Scottsdale Arts has announced the 2024 dates and theme for the annual Canal Convergence public art event at the Scottsdale Waterfront.
Canal Convergence is a free, 10-night display that features large-scale public art created by artists from all over the world, live music and dance performances, creative workshops, educational tours, a mini film festival and a beer and wine garden.
At its heart, the event focuses on interactivity, sustainability and the union of water, art and light. That’s why this year’s theme is “Reflections.”
In a press release, Jennifer Gill, deputy director of Canal Convergence, said, “The theme delves into the multifaceted nature of reflection — from its fundamental role in how we physically see the world around us to its insightful psychological implications.”
What to expect at Canal Convergence 2024
The first announced artwork for Canal Convergence 2024 is “Molecules,” by The Urban Conga of Brooklyn, New York.
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“Molecules” will be suspended above the Arizona Canal as a series of broken-down water molecules. In marked locations, the lighting within the molecules can be controlled by the volume of people’s voices and will illuminate in different ways based on the different sounds it hears.
“‘Molecules’ uses physical, playful reflection to spark an internal self-reflective consciousness to process the impact we have on the world around us,” said Ryan Swanson, The Urban Conga’s founder and creative director.
“We are excited for the public to not only engage with the work but also to use the work to connect with one another and the surrounding landscape in new ways.”
Swanson said “Molecules” provides an opportunity for communal connection along the canal and hopes people take a moment of “self-reflection to think about how much our individual selves can directly impact others and our surrounding environment.”
More artwork, activities and performances will be announced.
Canal Convergence 2024 Film Festival
The Canal Convergence Mini Film Festival will take place Nov. 15-16, showcasing short films that explore the concept of physical and psychological reflections.
“The Canal Convergence Mini Film Fest is really an opportunity to broaden not only the spectrum of art we feature at the event each year but also what art looks like for us beyond the context of physical artwork,” said Kiara Brown, event coordinator for Canal Convergence.
“Filmgoers can expect to experience a variety of short films ranging from comedy to romance to animation and everything else in between.”
Is Canal Convergence free?
Yes. It’s free to stroll the Scottsdale Waterfront and see the Canal Convergence artwork. Some workshops and other activities have fees or require tickets.
Canal Convergence 2024 at the Scottsdale Waterfront
When: Nov. 8-17, 2024.
Where: Along the Scottsdale Waterfront, 7135 E. Camelback Road.
Admission: Free.
Details: scottsdalearts.org.
Meredith G. White covers entertainment and culture for The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com. She has the latest news about video games, television and things to do in metro Phoenix. Follow her on X and Instagram @meredithgwhite andon Facebook as Meredith G. White. Email her at meredith.white@arizonarepublic.com.
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