| Phoenix is Selected as One of 17 Finalist for Bloomberg Philanthropies $1 Million Public Art Challenge | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/arts-and-culture/2794 | Arts and Culture | | 6/28/2023 4:00:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2794/Image - Shade Structure Rendering.jpg | | Phoenix is Selected as One of 17 Finalist for Bloomberg Philanthropies $1 Million Public Art Challenge | <div class="ExternalClass32D5F72F45204F3296B8C62EDE737228"><html>
<p>Bloomberg Philanthropies has selected the City of Phoenix as one of 17 finalist cities to receive up to $1 million as part of its Public Art Challenge. This unique grant program supports public art projects that address essential local civic issues in cities nationwide.</p>
<p>Phoenix's proposed project, ¡Sombra!, aims to address heat mitigation by creating a family-friendly festival introducing a dialogue about Phoenix's urban heat challenges to a new audience. The festival will engage residents with experiential and educational public art installations and activities for children, food, and music to celebrate the community. <br></p>
<p>¡Sombra! will foster community dialogue among residents about the city's extreme heat challenges. The project will feature up to 12 artists whose work responds to the urban heat crisis. These works may include shade and cooling structures that create street-scale microclimates; installations that promote the protective beauty, comfort, and cooling power of hats and parasols; and other participatory arts experiences that provoke dialogue about rising temperatures and sustainable heat-mitigating tactics. These installations will debut at the one-day ¡Sombra! Festival but installations will remain on display for a year.</p>
<p>Phoenix was selected as a finalist from more than 150 project proposals from cities in 40 U.S. states. This fall, Bloomberg Philanthropies will select up to 10 winning cities to execute their projects over the next two years.</p>
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| Local Artist Selected to Create 190 ft. Mural in Advance of Major Downtown Events | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/arts-and-culture/2544 | Arts and Culture | | 10/28/2022 8:00:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2544/Mural_OAC.jpg | | Local Artist Selected to Create 190 ft. Mural in Advance of Major Downtown Events | <div class="ExternalClassCA443228E46A48B485E5F16853E58482"><html>
<p>The City of Phoenix partnered with Downtown Phoenix Inc. and Artlink Inc. to select a local artist to create a 190 feet mural on Adams Street, near the entrance of the Phoenix Convention Center, in downtown Phoenix.</p><p>Over the next few years, Phoenix is hosting major city-wide events, including fan activities for the NFL 2023 Super Bowl LVII, the 2024 NCAA Men's Final Four, and the 2026 NCAA Women's Final Four. Project partners wanted to celebrate Phoenix's festive and diverse culture by incorporating a large-scale mural on the side of the Regency Garage on Adams Street that will welcome residents and visitors downtown. This 190 feet x 10 feet wall is prominently positioned near the entrance of the Phoenix Convention Center and will be completed before the Super Bowl in February 2023.</p><p>A total of 47 artist and artist team submissions were received, and eight artists were selected to advance as finalists. Each finalist was paid an honorarium to create a concept that would highlight the city's diversity, culture, and vitality while engaging the Phoenix residents and visitors in a meaningful way.</p><p>Following a healthy panel discussion, artist Kayla Newnam, an experienced muralist based in Phoenix, was selected for the commission.</p><p>"We are thrilled for this partnership and that arts and culture has been called upon to welcome residents and visitors to Phoenix when attending these major events," said Mitch Menchaca, executive director of the City of Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture. "Kayla's artwork highlights not just downtown but the beauty all around the city."</p><p>There will be two opportunities for the public to participate in a Community Paint Day to create downtown Phoenix's newest mural. With 190 feet of wall space to cover, the event will be an ideal painting opportunity for people of all ages and skill levels. Bring your family and friends to join Newnam on Saturday, November 5 or Sunday, November 6, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Sign up is limited to a maximum of 50 people each day. RSVP required at <a href="http://www.kaylanewnam.com/" target="_blank">www.kaylanewnam.com</a>.</p><p>Newnam is a Phoenix native and has produced several public art projects in the central Phoenix area, including "Not Another Bird Mural" on Roosevelt St. and "Desert Connection" for Wexford Science + Technology in the 850 PBC building on the Phoenix Biomedical Campus.