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Dear Friends and Supporters,
As we reflect on 2024, we are filled with gratitude for the incredible milestones Culture Connection AZ has reached this year. Thanks to your unwavering support, we’ve been able to connect our community, celebrate local culture, and amplify voices that have long been overlooked. Our events this year have brought together hundreds of attendees, and we are excited to share with you some of the highlights and successes from the past year.
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In February we hosted our Day of Love and Friendship Artist Market.20 local artists and artisans participated across a variety of mediums including painting, jewelry, photography, glass art, and more. Attendees were also able to express their creativity at our Valentine card-making station!
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In March, we were proud to collaborate with the Martin-Springer Institute to present the exhibition Resilience: Women in Flagstaff’s Past and Present in celebration of Women’s History Month. This exhibit highlighted the incredible stories of women from the 1880s to the present, who have shaped Flagstaff’s development. These narratives, often forgotten in traditional archives, celebrate the strength, perseverance, and resourcefulness of the women who helped build our community. We were honored to share these stories of resilience with the public, recognizing the pivotal role of women in Flagstaff’s history.
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In April we hosted Places of Flagstaff, an event that combined local art and community spirit by honoring the places that make Flagstaff special. Featuring a wood art exhibition by artist Eric Kruse, the event brought together local businesses and artists to showcase the vibrant and diverse culture of Flagstaff. The event was a testament to the importance of community engagement and the power of the arts to inspire positive change.
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This summer, as part of the ARTx Arts and Ideas Festival, we presented Some People Call Me the Space Cowboy, a project celebrating Flagstaff’s lunar legacy. Digital artist Patricia Petelin created a captivating audio documentary that examined the history of moon exploration, Indigenous perspectives of the moon, and what the future may hold. The project included live listening sessions, a panel discussion at The Orpheum, an interactive art workshop, and an artist market. It was an inspiring way to bring together art, science, and history, creating a space for dialogue and discovery.
We are especially grateful to Creative Flagstaff for providing the support to make this vision a success!
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“This was my favorite event during ARTx, and I told them so. This is true even after putting on several performances myself. I appreciated and enjoyed how entertaining it was, while also deeply nerdy and scientific. You struck a perfect balance.”
– Panel discussion attendee
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In September we explored the immigrant experience through literary and artistic lenses. This collaboration with Northern Arizona Immigration Legal Services not only showcased diverse immigrant voices but also emphasized the cultural richness they bring to our community. It was a powerful reminder of the shared humanity that connects us all.
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This fall our we held our 3rd annual Welcome To Flagstaff event. The event is aimed at helping international residents feel at home in our city. The event was filled with food, games, and cultural exchange, and brought together over 100 locals & newcomers, allowing both groups to share and celebrate their traditions.
We were especially grateful for the invaluable support from our partners, NAU’s Center for International Education and The Literacy Center, in putting on this event.
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As part of our Fun With A Local Program, we once again participated in downtown Flagstaff’s Trick or Treat Trail. This annual Halloween celebration was a spooky success! The community came together for pumpkin carving, costume contests, and candy giveaways. We love seeing families, friends, and neighbors bond over festive fun and spooky creativity.
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In December we hosted our annual Winter Market, a curated show and market featuring local artists. This event not only showcased the incredible talents of Flagstaff’s artisans but also supported them by providing a platform to sell their work. It was a wonderful way to close out the year, celebrating local culture and creativity.
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Spanish Conversation Group & Vecinos Launch
Throughout the year, we’ve also seen a growing interest in our Spanish Conversation Group, a biweekly gathering where participants practice language skills while forging deeper connections with others in the community.
In September we launched the Vecinos Program, a new initiative aimed at fostering connections between local Spanish-speaking families and the broader Flagstaff community. We are extremely grateful to the Arizona Community Foundation for their support in making this program a success.
Both of these programs have been well-received, furthering our mission of inclusivity and cultural exchange.
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As we move into 2025, we are excited to continue these efforts and expand our programs. We will continue our focus on creating opportunities for local artists, providing cultural education, and celebrating the diverse voices that make Flagstaff so unique. Your support is instrumental in our success, and we can’t wait to build on the foundation we’ve set together.
In closing, we humbly ask that you consider supporting the work we do by making a donation today. We are honored to have such a dedicated community of supporters, and we look forward to another year of cultural connection and shared experiences.
With sincere gratitude,
Audra Travelbee
Executive Director
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Don’t miss out on any of our exciting events and programming in 2025!
Follow us on facebook and instagram to stay in the know!
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