Artists, organizations and businesses that contribute to the arts experience in greater downtown Phoenix will be featured during Art Detour, on First Friday maps and more.
Artlink Inc., the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that promotes the downtown Phoenix arts community, invites artists, arts organizations and businesses that contribute to Phoenix’s vibrant downtown culture to become Articipants. Those who sign up for Articipation are included in the promotion of Art Detour, First and Third Fridays and more throughout 2016.
With Artlink’s Fourth Annual Art d’Core Gala (March 10, 2016) and 28th Annual Art Detour (March 19-20, 2016) approaching soon, now is the best opportunity for Articipants to sign up and make the most of their year-round Artlink benefits. Articipants receive a wide range of benefits based on different categories (Artists; Galleries/Art Spaces; Restaurants/Bars/Retail). Designed to help promote the artistic and cultural endeavors of participating Articipants, year-round benefits begin February 1, 2016 and continue through January 31, 2017.
NEW Performing Arts Categories of Articipation
Recognizing the value of downtown’s range of arts organizations, Artlink has expanded eligible categories of Articipation. Previously open only to the visual arts community, Artlink—for the first time in its near 30-year history—now invites performing arts organizations that contribute to downtown’s vibrancy to also become Articipants and benefit from year-round promotion.
“As downtown Phoenix evolves, so does Artlink,” said Artlink Board President Catrina Kahler. “We are excited to promote the full spectrum of arts and culture experiences accessible in downtown Phoenix.”
Articipants are Invited to Participate in Signature Events
Art d’Core Gala – NEW Co-Host and Venue! Held under the stars in Margaret T. Hance Park, this fourth annual celebration spotlights the significant contribution of the arts in creating a dynamic urban core. The Art d’Core Gala is held in partnership with the Office of the Mayor, City of Phoenix Office of Arts & Culture, City of Phoenix Parks & Recreation Department, Downtown Phoenix Inc., and the Hance Park Conservancy.
Art Detour 28: The event that helped launch the First Fridays Art Walk phenomenon, Art Detour provides the public with an opportunity to meet visual artists in their working environments. By encouraging conversation and inquiry, Art Detour helps educate and connect the public with the artists in their community. The annual event also provides the public the opportunity to see inside many of downtown Phoenix’s hidden and otherwise private creative spaces. It is named as “one of the most important events in Phoenix’s calendar” by City of Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton,
First Friday Trolley Tour: Over the past two decades, the First Fridays Art Walk has evolved into a major monthly celebration that draws anywhere from 12-20,000 people every month. Artlink publishes the official map of First and Third Fridays.
Artlink provides complimentary trolley service enabling the public to park and ride from four information hubs, and hop on or off at galleries along the way. As it circulates through downtown Phoenix, the trolley connects arts venues and districts including Phoenix Art Museum, Heard Museum, the popular Roosevelt Row and Grand Avenue arts districts, as well as CityScape and Arizona Center. Knowledgeable docents staff the trolleys helping to guide new and returning visitors.
Expanded Benefits
While Art Detour and the Art d’Core Gala remain signature events for Artlink, the organization’s programs have expanded to provide year-round promotional opportunities for downtown artists, arts organizations and arts spaces.
These opportunities include a Pop-Up Gallery program featuring exhibitions by local artists in unique and nontraditional public spaces; guided Downtown Art Tours that shine a spotlight on artists and galleries; an annual Juried Exhibition; and a variety of calls for artists throughout the year.
In addition, restaurants, bars and other downtown retail spaces benefit from year-round promotion on the Artlink Art Detour maps, First Friday maps, and the Artlink website, as well as additional promotional opportunities to be announced in coming months.
Artlink Ariticipant registration deadline is January 18, 2016. Full details on Articipant levels and benefits are available at http://artlinkphoenix.org/articipants/.
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.