</p><p><strong>About Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture</strong></p><p>The City of Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture champions, promotes, and supports the City's arts and culture community to make Phoenix a great place to live, work, and visit. The agency manages an award-winning public art program, grants funds to artists and nonprofit arts organizations; oversees eight cultural facilities, including the Gallery @ City Hall; promotes arts learning for youth; professional development opportunities for arts administrators and individual artists; and participates in national studies and research that make a strong case for the arts and demonstrate their economic, social, practical, and educational benefits. Follow the Office on Facebook at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/phxofficeofartsandculture" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/phxartsculture</a> and Twitter at @phxarts_culture.</p><p><strong>About the Phoenix Convention Center</strong></p><p>The award-winning, GBAC STAR™ accredited, Phoenix Convention Center is one of the largest convention venues in the United States. It boasts nearly one million square feet of rentable meeting and event space. As a department of the City of Phoenix, the Phoenix Convention Center is a vital economic enterprise for the state and local economy. The Phoenix Convention Center & Venues include the Phoenix Convention Center, Symphony Hall Phoenix, Orpheum Theatre Phoenix and nine downtown parking facilities.</p><p><strong>About Downtown Phoenix Inc.</strong></p><p>Formed in 2013, Downtown Phoenix Inc. [DPI] delivers enhanced municipal services to the Downtown Business Core and manages the work plans for Phoenix Community Alliance [PCA] and the Downtown Phoenix Community Development Corporation [CDC]. DPI and its family of service providing non-profit organizations are guided by a mission to facilitate collaboration, cultivate connections, and contribute to both the growth and vitality of our community. To generate progress on issues, work toward sustainable growth and build a stronger, more inclusive city core that generates positive perceptions, memorable experiences and a sense of pride in downtown.</p><p><strong>About Artlink Inc.</strong></p><p><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;">Artlink keeps the arts integral to our development by connecting artists, businesses and the community. Founded as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization by artists in 1989, the Artlink name is a guiding principle for the organization, as it supports stakeholders of the arts and culture community, amplifying its collective strength. Visit </span><a style="background-color:window;font-size:10pt;" href="http://www.artlinkphx.org/" target="_blank">www.artlinkphx.org</a><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;"> to sign up for the Artlink newsletter, or connect socially on </span><a style="background-color:window;font-size:10pt;" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.facebook.com/ArtlinkPhoenix__%3b%21%21LkjWUF49MRd51_ry%21YGOw_Mxm9mbvwYhBbLv7GqoZ_oi_kPSQiZ8kb5qY3nv1nTqL3nEG-rBu3fMTJep9vvnbc1NdNfWb3QNUXbRpAJoZneg$" target="_blank">Facebook</a><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;">, </span><a style="background-color:window;font-size:10pt;" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/twitter.com/artlink_phoenix__%3b%21%21LkjWUF49MRd51_ry%21YGOw_Mxm9mbvwYhBbLv7GqoZ_oi_kPSQiZ8kb5qY3nv1nTqL3nEG-rBu3fMTJep9vvnbc1NdNfWb3QNUXbRp6J8glfw$" target="_blank">Twitter</a><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;"> and </span><a style="background-color:window;font-size:10pt;" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.instagram.com/artlink_phoenix/__%3b%21%21LkjWUF49MRd51_ry%21YGOw_Mxm9mbvwYhBbLv7GqoZ_oi_kPSQiZ8kb5qY3nv1nTqL3nEG-rBu3fMTJep9vvnbc1NdNfWb3QNUXbRpT_RVhf0$" target="_blank">Instagram</a><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;">.</span></p>
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| Newest Phoenix Fry’s Food Stores to Feature Original Mural by Artist Kenneth Keene | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/arts-and-culture/2490 | Arts and Culture | | 9/21/2022 7:00:00 AM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2490/OAC_Mural_Frys.jpg | | Newest Phoenix Fry’s Food Stores to Feature Original Mural by Artist Kenneth Keene | <div class="ExternalClass8EF48335F610416090779745C33BDD2A"><html>The City of Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture partnered with Fry’s Food Stores to commission local artist Kenneth Keene, an experienced muralist and former art educator, to create a mural in the new Fry’s Food Stores in north Phoenix. The mural is featured on the wall near the main entrance of the store. Located at 26300 N. Norterra Parkway, the store is scheduled to open on Wednesday, October 5.<br><br>Keene was chosen from among 18 local artists who applied for the $10,000 commission to paint the mural, which is 8’ tall x 24’ wide. “Ken had the ability to capture the landscape in a visually stunning and complex way that will make a huge impact on customers that enter the store” said Bo Wachendorf, Art Project Manager for Fry’s Food Stores. The mural is a celebration of the Sonoran Desert and the natural beauty of the state tree, the Palo Verde.<br><br>“Fry’s has become a leader in bolstering community connections between private development and the arts through mural commissions like this one,” said Carrie Brown, Deputy Director of the Office of Arts and Culture, which helped to coordinate the process Fry’s used to select the artist.