Canal Convergence returns this fall to Scottsdale, with social distancing
Sep 11, 2020, 11:00 AM
PHOENIX – Art fans will be able to enjoy the light and water displays of Canal Convergence this fall, but they’ll have to venture beyond the Scottsdale Waterfront to experience it all.
The 10-night outdoor free exhibition will return Nov. 6-15, with installations spread across multiple sites to allow for physical distancing.
“This is a year where we have all been impacted by COVID-19’s devastating effects on our way of life,” Kim Boganey, director of Scottsdale Public Art, said in a press release.
“Canal Convergence is no exception to these changes and will pivot in order to ensure the safety of everyone involved, including our visitors.”
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In addition to usual locations along the Arizona Canal, artwork will be installed at multiple locations in nearby Old Town Scottsdale.
The new configuration will help visitors keep their distance from each other, plus some of the new sites will be easily viewable from cars or bicycles.
Instead of the hands-on activities that have been part of past events, Canal Convergence 2020 will offer augmented reality experiences through a smartphone app.
Also out are beer and wine gardens, but the Old Town locations will be near a variety of dining establishments with takeout options.
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This year’s entertainment will be a mixture of livestreamed performances and in-person events at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, where safety protocols will be enforced.
Scottsdale Public Art has presented Canal Convergence once or twice a year since 2012. The last exhibition was in November 2019.
The timely theme for this year’s event is “Reconnect.”
“Each of the Canal Convergence artworks provide unique and meaningful ways to reconnect with friends, neighbors, and the city of Scottsdale through art,” Jennifer Gill, public art manager for Canal Convergence, said in the release.
“Even though the look and feel of this year’s event has had to change due to pandemic restrictions, we are proud to say that the tradition of exceptional light-based public artworks remains the same.”
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