Creative Flex Staff announces $86,800 in arts project grants for Flagstaff initiatives

The Flagstaff Beautification and Public Art Commission meeting on April 14, 2025, highlighted a significant boost in funding for local arts and science projects, with a record number of grant applications received. Julie Tomnick, interim executive director of Creative Flex Staff, announced that $86,800 was awarded across 16 projects, reflecting a growing demand for creative support in the community.

Tomnick noted that the 24 applications submitted this year marked a record high, indicating an increasing need for funding in the arts sector. This surge in applications also intensified competition among organizations, with some unable to secure funding due to higher minimum requests than available allocations.

Among the standout projects funded this year is the Greg Hill Fund for Music and Dementia, which aims to provide classes for individuals with memory loss, emphasizing the therapeutic benefits of music. Additionally, the Boys and Girls Club of Flagstaff will launch a Native American cultural summer arts program for youth, focusing on local art forms and cultural traditions.

Another notable initiative is the Indigenous Cosmology Mural proposed by Lowell Observatory, set to be featured in the new Marley Foundation Astronomy Discovery Center. This project aims to blend art with science, enriching the community's cultural landscape.

The meeting underscored the city's commitment to fostering creativity and supporting diverse artistic endeavors, setting the stage for an exciting year ahead in Flagstaff's arts scene.