First Fridays is returning to downtown Phoenix with some new changes.
Well, it never really left, but Roosevelt CDC and Artlink pulled the plug
on the street closures and vendor presence back in May due to "violent acts" happening in close proximity to the monthly event. However, just because the police would no longer be present and the streets no longer lined with vendors, First Fridays continued on.The businesses and art galleries continued to open their doors to the public, and artists and musicians continued to fill the streets with live music and public art demonstrations throughout the summer months.
Now, it seems, that there's more changes coming to the October event, and this time the Phoenix City Council has gotten involved.
Starting
Friday, Oct. 2, a new pilot program will give property owners and small businesses in the Downtown Roosevelt and Evans Churchill neighborhood "the tools they need to activate their property with outdoor arts-forward programming in ways that are aligned with the spirit and legacy of one of the longest tenured art walks in the country," according to a news release from Downtown Phoenix Inc.
Businesses located along Roosevelt Row can apply for permits to host vendors selling paintings, jewelry, ceramics, clothing and other locally made art. Artisanal food and drinks will also be allowed; however extra permits will need to be acquired for food trucks. This pilot program intends to "re-establish the First Friday Art Walks within its original downtown footprint and refocus efforts on selling art-related goods from vendors on private property," according to the press release.
“Over the past year, we have listened closely to artists, neighbors, and business owners about what First Friday means to them,” said Vice Mayor Kesha Hodge Washington in the release. “This pilot program reflects that feedback. It strengthens the art centered spirit of the event while ensuring it continues to grow safely and sustainably. Our community helped shape this new approach, and their voices will remain a central aspect of First Friday’s future.”
District 7 Councilwoman Anna Hernandez stated in the news release that she hopes this pilot program addresses all the hopes and concerns brought forward by the community during multiple meetings and that if this pilot program goes well, there could be a possibility of expanding it citywide.
However, as part of this pilot program, the city will no longer allow street or alley closures for First Friday. The program will run for one year — 12 First Fridays. Throughout this period, the city will collect data and evaluate how this new model supports safety, business engagement and the event's artistic mission.
Meredith G. White covers entertainment, art and culture for The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com. She writes the latest news about video games, television and best things to do in metro Phoenix.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: First Friday is changing again in downtown Phoenix. Here's how
