First Friday Celebrates 21 Years of Art and Community
Last Friday, the First Friday Foundation celebrated its 21st anniversary of bringing the community together for a monthly night of art and creativity. With the theme ‘One World Through Art,’ the festival honored our diverse community by providing space for artists representing various cultures.
Putting on the One World Through Art event every October for the past eight years, Corey Fagan, the Executive Director of the First Friday Foundation, spoke of how art allows us to break down barriers to understanding.
“One World Through Art provides us the opportunity to connect and learn about each other through the art, dance, music, food, and traditions of other cultures,” she said. “I feel it’s important to hold space to learn more about the different cultures living within and contributing to the community.”
This year’s OWTA event included space for vendors representing the Indian community, Hawaiian community, Indigenous community, and more.
In addition, this month’s featured artist highlighted local painter Tara Banfield. Artist Lauren Bell was in the honorary Cindy Funkhouser tent–a free space provided for a different artist each month.
Located in the Las Vegas Arts District, First Friday is a free local monthly art and community festival happening on the first Friday of every month in the Arts District in Downtown Las Vegas. With 100+ local artists and surrounding galleries, 25+ local food trucks and surrounding restaurants, live music, and so much more, the event offers an evening of family-friendly fun while supporting local artists and businesses.
Whether you’re local, new to town, or visiting, there’s something for everyone at the First Friday Festival!
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21 Years of First Friday
Over the years, First Friday has been a staple of the Arts District Community. Originally a small-scale event, the festival now sees more than 25K+ people in its busiest months, including locals and visitors worldwide.
Growing with the community, the First Friday Foundation became a nonprofit. It then started actively supporting the area’s growth by partnering with local businesses and stipending artists to paint murals. It also began offering programs like art classes and field trips for local schoolkids.
Working with the City of Las Vegas, the Foundation continued to help build up the community with ancillary events and programs, including its annual ‘ARTUOK?’ event. This event honors the importance of the arts and self-expression to people’s mental health and well-being.
Moreover, a recent addition now includes an artist residency program where a local artist is provided a gallery space inside Arts Square to exhibit their art. The program aims to shine an artistic light on the art movement by providing artists a space to create, grow, and learn from their peers, experiences, and community.
“Through art, we celebrate the dynamism of modern life, and we embrace the richness of our artistic heritage in the arts district and Las Vegas community. These local artists have created a harmonious balance and are a part of the collective artistic tapestry within our city,” Fagan said. “Through these programs, we can open space and welcome the next generation of artists to our community while honoring those [who] have given us a timeless compass. We are very grateful to the LV Arts District Development team and the Tuttleman Foundation for their generous support in this vision for local artists.”
Looking forward to 2024, First Friday is planning its next ‘ARTUOK?’ and its next gala and fundraiser.
#GetinMotion With First Friday
Visit the festival every first Friday of the month from 5 to 11 PM in the Arts District off of Charleston Boulevard and Main Street!
Parking is first come, first served on streets surrounding the festival. Parking near the festival at 1000 Commerce is available for $25. There is also parking for $6 at the City Parking Garage on 500 South Main Street with free shuttle service to the event on the Downtown Loop.
Follow the First Friday Foundation on Instagram for the latest news about the festival! Visit their website to learn more about the organization or donate to support local projects like art classes and murals.
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