Why one festival for all the Native people of the Colorado Plateau?
Holding a single festival is more inclusive. Culture-specific festivals that feature only the Hopi, Navajo, and Zuni left out many other Native people of the region. The culture-specific festivals also created difficulties for many people who are mixed Native Heritage.
Holding three separate festivals stretched the museum staff, volunteers, and budget. With one festival, MNA can more strongly focus marketing and resources, which benefits the artists and visitors.
The post-festival survey revealed that the diversity of artists featured at the 2022 festival was a highlight for visitors. Artists from tribes that had been excluded in the past were appreciative to have this opportunity, and one commented, “It’s about time!”
Why change the date?
Ninety years ago, when the first Hopi Craftsman Show took place, Flagstaff was a very different place. The numerous events – including the parade, concerts, and the opening weekend of Art in the Park downtown – were not occurring. Decades ago, having the show near the July 4th holiday made sense because it attracted visitors and gave them something culturally-significant to the region to attend. Now, there is a lot of competition from other events during that holiday weekend, including Art in the Park, which is free of charge. Moving Heritage Festival to the weekend prior to July 4th will create less competition from other events. The 2022 post-festival survey revealed a majority preference for having the festival earlier in the summer.
Why hold the artist market outdoors?
Covid created awareness of how much safer it is for people to gather outdoors. The post-festival survey responses confirmed that visitors prefer the market setting outdoors, not just because it is safer but because it also allows for more space to view art and talk with artists.
In order to make space for more artists, the market must be outside the museum, as there is very limited space within the museum walls. Holding the market outdoors allows the museum exhibits to be enjoyed without them being blocked by artists’ booths. Large tents will be set up to host most of the artists, while artists who prefer to bring their own tents will have that option.
Will there be a member preview this year?
Yes, MNA members will be invited to an exclusive preview of the Artist Market on Friday, June 23.
Will there be a juried competition this year?
Yes, the juried competition will give out awards in twenty-four categories. While most of the categories will be open to all Heritage Festival artists, some are set aside specifically to recognize excellence in arts specific to the Hopi, Diné, Zuni, and Pai.
The timeframe to enter art into the competition has been changed. This year, drop-off will be from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 pm on Friday, June 23, allowing more time than in past years for those who are traveling to enter their art.
Where will we park for the festival?
Artists, other vendors, staff, and volunteers will park either at Flagstaff Arts Academy or Coconino Center for the Arts. This will allow the parking lots on both sides of Fort Valley Road to be available for visitors. A shuttle will be available to take artists/vendors, staff, and volunteers to and from their vehicles.
Visitors will be able to park in all of the parking available on the east side of Fort Valley Road and in most of the parking lot on the museum side.
What other ways can I get to the Heritage Festival?
Bike- MNA is on the Flagstaff Urban Trail System, so it’s convenient to bike to the festival. There are two locations for free, secure bike parking on the museum’s campus.
Bus- The Mountain Line Route 5 stops directly in front of the museum.
Hail a ride – A drop-off and pickup area makes it easy for people to take an Uber, Lyft, or taxi.
How much will it cost to attend the festival?
Admission costs have been reduced from 2022 for members and non-members:
$20 / general adult one-day access
$25 / general adult full-weekend access
$10 / general youth (10-17) one-day access
$15 / general youth (10-17) full-weekend access
$10 /adult and youth member & Native American full-weekend access
Free – 9 and under
How can I support the Heritage Festival and the artists?
Every purchase at the Heritage Festival benefits the artists, who take home 100% of their earnings. To help support MNA’s ability to continue to host the festival, donations and festival sponsorship are great options. There are many options for festival sponsorship. Contact development@musnaz.org
Sponsor an artist award. Awards recognize artistic excellence and help artists get noticed by collectors.
Provide affordable lodging. Most artists come from far away and must stay overnight in Flagstaff. The cost of hotel rooms cuts into their earnings.
Sponsor refreshments for the artists. The artists sit at their booths all day and appreciate having quick access to healthy snacks and beverages.
Volunteer. Festival volunteers bring the artists water, give artists breaks, setup and restock refreshments, help with parking, assist visitors with festival information, and much more. To volunteer contact msoliday@musnaz.org
Spread the word. The more people who attend the festival, the better it is for the artists. The festival helps people gain respect and understanding of aspects of Native culture. Please follow MNA on social media and share posts about the Heritage Festival; tell friends about the festival; and offer to help distribute advertising posters.