This biannual grant program awards up to $4,500 for streetscape art and beautification.
The City of Flagstaff’s Beautification, Arts and Sciences is starting the New Year strong, anticipating the completion of more than 18 art and beautification projects in 2024. From large endeavors like Aspen Niche and the Indigenous & Multi-Cultural Representation sculpture exhibition, to smaller undertakings like art wraps, murals and community gardens, these projects – by, for and of the community – will continue to shape the city’s identity and character while promoting creativity and connection.
This spring, construction begins on the much-anticipated Aspen Niche. Located across from the Orpheum Theater and nestled between Century Link and Pay-N-Take, the space currently serves as the entrance to Century Link’s parking lot. Many improvements will be added to this entry. First and foremost, the chain link will be removed and replaced with an artistic cut metal fence and gate. A sidewalk expansion and colorful bike racks are also planned. Together, these features add vibrancy to a previous dead zone on Aspen Avenue.
Arresting artworks in steel and stone by emerging and established artists like ReFab Revolution, Lance Yazzie, Oliverio Balcells and Gedion Nyanhongo will delight and engage visitors at the Elizabeth “Liz” C. Archuleta Park. Five large-scale sculptures will reflect symbols of diverse cultures, whether it be an eagle or a tree of life. The exhibition hopes to prompt conversation, interaction and appreciation. As a partnership between the City of Flagstaff and Coconino County, this annual event will solidify the park as an outdoor sculpture venue in Northern Arizona. The project began as a conversation between the City of Flagstaff Beautification, Arts and Sciences and Indigenous Initiaves programs.
Building on the success of previous traffic signal cabinet art wraps, the City of Flagstaff will expand this initiative in 2024 – creating art canvases out of plain utilitarian cabinets to enhance the visual landscape. 2024 marks the fourth phase of this program that features colorful digital art by local artists at various locations throughout the city. At least three new locations will be determined based on safety, city ownership, and pedestrian, bike and/or car visibility. For the first time, Arizona Public Service (APS) is permitting the city to wrap select APS electrical cabinets for the fourth phase. Artists of all levels are encouraged to submit proposals that will be reviewed by neighborhood-comprised selection panels. Like all beautification and public art projects, this program is funded by the dedicated Bed, Board & Beverage tax. A Call-to-Artists will open in early 2024.
Artists, community members, non-profits, schools and local businesses are encouraged to apply for a Beautification in Action (BIA) grant. This biannual grant program awards up to $4,500 for streetscape art and beautification. Projects that enliven and revitalize the urban environment can take the form of community gardens, neighborhood paths, benches, sculptures, murals and more, creating joyful encounters for Flagstaff residents and visitors. Thanks to increased outreach in 2023, the number of applicants doubled this past fall. Upcoming projects include a community orchard at Bushmaster Park, five Little Free Libraries in Sunnyside, a wildflower maze at Willow Bend Environmental Education Center, and a large-scale mural that captures the region’s beauty and diversity at the Flagstaff Habitat ReStore. The deadline to apply for a BIA grant is March 15 and September 15.
Approval of designs for artwork to be installed at the Murdoch/Southside Park and Switzer Canyon Roundabout is also planned in 2024. Finally, Beautification, Arts and Sciences will continue its partnership with Creative Flagstaff to support the arts and sciences non-profit sector with operating and project grants totaling $400,000 as well as providing support for Creative Flagstaff’s new ARTx festival in May. FBN
By Jana Weldon
To learn more, visit flagstaff.az.gov/621/Beautification-Arts-Sciences.
Jana Weldon is the Beautification, Arts & Sciences program manager for the City of Flagstaff.
Courtesy Photo: “Eagle Sun,” by Oliverio Balcells, is a proposed sculpture for the Indigenous and Multi-Cultural Representation Project.
