Greater Phoenix launches vision to advance arts visibility, funding by becoming The Most Decorated Region

Published: 03/03/2025
Updated: 03/04/2025

Greater Phoenix Economic Council, Street Art Cities partner to showcase region’s public art on international scale

PHOENIX (March 3, 2025) – Arts and culture play a vital role in Greater Phoenix’s widely recognized lifestyle, livability and economy. To amplify the region’s dynamic arts and culture environment, the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) is launching an initiative to become The Most Decorated Region, an acclaim that will drive global awareness of and create future opportunities for the market’s vast creative community that encourages innovation among residents and businesses alike.

To catalyze this accomplishment, GPEC is partnering with global platform Street Art Cities to drive awareness of the region’s myriad of public artworks – the most accessible and experiential medium. Street Art Cities, the world’s largest street art platform, draws eyes to artists who create public mural and sculptural art that tell stories of people, places and experiences that make up the fabric of a community.

Following expansive research in 2024, GPEC determined Street Art Cities’ international community of art hunters, artists, and municipalities provides the most comprehensive and equitable documentation of publicly and privately funded art at scale, making them a fitting partner. The accessible model gives the region’s communities, network and local talent an equal opportunity to document, showcase and engage with works.

Greater Phoenix currently has over 770 works of public art documented on Street Art Cities, making it the third-largest collection in the United States and eighth in the world. GPEC has worked with its network of 22 cities and towns, two counties, numerous private and nonprofit partners, and local artists to achieve this milestone. The organization now invites regional artists and the public to engage with this initiative and help reach 2,500 works to become the leading community nationally with a long-term goal of 3,200 works to become the top international community.

Art enthusiasts who would like to spotlight local public art can join the region’s team of Art Hunters and add existing works and upcoming events to the platform by signing up at streetartcities.com/signup and indicating GPEC as the referral. Artists across Greater Phoenix can claim their profiles directly through their artwork listed on the platform More information behind the push to become The Most Decorated Region can be found on gpec.org/most-decorated-region.

“The arts and culture sector is vital to Arizona’s growth and prosperity, adding $14.2 billion to the economy in 2022 and making up 3% of the state’s GDP,” said Chris Camacho, President and CEO of GPEC. “Becoming The Most Decorated Region acknowledges the more than 84,000 individuals who work in the sector and the boundless ecosystem of vision and creativity that drives our market forward.”

Increased engagement from communities, artists and individuals on Street Art Cities will create future opportunities for partnerships between the public and private sectors and artists, including open calls for work and wall listings for muralists. Led by GPEC, The Most Decorated Region initiative is tied to the organization’s larger focus on catalyzing arts funding and supporting artists as entrepreneurs.

“Greater Phoenix has a passionate and driven creative community that I’ve felt lucky to be a part of,” said muralist Clyde Thompson. “There’s an energy here — artists supporting artists, creating opportunities, and turning the city itself into a massive, evolving gallery. This initiative will give local artists further exposure, helping their work reach global audiences while creating new opportunities to shape the visual identity of our region.”

“We’re thrilled to welcome Greater Phoenix to our global platform,” said Bart Temme, CEO of Street Art Cities. “Their bold vision of becoming one of the fastest-growing public art hubs in the U.S. perfectly aligns with our mission. We can’t wait to see how this collaboration elevates Greater Phoenix as a must-visit destination for art connoisseurs and creators, capturing the attention of a worldwide audience.”

A commitment to furthering arts and culture is reflected in the 22 cities and towns and two counties that make up Greater Phoenix, many of which have invested in public art through dedicated funding and prominent projects.

“Public art plays a crucial role in enhancing Avondale’s economic development by transforming spaces into vibrant, welcoming destinations that draw both locals and visitors,” said Jennifer Stein, Director at the Office of Economic Development and Tourism at the City of Avondale. “It fosters a sense of community, sparks creativity, and stimulates economic growth by attracting tourists and businesses alike. Art also serves as a place maker and a reflection of the city’s character, making them instantly identifiable. Such is the case for Avondale’s famous ‘Al Querido’ heart sculpture located at The BLVD. Once you get off the I-10, you are greeted by an explosion of colorful hearts welcoming you into our beautiful city.”

“The City of Glendale is poised to embrace innovative cultural and artistic opportunities that elevate its brand as a choice community, and which embodies its mission to improve the lives of the people we serve every day,” said Chris Taylor, Arts and Culture Administrator at the City of Glendale. “At the heart of honoring the mission, we have several cultural projects in development and/or underway. These include our Downtown Campus Reinvestment Campaign with enhanced and unique Wayfinding, our Historical Downtown Mural Project in collaboration with redeveloping Downtown businesses, and restorations to unique areas, such as the Elise McCarthy Sensory Garden. These projects are all aimed towards improving property value and quality of life for all our citizens.”

“Several years ago, the Queen Creek Mayor and Town Council established the Downtown Arts and Placemaking Advisory Committee to proactively integrate art into this key area of town,” said Queen Creek Mayor Julia Wheatley. “Additionally, the Town has adopted a Placemaking and Art Master Plan, which outlines a clear vision, goals, and strategic guidelines. These policies and processes will play a crucial role in shaping the downtown area’s growth and ensuring that new investments contribute to a vibrant and artistic community.”

“Public art is a cornerstone of Surprise’s cultural identity, enriching our community through creativity, connection, and economic vitality,” said City of Surprise Mayor Kevin Sartor. “With a dedicated investment of one and one-third percent of eligible capital project funds to public art each year, we are committed to expanding access, celebrating our diverse heritage, and supporting local artists. Through strategic regional collaboration, we are proud to contribute to the Greater Phoenix area’s reputation as a global hub for arts and culture.”

Mural pictured: Three Birds by Lauren Lee. Photo by GPEC.

Explore the map here:

Source: Street Art Cities, 2025

About Greater Phoenix Economic Council

The Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC), globally recognized as a top economic development organization (EDO), works to attract and grow quality businesses and advocate for the competitiveness of Greater Phoenix. A data-driven regional EDO, GPEC works with 22 member communities, Maricopa and Pinal counties and more than 220 private investors to accomplish its mission and serve as a strategic partner to companies across the world as they expand or relocate to Greater Phoenix. Over the past 35 years, GPEC has fueled the regional economy by helping over 1,000 companies, creating more than 189,000 jobs and more than $69.4 billion in capital investment. Greater Phoenix is in a relentless pursuit of innovative and entrepreneurial-focused companies looking to thrive and scale in a vibrant, dynamic region. There is an undeniable spirit about Greater Phoenix; one rooted in strength, collaboration and resilience. Greater Phoenix is Greater Together. For more information about GPEC and how we can assist your businesses, visit www.gpec.org.

About Street Art Cities

Street Art Cities is the world’s leading street art platform, connecting artists, photographers, festivals, galleries and cities through urban art. Established in 2016 as an online map to help two street art hunters document their cities, the platform has grown into a global community that now includes more than 1,900 cities across 112 countries. By partnering with artists, art hunters and municipalities to populate the app and web platform’s social mapping technology, Street Art Cities makes it easy and engaging to explore cities through street art. To learn more, visit www.streetartcities.com/about.