<br><br>Kenneth Keene has painted murals around the Valley of the Sun for 35 years. He is a graduate of Arizona State University and former art teacher in Glendale and Peoria, AZ. A professional artist, Keene’s major endeavor has been to create murals that enhance interior spaces while magnifying a specific or unique quality of the location. He enjoys representing the beauty of nature and content that celebrates all life. “I believe that my success as an artist is dependent on the viewer’s ability to take something away that is completely their own,” said Keene.<br><br><br><strong>About Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture</strong><br><br>The Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture was established in 1985 to champion and sustain the City's arts and culture community to make Phoenix a great place to live, work, and visit. The Office is advised by the Phoenix Arts and Culture Commission, made up of a diverse group of citizen volunteers with a particular area of focus on policymaking and financial recommendations for public art and grant investments for the City. For more information on the Office of Arts and Culture, visit <a target="_blank" href="http://www.phoenix.gov/arts">phoenix.gov/arts</a> or call 602-262-4637. Follow the Office on Facebook: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.facebook.com/phxofficeofartsandculture">facebook.com/phxartsculture</a> and Instagram <a target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/phxartsculture/">@phxartsculture</a>.<br><br><br><strong>About Fry’s Food Stores</strong><br><br>At Fry’s Food Stores, a company of The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), we are Fresh for Everyone™ and dedicated to our Purpose: To Feed the Human Spirit®. Headquartered in Tolleson, we employ more than 20,000 associates and operate 125 Fry’s Food Stores and 97 fuel centers across the state. Fry’s has been serving Arizonans since 1960 and was selected as the 2019 Business of the Year by the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce. As a division of The Kroger Family of Companies, we care about the communities we serve, working to end hunger and eliminate waste across the company through our Zero Hunger | Zero Waste social impact plan. In 2021, we provided nearly 12 million meals to Arizona’s hungry families.<br>
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| Phoenix Transforms Retired Well Sites into Public Art Spaces | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/arts-and-culture/2328 | Arts and Culture | | 5/2/2022 7:00:00 AM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2328/PHXNewsroom_Neighborhood_Vista050222.jpg | | Phoenix Transforms Retired Well Sites into Public Art Spaces | <div class="ExternalClassD4248C0E27584AC7B987DEC563DE5DFA"><html>
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As part of an ongoing effort to repurpose retired well sites, the City of Phoenix Water Services and Office of Arts + Culture have collaborated to transform a previously inaccessible lot into an engaging sculpture garden at <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/PuxSUAHa8TzCQWgX6" target="_blank">63rd Ave. and Osborn Rd.</a><br></p>The “Neighborhood Vista" project enhances the former Well Site 156, a decommissioned well that provided water to the surrounding neighborhood as far back as the 1940s. With the well site no longer active, the lot housing the well offered little continued benefit to the surrounding community. In 2019, this site was selected as the fourth location to be developed as part of the Community Well Enhancement Program.<br><br>Local artist Jeff Zischke saw the space as an opportunity to create a sculptural garden that tells the story of the past, present, future, and diversity of the community that has grown around, partly because of, the historical well. This space integrates large steel sculptures with indigenous flora, connected by a walking path that provides in of the sculptural elements.<br><br>To further enhance the experience, an <a href="https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/966cc54a73ca4c93a9a653b236aea02f" target="_blank">interactive story map</a> is available, providing historic context for the site, details about the design process, and insights from the artist.<br><br>On Wednesday, May 4, 2022, at 4 p.m., we invite the community to share in the dedication of Neighborhood Vista and to experience the space firsthand.<br><br>
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| New Online Art Map Now Available | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/arts-and-culture/2109 | Arts and Culture | | 10/18/2021 5:00:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2109/Newsroom_Arts_101.png | | New Online Art Map Now Available | <div class="ExternalClass06124B5CC9624C1BB9077FA6294DA5B4"><html>
<div>The City of Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture’s new online <a href="/arts/publicartmap" target="_blank">Public Art Map</a> is up and ready for self-guided tours. It features more than 200 major public art projects created throughout Phoenix by the city’s award-winning Public Art Program. <br></div>
