Buckle up, Phoenix art community: Art Detour will return in March for its 25th annual event in downtown Phoenix and applications for artists and galleries are now available online.
The weekend event, officially organized by Downtown non-profit Artlink, includes two days of studio tours and gallery openings on March 2 and 3. Traditionally, the event is a chance for local artists to show the public what they've been working on and hopefully reach a wider audience than the monthly First or Third Fridays.
See also: - Artlink Launches Third Friday "Collectors Tours" - Art Detour 24: Sure, it Was Better Than Last Year, But Artlink Still Needs to Rethink Its Relevance After 24 Years
According to Artlink, the event will kick off with a Silver Gala on February 23 and a "Pre-Detour First Friday" on March 1. On March 2 and 3, attendees are encouraged to sign up for free artist- and docent-lead tours through galleries and studios as well as follow self-guided tours and hop on shuttles that circle Downtown, making stops along Roosevelt Row, Grand Avenue, and more.
In years past, Detour has drawn criticism from the community (and us) for last-minute date changes, delayed advertising, and registration costs, but organization for this year's Detour is notably better, with a new website and online application, as well as frequently updated social media pages.
Informational meetings about this year's Detour have been held since the close of Art Detour 24, and big expectations are currently building for the silver anniversary of what has been the Phoenix's largest annual art event of the year.
Currently, participation fees are $40 for artist studios and spaces, $75 for bars, restaurants, venues, and retail shops, and $25 for artists wanting to participate in a public hanging at a local gallery (location TBA).
Registration covers printing, insurance, and advertising costs of Detour and includes listings in sponsored maps and tours. Yes, organizers admit, you can open your doors during Detour without paying a participation fee, but your space/venue/gallery/studio won't be included in any official Art Detour guide.
For more information, check out Artlink's website. Stay tuned for must-see exhibition lists, reviews, and of course, a hand-drawn map.
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