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“Art is an evolutionary act. The shape of art and its role in society is constantly changing. At no point is art static. There are no rules.”
― Raymond Salvatore Harmon, BOMB: A Manifesto of Art Terrorism
As a Nevada native I can say with certainty, this desert lifestyle cultivates passionate and creative residents and whether you are enjoying a coffee downtown or simply running an errand you will encounter Vegas Street Art. With growing popularity and world wide exposure, street art has gone from bad dog to good boy.
With the 2010 release of, "Exit through the gift shop" a documentary about the intrigue behind street artists like Shepard Fairey (OBEY) and Banksy, street art's popularity grows. Quickly they've become household names. Despite Banksy's desire for artistic autonomy, he has become notoriously anonymous.
Our art forward community has been cultivated in part by several of the wildly unique small businesses and hotels that Vegas boasts. The art you see might just be one of many commissions from the City of Las Vegas or a private resident beautifying our city walls.
"Since 1998, the Las Vegas Arts District has existed as a way to foster and support the arts culture in Sin City. The Arts District was originally developed as an 18-block area dedicated to encouraging local artists and art lovers to explore and take part in a very important part of Vegas culture. Today, the Arts District, which is located about a mile from Downtown Vegas and the Fremont Street Experience, has expanded beyond those original 18 blocks and encompasses a variety of artistic displays, performances, museums, galleries, restaurants, bars, and coffee houses, and more."
We love our city and that's why you will find Vegas street art including locations in our 2023 Spring catalog along with all the greatest shoes to traverse the concrete jungle in comfort! Locals or tourists alike can check out the best way to appreciate it all!
"The Las Vegas Arts District is centered mostly around Main Street and Charleston but has begun sprawling out more past the main cluster. If you were to look at a street map of Las Vegas, NV, you’d find the majority of the Arts District to be nestled in the area outlined by Commerce Street, Colorado Ave, Fourth Street, and Hoover Avenue.
If visiting the Las Vegas Arts District is on your list of things to do and see while in Sin City, it’s best to plan on spending the entire day there if you really want to experience all that the area has to offer. There’s so much to do and see. It’s easy to just sort of lose yourself and become totally immersed in the vibrant, eclectic culture of the area.
Some say that just showing up and letting your free spirit guide you is the best way to experience the Arts District. However, if you’re a planner or just want to know what to expect, we’ve put together this complete guide of everything there is to do, see, and experience in 18b.
Art Square
Art Square, located in the heart of the Las Vegas Arts District, is where there always seems to be something going on that perfectly embodies the vibrancy and culture of the arts in Vegas.
Art Square is located just behind the Arts Factory, with the property featuring three buildings that were built in the 1950s and then later remodeled. While there’s often something to do or see outside, these three buildings house much of the talent found at Art Square.
Art Square is home to the Cockroach Theatre and the Vegas Theater Company. For those who want to stray away from the big stages on the Vegas Strip, it’s easy to find theatrical performances that check off the boxes of artistic, passionate, and even quirky at one of these theaters.
Art Square also offers studio space for the creation and selling of artistic works. It’s always fun to visit the studios and galleries while appreciating the eclectic works and talents of local artists.
If you don’t mind the crowds, one of the most popular events at Art Square is the First Friday events.
First Friday
The First Friday event is well known among locals in Vegas, but tourists and frequent visitors will also enjoy spending a Friday afternoon exploring all that the First Friday event has to offer.
The monthly First Friday event is your chance to view the works of and engage with more than one hundred showcased local artists, watch and listen to live music performances, enjoy some eats from more than fifty local food trucks and food vendors, plus so much more.
By visiting the First Friday Event, you’re supporting the local artists, vendors, and the First Friday Foundation, while enjoying one of Sin City’s favorite monthly events. It’s a win-win for all.
Map it out
The Murals and Street Art (MASA) app, created by art enthusiast Austin Hutchinson, is the perfect way to do your own art exploration. You can check out murals in the app and plan your outings as well as upload your street art photos from your adventure. Explore neighborhoods, discover artists, connect with the heartbeat of a community.
One of the best parts of Las Vegas is how purposefully playful and distinctive it is, as if designed by children and lacking the overtly stiff and rigid feel most cities have.
This only enriches and encourages the imagination. Now add art. We love the rhythm and flow that our city provides and the colorful way we can live and work around it.
From our own : Cat Farrell @SplashArtVegas
First Friday official https://www.ffflv.org/
Obey Video https://obeygiant.com/full-las-vegas-recap/
**side bar : 18b I found out - its a section on the Las Vegas map.
But it's so much more than that...
The 18b Arts District Association is a collection of business owners and engaged community members who are committed to building a strong, vibrant and equitable downtown community.
We are dedicated to advocating for our neighborhood and neighbors, raising awareness and visibility for the 18b Arts District among locals and visitors, and fostering the local art and Artists that help make 18b such a wonderful and unique place to live, work and play!
The 18b Arts District Board is 100% volunteer based and all 18b Membership funds and swag proceeds go towards offering grants and awards for local art and artists, providing emergency support for our small businesses
when needed, and all our efforts to ensure downtown continues to be a fabulous place to live, work and play! Whether you're a business, downtown denizen, or lover of all things 18b, you're invited to be part of the 18b community - the heART of Las Vegas!
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