Creative Flagstaff is pleased to announce the continuation of ARTx: Art + Ideas Experience in 2026, thanks to $125,000.00 in funding from the City of Flagstaff’s Bed, Board and Beverage sales tax revenue. The 2026 biennial event returns to a multi-day, multi-disciplinary array of arts performances, exhibitions, activations, conversations, and celebrations May 1 – 3, 2026 with additional opportunities to participate and enjoy ARTx throughout the year coinciding with First Friday ArtWalk and other engagements.
ARTx is soliciting individual artists, collaborations and/or organizations interested in exploring their creative ideas as part of this year’s events. The call for submissions invites site-specific proposals, partnering creatives with predetermined opportunities, venues, and events, along with an open proposal submission system.
ARTx 2026 offers three funding categories, outlined below. Applicants may submit multiple entries, across categories. Previous applicants and awardees are encouraged to apply again this year.
The call is open now and will close Friday, September 12, 2025, at 5:00pm MST. Selections will be notified in November 2025. Details about each funding opportunity and their unique requirements are below.
Budget details must be included in the application, and funding will be allocated with 75% of the award amount paid at time of completed contract documentation, and the remaining 25% paid at completion of project and submission of the Final Report.
Final reporting will include 3-5 high resolution images and/or video content, and a 300-word reflection on how ARTx funding impacted your creative practice.
Detailed descriptions of funded opportunity areas are as follows:
ARTx @ ArtWalk
First Fridays May – October 2026
Artists are invited to submit an original idea for a creative activation at a 2026 ArtWalk event. Dates are flexible and may occur over multiple ArtWalk events, or at just one, depending on the proposed project.
Activations may include street closure, performances, installations, or artistic experiences. Presentations are encouraged to be interactive, engaging, and inspiring.
Projects must be acceptable for all ages and take place in the Downtown ArtWalk footprint. Activations are temporary, lasting only for the duration of ArtWalk, and returning the site to original condition.
Budget consideration should include, but is not limited to, compensation for artists and performers, permitting costs, coordination fees, and interactive components.
ARTx at The Arb
Arboretum at Flagstaff 2026 Season
Installation prior to Arboretum season opening April 28th, 2026
Deinstallation after the season closes, end of October 2026.
This unique opportunity in partnership with the Arboretum at Flagstaff invites 1-6 individual artists or artist collectives to activate a structural element on the grounds of The Arboretum at Flagstaff with bold, engaging imagery inspired by the native plants and ecology of the Colorado Plateau.
Selected artist(s) will create panel installations to be mounted to existing metal frame structures. Sheet metal or other weather resistant materials may be considered, with the understanding that all work must remain in place, outdoors, with minimal protection from the elements, throughout the season. Applicants should describe their experience with executing outdoor installations and longevity of their materials.
This project also includes an interpretive panel on the back of each art piece to present an artist statement and connection to the theme of ecology, conservation of native plants, the Colorado Plateau, and/or climate in the region.
Applicants are highly encouraged to visit the current 2025 installation prior to applying.
Materials & Installation Notes
The metal frame structures have a maximum usable dimension of 60″ x 76″. Artists are not required to use the full panel space but should work within that footprint.
The reverse side of each artwork will include an interpretive panel (approx. 24″ x 36″) featuring:
● A brief artist statement
● The work’s connection to regional themes such as native plants, ecology, conservation, or climate
Budget consideration should include, but is not limited to, artist compensation), transportation, installation fasteners, labor, supplies, and materials.
ARTx @ Free Range
In 2026, we continue to invite artists and collectives to apply for grant funding for projects that may not fit within the scope of the prior opportunities by proposing their own primary location and satellite venue. This open call welcomes innovative, interactive, and engaging proposals that reflect timely themes or explore new artistic approaches while accessibly connecting with audiences.
Applicants must identify their own venue, specify the time and date of their exhibition or performance, and take responsibility for all logistical coordination, including securing necessary permissions and support.
Projects can be longer term but need to coincide with the ARTx multi-day presentation May 1-3, 2026.
