La Phoenikera’s litness is thanks to its arts scene. People can beat around the bush and say whatever, but it’s true. Art made it “palatable” and attractive. It wasn’t that long ago that people “yucked your yum” about living dwntwn or its neighboring communities. It wasn’t until culture became monetized or could yield serious money that people started paying attention to PHX and the artists/culture pushers.

Why do we say that?
We see a need to highlight that all the city’s development, the condos, campuses, venues, restaurants, hotels, and bars are thriving because of the symbiosis between businesses and a community of artists.

But the main reason we say it is to let you know that starting this Friday you’ll be able to experience La Phoenikera’s resilient arts community during the Art Detour, our city’s longest-running arts festival.

You can’t miss out!
You can always find amusement in La Phoenikera, and this weekend you’ll have tons of opportunities to see your the, talk to artists, take pictures, walk the streets, experience cultural spaces and interact with others under that umbrella.

We heard you can see local artists splash their magic on Phoenikerx alleys; watch decks transformed into art; or experience an exhibition of American Indian and Latinx artists inside containers on Roosevelt.

Xico, Inc. at Roosevelt Row Hot Box Pop-Up Shipping Container Galleries. Photo: Courtesy of ArtLink.

This year’s events make us drop it like is hot although we get a wee bit ansy just by reading the calendar of events (FOMO!). So many venues, galleries, and local vendors have gigs planned, so take cash and comfy shoes. Also, biking is an option. The forecast as of 03/13 says it’ll be 70 and sunny (don’t forget that sunscreen, a hat, and tons of that good ol’ H20).

Decked out decks by more than 60 artists.

There’s a gala at Warehouse215 with tons of culture pushers and a shit ton of art to kick off the event; you can purchase tix and be part of it.

You have a bundle of experiences to choose from and an ungodly amount of events every day, and after the weekend, so we suggest you check the calendar for specificity.

On Friday you can check out Roosevelt Row, and adjacent businesses, venues, and galleries; Saturday it’s all about Grand Ave.

Take your pick; there are tons of options.

You’ll be able to get on the trolly (which can transport you to and from Valley Metro lightrail stations Central/Roosevelt and Central/Van Buren) and pay a visit to more than 20 local businesses participating of the tour.

All aboard! Photo: Courtesy of ArtLink

Spend Sunday Funday at the Warehouse District where some of the most incredible arts organizations continuously produce cultura Phoenikera.

Also, Studio Tour is unmissable! just put yourself on the waiting list (oh yeah, sold out!) for a chance to take part in it.

Get on the waiting list!

Why do we think this festival is the bee’s knees?
Artlink, the non-profit organization established in the late 80’s that is behind our First Friday and 30 years of ArtDetour, brings you a representation of the city, a layered exposure, an in-between-the-lines kind of experience.

Localistas! Photo: Courtesy of ArtLink.

We’re localists; we get excited when the word about a new business opening is out and how many women and POC are representin’. Some people have been on the grind for a long time, creating culture, activating spaces and reminding us where we are, the energy of this land, the people before us and their teachings.

Dirty Thirties! Photo: Courtesy of ArtLink

So coming out and supporting, having a collective experience and celebrating what goes down in La Phoenikera, sounds pretty damn legit to us.

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