Second Annual Event Features Mayor Stanton and Kicks Off Art Detour 27
Mayor Greg Stanton will give his second annual speech about downtown Phoenix’s progress and successes at the annual Art d’Core Gala, Saturday, February 21, at 7 p.m. at the Crescent Ballroom.
The gala – hosted by nonprofit, Artlink Inc. – will highlight upcoming events in the spring arts season and kick off the 27th annual Art Detour, a two-day celebration of art in downtown.
“We’ve worked hard to create a downtown that’s vibrant, walkable and livable – a community where education, the arts and commerce thrive,” said Stanton. “Artlink has been on the forefront of activating this community in a way that enhances the urban experience and engages artists and entrepreneurs.”
“There are many events on the downtown Phoenix calendar, but the Gala is unique,” said David Krietor, Downtown Phoenix Inc. President and CEO. “The energy in that room is undeniable and a testament to how far downtown has come.”
In addition to serving as the formal kick-off of Art Detour 27 (March 7 – 8, 2015), the Art d’Core Gala will unveil three distinctive art pieces inspired by local neighborhoods along the Valley Metro Rail line.
Decorating the Crescent Ballroom will be three, 9’ banners created by Arizona artists representing the neighborhood character of the McDowell, Roosevelt and 12th Street station areas. The featured artists include Lucretia Torva (McDowell), Jeff Jones (Roosevelt) and Robert Jackson (12th Street). They worked with the local community to create these pieces, which will hang at light rail stations following the event. The effort was made possible through a Reinvent Phoenix grant and in participation with Valley Metro.
“Visual and performing arts set the stage for this one annual party that celebrates our urban attitude,” said Catrina Kahler, Artlink Inc. Board President. “The event brings together a diverse gathering of artists, entrepreneurs, and the business community in a celebration of the downtown we love and support.”
The program portion of the evening will be opened by a special performance by Phoenix Theatre. The stage design will feature a creative, virtual tour of downtown Phoenix through the lens of visual effects designer, Matt Castleberry. DJ Sean Watson will perform in the Ballroom following the program.
Attendees will also enjoy local food and drink specials created by Crescent Ballroom. The event is complimentary; RSVPs are required.
What: Art d’Core Gala
When: Saturday, February 21, 2015. Doors open at 6 p.m.; program begins at 7 p.m.
Where: Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. 2nd Ave., Phoenix
RSVP: Eventbrite #artlinkgala
Attire: Creative, formal attire is encouraged
The Art d’Core Gala is hosted by City of Phoenix Mayor’s Office, Downtown Phoenix, Inc. and Artlink Inc. and sponsored by APS, Phoenix Convention Center, Valley Metro, Ernst & Young LLP, City of Phoenix Aviation Department and Support Sky Harbor, with additional support from The Arizona Republic, CityScape, Arizona Commission on the Arts, Crescent Ballroom and Phoenix Ale Brewery.
About Art Detour 27
Art Detour, the first event to link the downtown Phoenix arts community, returns for its 27th year on March 7 – 8, 2015. The two-day celebration invites Valley residents and visitors to meet the artists, arts entrepreneurs and businesses that contribute to a thriving downtown Phoenix. Artlink, Inc. produces the event in partnership with more than 100 “Articipants” – downtown Phoenix arts districts and destinations that participate in and contribute to the arts community.
About Artlink Inc.
Artlink Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to linking artists, business and the public to better understand, appreciate and support a thriving arts community in downtown Phoenix. Artlink supports a variety of community-based art events, including complimentary Trolley Tours during the monthly First Friday Art Walk, one of the country’s largest self-guided gallery tour; Downtown Arts Tours, specially selected guided gallery tours; a year-round Pop Up Gallery Program featuring exhibitions in non-traditional spaces; the annual Juried Exhibition; the annual Art d’Core Gala, and the annual Art Detour self-guided tour, featuring open studios, pop-up galleries, family-friendly art experiences and more. Artlink’s year-round activities are supported by Downtown Phoenix, Inc., City of Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture, CityScape, APS, Arizona Commission on the Arts, Phoenix Art Museum, The Arizona Republic, Phoenix Convention Center, Dunn Transportation, The Torosian Foundation, Valley Metro, City of Phoenix Aviation Department, Support Sky Harbor Coalition, Arizona Center, Downtown Voices Coalition, Downtown Phoenix Journal, Invexi Web Development, Simply Adam Mann, Roosevelt Row CDC, and the Grand Avenue Members Association. For more information, visit artlinkphoenix.org or connect socially on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About Downtown Phoenix Inc.
Downtown Phoenix Inc. (DPI) is a community development group created in 2013 to advance the continued revitalization of Downtown Phoenix. A collaboration of business, City of Phoenix, and community leaders, DPI coordinates activities between the Downtown Phoenix Partnership, Phoenix Community Alliance, Downtown Phoenix Events, and Downtown Phoenix CDC.
