A central element of the 4A Arts 2024 agenda is the exploration of Arts + Communities. It’s delightful to see art bringing people closer together, inspiring pride in small towns and big cities, and molding a sense of identity that enhances all our lives. And episode 114 of Framing the Hammer dives directly into the impact of Arts + Community. 

But first a little context: 4A Arts is thrilled to have launched a new initiative entitled “Organizing for the Arts” (O4A) in which we provide capacity and bandwidth to state arts advocacy organizations for grassroots organizing of citizen advocates. What does that mean? We’re organizing more people to fight for the creative economy. 

For starters, we’re working with Arizona Citizens for the Arts (AZCA). They are the primary advocate for arts funding in the state of Arizona and they’re just two people doing all the work! This exposes the discrepancy and lack of support in arts advocacy. So we’re giving them marketing support to build their allies. 

Patrick was thrilled to experience the Stairizona Trail “History by the Foot”. Arizona is dotted with 800 miles hiking on the Arizona Trail. In the community of Globe, Arizona, two enterprising creatives, Regina Ortega-Leonardi and Thea Wilshire of “I Art Globe” spearheaded the effort to enhance the multiple trails (and stairs) of the 

Starizona Trail with 35 different art installations. The motifs and murals highlight historic moments, cultural touchstones, and full creativity of artists and groups from across the region and state. 

Sabrina had recently visited WHAM (What’s Happen’n Art Movement) in Surprise, Arizona. She was thrilled by the sense of community fostered by this art center that brings so much to the West Phoenix area. Also, in the interest of active participation in the arts, Sabrina inspires us all with her participation in the Phoenix Community Choir.