Valley Cities Invite The Public To Celebrate Diversity Through Unity ArtWalk

Press release from the City of Phoenix:

December 17, 2020

Each January, residents from the cities and towns of Chandler, Gilbert, Guadalupe, Mesa, Phoenix, Tempe and Scottsdale gather at Tempe Town Lake to celebrate diversity and culture during the annual Regional Unity Walk. While it's still not safe to gather in large groups, the need for unity is greater than ever.

In honor of the 18th year of the Regional Unity event, these Valley cities are coming together to host a “Unity ArtWalk: A Visual Journey of Diversity, Culture and Equity" from Jan. 5-31, 2021. Each city has compiled a list of signature art pieces, including murals, photos, performances and sculptures for the community to experience. The majority of the featured art is accessible without going indoors, so it's a safe activity to enjoy as a family outing, date night or even to escape your neighborhood to explore a nearby city.

In early January, a link will be available to view a map of the selected ArtWalk destinations. The map will feature information about each piece, including the artists.

While residents are out on the town enjoying the ArtWalk, each city's Diversity Office has compiled a list of recommended restaurants (with carryout services available) nearby that are owned by People of Color. During this time, it's important to support local businesses. Be sure to try a different eatery and explore a new experience for your taste buds, too.

To learn more about diversity initiatives in each of the participating cities and towns, or additional information on the upcoming Unity ArtWalk (including the link to the map), visit the following websites:chandleraz.gov/UnityArtWalk, gilbertaz.gov/communityresources, guadalupeaz.org, mesaaz.gov/UnityWalk, phoenix.gov/eod, tempe.gov/UnityWalk or tempe.gov/diversity and scottsdaleaz.gov/diversity.

Phoenix's cultural art destinations include:

• MuralsOut Shine - South of downtown in Grant Park NeighborhoodCultivating Unity - Lionetti Hair Clipper Service building

• Public ArtPeace - Eastlake ParkWaterworks at Arizona Falls - AZ Canal and 58th StreetPassage - Pueblo Grande MuseumPonderosa Stables - South Mountain ParkThe Zanjero's Line - Highline CanalMountain Pass Bridge - Nisbet Road and SR-51Grasshopper Bridge - Moon Valley ParkCesar Chavez Plaza - Cesar Chavez Commemorative ParkPassages - South Mountain Community CollegeMr. Potato Head Rises over Phoenix - Encanto ParkEd Pastor Bridge - Isaac Middle SchoolIsaac Streetscape - McDowell Road from 32nd to 35th avenuesMcDowell Gateway - McDowell Road, between 16 and 17th streetsMagic Carpet - Camelback Road at 25th StreetA Path for Water - 6th Street and Butler AvenueSunny - Hatcher Road, from Central Avenue to Third StreetDunlap Ave Tree Guards - Dunlap Avenue from Central Avenue to 7th StreetA Time Machine Called Tinaja - 73rd Avenue and Crittenden LaneWatermark - 55th Avenue and Edgemont AvenueHer Secret is Patience - Civic Space ParkLittle Canyon Trail - 31st Avenue between Camelback Road and Missouri AvenueColor Box - Phoenix Art MuseumThe Earth Dreaming - Phoenix Convention Center North BuildingLayering of Worlds - Herberger Center for the ArtsFour Corners - Neighborhood Resource Center

To learn more about the city of Phoenix Public Art Program, visit phoenix.gov/arts/publicart.

This press release was produced by the City of Phoenix. The views expressed here are the author’s own.