The Beautification, Arts & Sciences program expanded its programming in 2024 by launching the Multicultural County Park Sculpture Exhibition project.  This project offers a free and accessible year-round art experience for Flagstaff residents and visitors and was developed in collaboration with the Indigenous Initiatives Program.
 
The artworks consist of five large-scale sculptures embodying diverse cultural experiences and are exhibited along a pathway at the Elizabeth “Liz” C. Archuleta County Park, 703 E. Sawmill Road, in Flagstaff. The artworks are on loan for the exhibition duration of about 11 months. 
 
The presentation will inform City Council of the origin, efforts, successes, and aspirations of this project and includes a project video created to promote the project and its goals. Staff will also facilitate an understanding of the outreach and community involvement in the selection of the artwork; and how the project meets various City goals, policies, and key community priorities.

The opening event for ARTx, a 10-day arts and ideas festival, in May 2024, was the ribbon cutting celebration for the inauguration of the Multicultural County Park Sculpture Exhibition project.  The seven plus minute video, partially shot that day, tells the origins of the project, its focus, and celebrates Flagstaff as a cultural destination that supports diversity in cultural representation.

Project Vision: Each year the exhibition features five sculptural works that reflect and make visible aspects of Indigenous and other diverse cultural representation, including Black and Latinx art. Selected artworks can advance essential perspectives and narratives through a myriad of ways. The artwork could embody or include cultural traditions: iconography; storytelling; or connection to nature, land, or community. The aspiration is that each sculpture will prompt appreciation, conversation, and interaction. This annual exhibition will solidify Flagstaff and the Elizabeth “Liz” C. Archuleta County Park as an outdoor sculpture venue in northern Arizona.

Procurement Process: An informal request for proposals was utilized. Each artist contract was less than $25,000. Funding comes from the Arts & Sciences fund supported by the Bed, Board, and Beverage tax.  The selection panel consisted of the Coordinator for Indigenous Initiatives, Rose Toehe, members from City of Flagstaff Beautification & Public Art Commission, Indigenous Commission, Commission on Diversity Awareness, and members of Coconino County’s Hispanic Advisory Council, Indigenous Peoples Advisory Council, African Diaspora Advisory Council, and Parks & Recreation Commission.

Coconino County has been a helpful partner in this project. The City received a license from Coconino County for the use of the Elizabeth “Liz” C. Archuleta County Park.

Key Policy Goals:

• PBB High Performance Governance-Cultivate community communication engagement practices that are clear, consistent, and timely.
• PBB High Performance Governance-Implement and communicate innovative and efficient local government programs, new ideas, and best practices.
• PBB Inclusive & Engaged Community-Proactively foster community representation and civic engagement by enhancing opportunities for public involvement, in line with best practices.
• PBB Inclusive & Engaged Community-Facilitate and foster equity, diversity, and inclusivity.
• PBB Inclusive & Engaged Community-Enhance the City’s involvement in community, education, and regional partnerships to strengthen the level of public trust.
• PBB Livable Community-Create a welcoming community through partnerships, resilient neighborhoods.
• PBB Livable Community-Create a welcoming community through partnerships, resilient neighborhoods.
• PBB Livable Community- Work with regional partners that provide equitable and inclusive educational and cultural opportunities for Flagstaff residents of all ages.
• Goal CC.4-Design and develop all projects to be contextually sensitive, to enhance a positive image and identity for the region.
• Goal CC.5-Support and promote art, science, and education resources for all to experience.
  Goal CC.6-Encourage Native American art and Southwestern culture.
• Goal LU.1-Invest in existing neighborhoods and activity centers for the purpose of developing complete, and connected places.
• Goal LU.3-Continue to enhance the region’s unique sense of place within the urban, suburban, and rural context.
• Goal NH.1- Foster and maintain healthy and diverse urban, suburban, and rural neighborhoods in the Flagstaff region.
• Goal ED.6-Tourism will continue to provide a year-round revenue source for the community, while expanding specialized tourist resources and activities.
• Goal ED.7- Continue to promote and enhance Flagstaff ’s unique sense of place as an economic development driver.