LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Artists and businesses in the Arts District are planning an art crawl next Friday, while First Friday is on pause after a deadly shooting last month.
The art crawl will run from 6 to 9 p.m. on Main Street and Commerce. It will take place on the night that would normally have been a First Friday celebration.
First Friday on pause
First Friday is paused after the shooting in the Arts District that killed 15-year-old Carth Onasi Jacobs-Rodgers.
A 17-year-old was arrested and booked into Clark County Juvenile Hall for murder with a deadly weapon and two counts of attempted murder with a deadly weapon.
Organizers and City of Las Vegas leaders said they are reviewing safety protocols and operational changes before welcoming crowds back. Mayor Shelley Berkley said she hopes First Friday could return at the end of this year or in early 2027.
MORE ON FOX5: First Friday pauses downtown Las Vegas events following deadly shooting of teen
Artists to be paid
The Arts District Action Coalition said each artist involved in the art crawl will be paid $100. The coalition said the money comes from donations made to the 18b Arts District board.
The coalition said about 18 artists will sell their artwork. It said the event was made possible through collaboration with the 18b Arts District board and local leaders.
Tony Chavez, a co-founder of the Arts District Action Coalition, says, “Because I know so many artists that really depend on First Friday to make their income. This is a huge time for them when it comes to just making it by in their daily lives. And we don’t want them to lose that.”
Businesses host artists
Around twenty local businesses will lend their spaces and sell merchandise during the art crawl.
Plur City is one of the businesses. It said it was disheartening to learn First Friday would be paused, and that many of its customers come from the event. The business said it hopes the art crawl can make up for that. It also said it is glad to help by hosting local artists in its shop.
Safety measures
The Arts District Action Coalition said the event will have more age restrictions, with curfews in place for minors.
The coalition said it is in communication with Las Vegas Police about the event. It said safety is a top priority and that it wants to make sure violence does not happen again at an Arts District event.
A raffle will also be held for people who attend. Small businesses will provide the prizes.
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