The decision was made after “careful consideration and discussion with our neighbors, stakeholders and City of Phoenix partners,” Downtown Phoenix said.<\/p>\n
PHOENIX \u2014 Downtown Phoenix has made some changes to First Friday.<\/p>\n
Announced on Thursday, Phoenix First Friday will not include the ARTS Market street closure and vendor experience on Roosevelt Street for the foreseeable future.<\/p>\n
The decision was made after a discussion with neighbors, stakeholders and City of Phoenix partners.<\/p>\n
These changes also come after a fight<\/a> and a shooting<\/a> was reported on March 6 during Phoenix First Friday’s after-hours.<\/p>\n “Phoenix First Friday on Roosevelt Street requires reevaluation, especially in light of recent violence that has occurred in, or in close proximity to, the ARTS Market footprint,” officials told 12News in a statement.<\/p>\n The current climate of the Roosevelt Street experience on Phoenix First Friday doesn’t serve artists, nor the small businesses that rely on current leadership for safety and memorable experiences for visitors and residents nearby, Downtown Phoenix said.<\/p>\n “The next few months will be spent working to refocus and recalibrate Roosevelt Row\u2019s contributions to Phoenix First Friday as a point of pride for our neighborhood and city,” officials told 12News.<\/p>\n Despite these changes, small businesses, galleries and arts and culture organizations along Roosevelt Row will stay open and active on Phoenix First Friday.<\/p>\n