The City of Flagstaff Beautification, Arts and Science is starting the new year strong with hopes of completing more than 18 art and beautification projects in 2024. From large-scale initiatives like Aspen Niche and the Indigenous and Multicultural Representation Sculpture Exhibition to small-scale ventures, like art wraps, murals, and community gardens, these projects are about creativity by, for, and for the community. and continue to shape the city's identity and character, while fostering connections.

Construction of the long-awaited Aspenich will begin this spring. Located across from the Orpheum Theater and between CenturyLink and Pay and Take, this space currently serves as the entrance to the CenturyLink parking lot. Many improvements will be added to this entry. First and foremost, the chain links are removed and replaced with artistically cut metal fences and gates. Plans also include expanded sidewalks and colorful bike racks. Together, these features revitalize what was previously a dead zone on Aspen His Avenue.

Iron and stone artwork by emerging and established artists such as ReFab Revolution, Lance Yazzie, Oliverio Balcells, and Gedion Nyanhongo will delight and captivate visitors to Elizabeth “Liz” C. Archuleta Park . Five large-scale sculptures reflect symbols from diverse cultures, including the eagle and the tree of life. This exhibition hopes to encourage conversation, exchange and appreciation. As a partnership between the City of Flagstaff and Coconino County, this annual event solidifies the park as Northern Arizona's outdoor sculpture venue. This project began as a dialogue between the City of Flagstaff's Beautification, Arts and Sciences, and Indigenous Initiatives programs.

Building on the success of the Signal Cabinet Art Wrap to date, the City of Flagstaff plans to expand this initiative in 2024 to create art canvases from plain utilitarian cabinets to enhance the visual landscape. 2024 will be the fourth phase of the program, which will see colorful digital art by local artists displayed in various locations around the city. At least three new locations will be determined based on safety, city ownership, and visibility for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles. For the first time, Arizona Public Service (APS) has given the city permission to wrap some APS electrical cabinets in Phase 4. Artists of all levels are encouraged to submit proposals, which will be reviewed by a selection committee comprised of neighboring communities. Like all beautification and public art projects, this program is funded by a dedicated bed, board and beverage tax. Artist recruitment is expected to begin in early 2024.

Artists, community members, nonprofit organizations, schools, and local businesses are encouraged to apply for Beautification in Action (BIA) grants. This bi-annual grant program awards up to $4,500 for streetscape art and beautification. Projects that enliven and revitalize the urban environment take the form of community gardens, neighborhood trails, benches, sculptures, murals, and more, creating enjoyable encounters for Flagstaff residents and visitors. Thanks to expanded activities in 2023, the number of applicants has doubled this fall. Upcoming projects include the community orchard at Bushmaster Park, his five little free libraries in Sunnyside, the wildflower maze at the Willow Bend Environmental Education Center, and the community's community at his Habitat in Flagstaff. It includes large-scale murals that capture beauty and diversity. Application deadlines for BIA grants are March 15th and September 15th.

Design approval for artwork to be installed at Murdock/Southside Park and Swiss Canyon Roundabout is also planned for 2024. Finally, Beautification Arts and Sciences will continue its partnership with Creative Flagstaff to help operate the arts and sciences nonprofit sector. Project grants totaling $400,000 and support for Creative Flagstaff's new His ARTx Festival in May will also be provided. FBN

Jana Weldon

If you would like to learn more please visit: flagstaff.az.gov/621/beautification-art-science.

Jana Weldon is the Beautification, Arts, and Science Program Manager for the City of Flagstaff.

Photo provided by: ““Eagle Sun” by Oliverio Balcells is a sculpture proposed for an indigenous and multicultural representation project.