What is Tucson's Luminarias del Pueblo?
Imagine a forest of towering, luminous sculptures creating a glowing sense of place in the desert night. Or beacons marking your path as you stroll through the festive downtown on a winter evening. As you approach, you see that each structure is a unique work of art, most likely which has been absorbing the fierce energy of the Sonoran sun by day, to light the night and create a sense of welcome. Imagine this every winter in Tucson.
Piloted in 2003 in partnership with the Metropolitan Tucson Convention and Visitors Bureau (MTCVB), Tucson's Luminarias del Pueblo is fast becoming the talk of the town. The project has garnered national attention for it's original take on the "Painted Animal" model, and it's unique use of Southwestern imagery and traditions, and— thanks to Tucson Electric Power (TEP) —Solar Energy. In the second incarnation in 2005 there were 35 fabulous Luminarias created and sold at auction.
With partners that include Tucson's major tourism agency (MTCVB), media outlets (Tucson's Newspapers), and public utility (TEP), the Tucson Pima Arts Council has put together a public art, cultural tourism, and philanthropy project that raises awareness of our region's rich heritage and creative spirit, and also raises significant dollars for our region's artists and nonprofit community.
Creative Vision + Sun Light =
Tucson's Luminarias del Pueblo utilizes two of Arizona's most renowned resources—sunlight and artists—and alludes to the luminaria tradition of decorative lights, used to guide and welcome, that have graced Mexico and the Southwest for hundreds of years. It expands on the successful Ponies del Pueblo of 2002-04 -- which raised over $400,000 -- allowing for greater creativity on the part of the artists because there is no fixed form.
The Luminarias
Each Luminaria is a unique, artist-created sculpture, at least 6 feet in height or length, and made luminous through the use of solar power. The designs have been proposed by both well known and emerging artists or artist teams, and have been juried by a panel of art and design professionals to assure they meet artistic, technical and other practical requirements, such as durability outdoors.
Project Goals
- To showcase diverse artistic expressions for residents and visitors.
- To provide a cultural tourism attraction for Tucson and Pima County.
- To celebrate the cultural diversity of the region.
- To organize a major fundraiser for the Tucson Pima Arts Council.
- To develop new partnerships and alliances to support the arts.
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