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<div>Each point on the map contains a description highlighting key information about the artist and project. The works range from pedestrian bridges, underpasses, streetscapes, community water facilities and canal projects to monumental indoor and outdoor sculptures, and artist-designed terrazzo floors and installations at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. </div>
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<div>“Art is everywhere, and now Phoenix residents and visitors have the opportunity to explore the city’s public art collection,” said Mitch Menchaca, director of the Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture. “They can visit these iconic pieces or learn about them without having to leave home. These pieces belong to the community, and we are thrilled to provide this kind of access and information to the public.”</div>
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<div>The map is available on the web, and via your mobile device. Find the public art near you at <a href="/arts/publicartmap" target="_blank">www.phoenix.gov/arts/publicartmap</a>. </div>
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<div>The Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture was established in 1985 to champion and sustain the City's arts and culture community to make Phoenix a great place to live, work, and visit. The Public Art Program was created to build a more beautiful and vibrant city. Since its inception, it has created more than 200 major projects and become a national leader by involving artists with other design professionals to create a wide range of public buildings, spaces and infrastructure.<br></div>
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| 88 Arts & Culture Organizations Receive $2.6M ARPA Funding | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/arts-and-culture/2063 | Arts and Culture | | 9/15/2021 8:15:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2063/Newsroom_ARPA_Theatre.jpg | | 88 Arts & Culture Organizations Receive $2.6M ARPA Funding | <div class="ExternalClass25D69ADBDA8144C9AF0A2E84A6753BB5"><html>The City of Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture announced emergency relief grants to 88 nonprofit arts and culture organizations as part of the city's American Rescue Plan Act funding. The Phoenix City Council approved using federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds on June 8, 2021, for the Office of Arts and Culture to support nonprofit arts and culture organizations and artists still hurting financially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It will also fund a mix of workforce and economic development initiatives and community programs.<br> <br>As part of the ARPA funding, $2.65 million has been allocated to the Nonprofit Arts and Culture Stabilization Grants program. These funds will provide one-time emergency recovery grants to Phoenix's arts and culture organizations of all sizes. Funding can be used to manage their operations, personnel, and programming as they welcome back audiences, guests, and patrons to their services to demonstrate intent, commitment, and strategies to sustain well beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.<br><br>"We are thrilled to have the opportunity to continue to support the arts and culture sector in such a meaningful way during the pandemic," said Mitch Menchaca, executive director of the Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture. "These funds will impact not just the organizations receiving grants, by the artists and workforce they employ, as well as our residents to ensure they have access to cultural services throughout the entire city."<br><br>The Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture has an equity strategy that aims to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented marginalized groups' full participation from the agency's programs and strengthen equity, diversity, and inclusion in the arts and culture sector for all Phoenix residents. The 88 funded organizations represent all artistic disciplines, budget sizes, and City Council districts.<br><br><a href="/artssite/Documents/ArtsCultureNonprofitStabilizationGrantsRecipients2021.pdf" target="_blank">Full List of Organizational Grantees</a> (PDF)<br><br>The Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture also announced another ARPA grant program, the Arts Career Advancement Grants. This funding will help support artists and arts workers who have experienced income and opportunity lost because of COVID-19 and are in the process of rebuilding their arts practice. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, October 6, 2021. Learn more at <a href="http://www.phoenix.gov/arts/grants" target="_blank">Phoenix.gov/arts/grants</a>.<br></html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/arts | News | arts-and-culture | A+C | | |
| Phoenix Arts and Culture Recovery Program | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/arts-and-culture/1966 | Arts and Culture | | 6/24/2021 9:00:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/1966/ARPA 2021 Newsroom Header.PNG | | Phoenix Arts and Culture Recovery Program | <div class="ExternalClassFA838C9599D04F91A12DF89878CB46EB"><html>
