring it to life, and really show them how art can be relevant to their lives.” MCA Denver’s former director, Cydney Payton, is credited with rescuing the institution from near death in 2001. She announced her resignation last July, less than a year after the $16 million building by architect David Adjaye opened. Details about the transition can be found here. Andy Bosselman is a freelance copywriter and journalist living in Denver.