This event will be a tremendous addition to the arts scene in Scottsdale. We are looking forward to showcasing the work of local students and continuing to enhance the arts in our community through this new event.”

Gerd Wuestemann, president and CEO with Scottsdale Arts

A new family festival is launching in late March to celebrate visual and performing arts created by Scottsdale students.

Scottsdale Family ArtsFest at SkySong will be held March 24 and 25 at SkySong, The ASU Scottsdale Innovation Center in south Scottsdale. The event is a partnership between Arizona State University, the Scottsdale Unified School District, Scottsdale Arts, the city of Scottsdale, and the SkySong development team, according to a press release.

Scottsdale Family ArtsFest at SkySong will be a free, two-day festival of creativity that includes performances, interactive demonstrations, creative interventions, and culinary delights from local food trucks throughout the SkySong campus.

“We are excited to be a part of this new collaboration with the city, its arts community and ASU,” said Scott Menzel, Scottsdale Unified School District superintendent. “To be able to showcase the work of our visual and performing arts students in this kind of setting is a wonderful opportunity.”

Over the course of the event, attendees will experience performances and art exhibitions delivered by Scottsdale Unified School District students, family friendly arts activities presented by Scottsdale Arts Learning & Innovation, and interactive demonstrations from city of Scottsdale departments.

“This event will be a tremendous addition to the arts scene in Scottsdale,” said Gerd Wuestemann, president and CEO with Scottsdale Arts. “We are looking forward to showcasing the work of local students and continuing to enhance the arts in our community through this new event.”

The event starts on Friday, March 24 and runs from 4 to 8 p.m. that day, and will resume Saturday, March 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be several different areas to explore, including:

•  Center Stage will feature performances by SUSD bands, choirs, and orchestras. This area will also include hands-on, artist-led activities from Scottsdale Arts including lantern making, painting, and souvenir tote bags.
•  Art exhibitions from elementary, middle, and high school students will be throughout SkySong’s campus. A highlight includes bowls created by SUSD students that will be available for sale to support families facing food insecurity in Scottsdale.
•  The Café Stage presents smaller ensemble performances, interactive experiences presented by city of Scottsdale departments, electronics recycling by Westech, and light refreshments.

“Scottsdale is home to a broad variety of family friendly events and we are thrilled to be adding the Scottsdale Family ArtsFest at SkySong to that mix,” said Joy Racine, community involvement manager-civic service with the city of Scottsdale. “We look forward to recognizing the work of our local students at this exciting new event.”

“We are very pleased to bring this celebration of the arts to life on the SkySong campus,” said Don Couvillion, senior vice president-real estate for University Realty, a partner in SkySong. “SkySong has always embraced the arts and featured them prominently, and this is a great way to continue that tradition while further connecting with the community.”

Seed funding for the event was provided by a grant from the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust to Arizona State University. Sponsorships for the Scottsdale Family ArtsFest at SkySong are available as well. For more information on the event, visit www.skysong.com/artsfest.