It’s a State of Mind
Consider this your invitation to Detour from the ordinary.
Arizona has a rich cultural heritage that is matched by the incredible creative talent of artists who call this state home. Whether inspired by their environment or simply from within their own hearts, minds and souls, artists are at the heart of Arizona’s arts and culture experience.
That is why 37 years ago, the founding artists of Artlink came together to invited you to take a path away from the ordinary, one paved by artistic vision. Today we celebrate not only the artists who first founded Art Detour in the heart of downtown Phoenix, but ALL Arizona artists who continue to create and inspire.
In March 2025, hundreds of arts and culture experiences throughout the Valley and state will be ready for you. The calendar will showcase the cultural spectrum of a Vibrant Arizona from visual arts, performing arts, public art, fashion and yes culinary arts as well.
While the experiences may be clustered within urban Phoenix or Tucson, some invite exploration of Arizona communities you may have yet to discover.
Arizona in the spring is the perfect opportunity to connect with Arizona artists and producers and even thank them for bringing the beauty and experiences to our everyday life.
Get Involved – Articipate!
This month-long journey is presented in partnership with – and support of! – hundreds of artists, organizations, venues and arts-supporting businesses, and made possible by the generous support of our partners and funders. Sign up here to get on the Detour.
Your Detour Guide
Meet ARTINERARY, a new digital resource for Arizona’s creative community that includes an events calendar, map, and artist directory—all the tools necessary to drive exploration, appreciation, and support.
Artinerary uses technology to connect communities throughout Arizona and is the only platform nationally that engages artists, arts and culture organizations and venues, and arts supporting businesses in the arts economy.
Artlink’s presentation of Art Detour and Artinerary is made possible through the support of our partners and funders: Arizona Commission on the Arts, City of Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture, Valley Metro, Downtown Phoenix Inc., Park Central, Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust, Thunderbird Charities, Flinn Foundation, SRP, Phoenix Art Museum, FOUND:RE Phoenix Hotel, The Carmody Foundation, Stella Artois, Arizona Wine Growers Association, azcentral, Greater Phoenix Economic Council and many more advocates and Articipants from throuhout Arizona.
How We Got Started
Artlink Inc. was officially formed in 1989 following the first Art Detour open studios tour in 1988, Phoenix’s original art walk event. It grew into a multi-day self-guided tour of galleries, studios and businesses in various neighborhoods in downtown Phoenix, and expanded over 36 years.
Video courtesy of PHXTV, City of Phoenix.