Photos by Billy Hardiman Courtesy city of Tempe
Arts in the Parks is a city of Tempe program that brings arts-focused events and activities to neighborhoods. With 32 events and five temporary fence-art installations annually, the program activates outdoor community spaces, aimed at giving residents an opportunity to connect with their neighbors and local artists while expressing their own creativity. The goal, say planners: To create neighborhood programming that reflects the identity and values of each park’s community.
The program kicked off in September with eight events featuring live music by Tempe area artists. Planners asked community members what they’d like to see in future arts offerings via activities, games, surveys and conversations.
Residents were provided the space to be heard and celebrated while connecting, networking and creating art.
Learn more: www.tempe.gov/ArtsintheParks
Nice idea, but Tempe parks have become de facto homeless encampments with people openly using drugs because Mayor Woods and the City Council don’t want to create shelters that would allow police to enforce camping bans.