<p>The local arts community is receiving some much-needed support from the Phoenix City Council, which approved $5 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) federal funding for the Phoenix Arts and Culture Recovery Program. The program will support nonprofit arts and culture organizations and artists still hurting financially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It will also fund a mix of workforce and economic development initiatives and community programs.<br></p>
<p>Grants to arts and culture nonprofits will help these organizations recover lost revenues due to the pandemic to reopen stronger to offer cultural services to residents. Prior to the global health crisis, Phoenix arts and culture nonprofits generated nearly 13,000 full-time jobs and delivered $45 million in local and state government revenues. Relief support for individual artists and arts workers will help these micro-businesses and entrepreneurs recover income from lost gigs, commissions and employment to retain their creativity and help their careers flourish in Phoenix.</p>
<p>“Businesses are still hurting from the effects of the COVID recession, including our arts community that has been at a standstill," said Mayor Kate Gallego. “Investing in this industry's recovery will bolster our economy and reinvigorate the vibrant culture, activities, and experiences that make Phoenix unique."</p>
<p>ARPA funds also will go to other initiatives, including an artist to work program to contract artists to develop projects, installations and performances that will activate a wide range of public spaces, including parks, trails, community centers and neighborhood areas not usually defined or programmed as cultural spaces. Funding also will be used to help college undergraduates or recent grads obtain full-time internships with arts and culture organizations to receive meaningful on-the-job training and experience working in the cultural sector. Finally, ARPA money will be used for the Office of Arts and Culture to continue its work with trainings, workshops, professional development opportunities and providing resources for financial sustainability, business practices and reopening strategies for local artists and organizations. </p>
<p>“I want to thank Mayor Gallego and City Council for their support of the arts and culture sector," said Mitch Menchaca, director of the Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture. “Arts and culture create a high quality of life, which is beneficial in attracting and retaining businesses and their workers, creating experiences for visitors to Phoenix and making residents want to live here with their families."</p>
<p>Details on the Phoenix Arts and Culture Recovery Program will be available online at phoenix.gov/arts in July 2021.<br></p><br></html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/arts | News | arts-and-culture | A+C | | |
| Phoenix Seeks Artists to Create 3-D Gateway Monuments in Eastlake Park Neighborhood | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/arts-and-culture/1953 | Arts and Culture | | 6/16/2021 9:00:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/1953/Photos - Eastlake Park Bldg and Memorial - 749 x 421.jpg | | Phoenix Seeks Artists to Create 3-D Gateway Monuments in Eastlake Park Neighborhood | <div class="ExternalClass74B40C40B4B54C0995C316A0E6AC54BD"><html>
<p>PHOENIX— The city of Phoenix is seeking an artist or artist team specializing in three-dimensional works to design two sculptural monuments to celebrate the unique spirit and diversity of the Eastlake Park community's rich history and continuing evolution as a thriving downtown Phoenix neighborhood. The gateway monuments will be located on the southwest corner of 16th and Washington streets and on the southwest corner of 16th and Jefferson streets in the Eastlake Park neighborhood.<span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;"> </span></p>
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<strong>Arizona artists are strongly encouraged to apply</strong>. This RFQ process is open to professional artists with a background in three-dimensional artwork in durable media who have collaborative design and project experience. <strong>There is an Information Session on June 17</strong> to provide prospective applicants more information about this Request for Qualifications (RFQ). <strong>Final RFQ submissions are due on July 9</strong>.<span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;"> </span></p>
<p>The selected artist(s) will work closely with the community and the city to create designs for the street sculptures that capture the unique spirit of the community. In addition to a design review by the community, the designs will be reviewed by the Phoenix Housing Department and the Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture.<span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;"> </span></p>
<p>For additional details on the application process along with the project budget and scope of work, visit <a target="_blank" href="http://www.phoenix.gov/arts">phoenix.gov/arts</a>.<br></p>
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