Artlink will host a month-long celebration this spring of Art Detour, which celebrates its 36th year.

Artlink is the nonprofit credited with establishing downtown Phoenix’s First Fridays and the organization responsible for connecting artists and businesses to the community. Art Detour invites residents to enjoy impromptu excursions or plan a customized “Artinerary” of cultural discovery that defines their “life’s style” in Arizona through visual, performing, and culinary arts, fashion design, public art, and more.

Patrons can choose from hundreds of experiences produced by Arizona’s creative community and explore and appreciate all that is beautiful, energizing, compelling, stylish, and flavorful. The event will run from March 1 through March 31.

The event schedule offers art patrons, collectors, and art lovers a broad range of ways in which to engage with artists and destinations throughout the state, in partnership with Arizona Commission on the Arts, city of Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture, Valley Metro, Downtown Phoenix Inc., Park Central, Phoenix Art Museum, FOUND:RE Phoenix Hotel, Greater Phoenix Economic Council and more to come.

Visit artdetour.com for an event schedule of activities and diverse communities that showcase the very best arts and culture that Arizona has to offer. The site is powered by Artlink’s new Artinerary platform, providing customizable and shareable “Artineraries” complete with maps, and directories of participating artists, arts organizations, and venues.

A highlight of Art Detour’s monthlong celebration is the 11th annual Art d’Core Gala to take place at the Phoenix Art Museum on Saturday, March 16.

The theme for 2024 is: P A N O R A M A, celebrating the 360 view that Arizona’s creative community brings to a colorful life. From the stunning visual displays to performances and culinary delights, guests will celebrate those who contribute to Arizona’s creative community and economy.

The evening will honor Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, Bentley Gallery owner Bentley Calverley, Associate Vice President at Arizona State University Rick Naimark, and Honorary Commander Doris Ong.

Featured artists include Artlink Artist Council members Kenaim Al-Shatti, Laura Spalding Best, Ruby Farias, Magda Gluszek, Liliana Gomez, Abbey Messmer, Nicole Lyn Olson, Rembrandt Quiballo, Patricia Sannit and Tricee Thomas with additional collaborating artists to be selected via an open call to artists.

Chris Camacho, the Greater Phoenix Economic Council president and CEO, serves as the event’s honorary chair.

“The arts in Arizona are integral in shaping the identity of our state, telling the unique stories of local communities, and driving economic growth,” Camacho shared in a press release. “The industry added $11.6 billion to Arizona’s economy in 2021, representing 2.8% of the state’s GDP while employing more than 80,000 individuals.”

The suggested Art d’Core attire is for a progressive arts experience where cocktails meet hip and chic. Tickets start at $150 (with special pricing for Artlink Articipants) and are on sale now at https://artlinkphx.org/gala2024/.

Artlink invites Arizona artists, venues, businesses, and organizations to register as an Articipant to be a part of Art Detour and receive discounted tickets for the Art d’Core Gala.

Visit https://artdetour.com/.