News Summary

Phoenix has unveiled the ¡Sombra! Experiments in Shade, a public art project designed to tackle extreme urban heat. With a $1 million grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies, the initiative encourages local artists to create shade installations across the Valley. The selected works highlight community engagement and utilize unconventional materials. These temporary structures aim to improve livability while initiating a unique collaboration between art and environmental solutions. The installations will be available for public use through September 2025, fostering a better experience in public spaces during the scorching summers.

Phoenix Launches Innovative Public Art Installations to Combat Urban Heat

The city of Phoenix has initiated the ¡Sombra! Experiments in Shade, a public art project aimed at combating the extreme heat that characterizes the area, making it one of the hottest cities in the world. The project was launched by the Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture and has received a substantial grant of $1 million from Bloomberg Philanthropies as part of its Public Art Challenge. The funding will primarily be used for creating temporary shade installations across the Valley, enhancing livability and providing respite from the soaring temperatures.

The project has sparked significant interest, resulting in a national call for artists that attracted over 80 applicants. Ultimately, nine artists were selected to participate, comprising five local creators from Phoenix and Tucson and four artists from out of state. These artists were encouraged to utilize unconventional materials and engage actively with the local community while conceptualizing their designs.

Selected Installations

The chosen shade installations feature a variety of innovative designs, including:

• Botanical Canopy by Bobby Zokaites at Cortez Park: A whimsical canopy made from over 10,000 feet of woven nylon parachute cord, resembling leafy canopies.
• Chinese Chorizo by Feng-Feng Yeh at Eastlake Park: A tribute to a forgotten culinary delicacy and the history of community relations in marginalized neighborhoods.
• Nana’s Garden by Maria Dominguez-Hultgren at Maryvale Park: A vibrant crochet-inspired fabric wall that provides shade.
• Reflections on Sunnyslope by Lizzie Arias at Sunnyslope Park: A large canopy that incorporates community drawings and local historical narratives.
• Rincon de Color by Rafael Ray at Cielito Park: A colorful insect-themed structure equipped with a solar-powered misting system.
• Shades of Resilience by Dushawn John at Steele Indian School Park: A celebration of Indigenous and Mexican American cultures utilizing traditional materials.
• The Burrow by Sarah Boehme at Roesley Park: An interactive structure inspired by the desert tortoise, offering playful shade.
• Standing Wave by Shomit Barua at Los Olivos Park: A unique installation converting urban heat into a sonic art experience through circuit-bending technology.

Design Significance and Community Engagement

The installations serve a dual purpose; they not only provide functional shade but are also deeply artistic, designed to enhance the urban environment. Their temporary nature affords the artists the unique opportunity to experiment with their designs without the complications associated with permanent placement, allowing adjustments based on public interaction and feedback.

These shade structures, available for public use through September 2025, aim to foster community engagement, which is a core component of the ¡Sombra! Experiments in Shade project. Emphasizing collaboration between art, science, and community, the initiative creatively addresses urban challenges such as extreme heat.

Conclusion and Future Vision

The launch of the ¡Sombra! Experiments in Shade project marks a significant milestone for Phoenix in its effort to combat rising temperatures through innovative public art. By integrating artistic expression with practical solutions, the city is taking a bold step towards improving quality of life and encouraging community involvement in addressing the challenges posed by urban heat. As the installation period unfolds, the impact of these installations on the community’s experience of public spaces will be closely observed.

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Additional Resources

• Phoenix Magazine: Made in the Shade
• AZ Central: ¡Sombra! Experiments in Shade
• Fox 10 Phoenix: New Art Installations Popping Up Across Phoenix
• Wikipedia: Urban Heat Island
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Heat

Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER

PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.