CITY FOCUS
Arizona
PHOENIX
T
hroughout the years, downtown Phoenix
has faced substantial change—both physi-
cally, as more and more development pops
up in the second fastest growing city and
fi fth largest city in the U.S., and culturally,
as residents have had to quickly adjust to their
changing home. What hasn’t changed, however, is
the strong sense of community in the “Valley of the
Sun,” especially among those involved in the arts.
“I think we have a better sense of community than
a lot of downtown areas,” shares R.J. Price, the chief
marketing offi cer of Downtown Phoenix Inc., also
known as DTPHX, an organization committed to
cultivating a better downtown area and experience
for visitors and residents alike. “I believe it comes
from being the underdogs for so long. Even now as
we develop, that sense of community is still there.”
For many, the fi rst images that come to mind when
talking about Phoenix might be cacti, desert hills,palm trees or Talking Stick Arena. Or, one might
picture the neighboring Superstition Mountains,
nearby Camelback Mountain or the Salt River (yes,
we do in fact have water here).
Although this imagery is an important part of
Phoenix, a rising culture centered around inclusivity,
small businesses, community activism and the arts
is not to be overlooked.
“The arts community in downtown Phoenix is
incredibly diverse, well-informed and growing in
talent every day,” says Catrina Kahler, president of
Artlink Inc. “I would also say it’s engaged.”
Thanks to organizations like Artlink, the arts
community has been on the rise since the late
'80s when, in 1989, the organization was offi cially
formed. Shortly thereafter, Artlink organized
Phoenix’s popular annual art walk, Art Detour, a
two-day, self-guided tour of downtown’s studios,
galleries and businesses in various neighborhoods.By Taylor Transtrum Photography By Winona Grey
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Downtown