Development of Roosevelt Row and the Art Community - Artists' Perceptions

This study focuses on local artists’ perceptions on how the art community of Roosevelt Row is evolving as the City of Phoenix continues to develop. For over twenty years, Roosevelt Row, which once consisted of bare, dirt lots, has served as the art scene of Downtown Phoenix. A major component to the identity of Roosevelt Row is ‘First Friday,’ a monthly, free event where artists and visitors from all over the Valley intermingle for the night to celebrate the art scene. As the city continues to develop, the role of art within this community is changing. Five artists were asked to participate in an interview regarding their experiences with the City of Phoenix, commercial developers and how recent growth has affected their community. A participant in the study was required to be artist on Roosevelt Row. The participants were three visual artists, one poet, and an artistic, small business owner. An art-based research methodology was used. Each of the five interviews was transformed into a poem that represented the emerging themes from the data collection. The results reveled three major themes - 1. There is a disconnect between artists and developers 2. The First Friday Art Walk, which originated as a small community experience, has expanded into a large cultural event drawing tourists from all over the region and 3. Arizona State University is a change agent for the gentrification of the Roosevelt Row community. Solutions offered by the artists include: 1. Each artist should focus on their own responsibility in establishing their role in the evolving community 2. Artists should seek out roles within city government to influence policy with commercial developers and 3. Artists may abandon the Roosevelt Row neighborhood to seek out the next underdeveloped area in Phoenix. Though the city is rapidly changing, there is a general hope that the free expression and inspiration of Roosevelt Row can remain.