- ¡sombra!
Experiments in Shade
¡Sombra! Experiments in Shade is an innovative public art project developed by the Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture to address extreme urban heat in Phoenix. Winner of a $1 million grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Public Art Challenge, this project showcases the extraordinary solutions that arise when artists partner with civic leaders.
Events
¡Sombra! happenings
Phoenix invites people of all ages to participate in the ¡Sombra! projects, workshops, and celebratory events, while learning how to thrive in our desert climate.
¡Sombra!
The Burrow: Roesley Park Unveiling Event
Roesley park
April 26, 2025
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Join us for a fun-filled unveiling celebration of The Burrow, a brand-new ¡Sombra! Experiments in Shade installation for Roesley Park inspired by Arizona’s very own Desert Tortoise! Designed to provide a cool refuge from the sweltering heat, this larger-than-life abstract tortoise sculpture invites people of all ages to #sharetheshade and discover all that the desert and its inhabitants can teach us about climate resilience and adaptation.
Explore
Meet The Artists
Working with experts in heat relief from Heat Ready Phoenix, these artists will join the City’s team to respond to urban heat – beautifying Phoenix parks with stunning, large-scale sculptures, while providing cooling, inviting shade.
Our Mission
About the Project
¡Sombra! artists will create 9 magnificent temporary art installations, located in parks throughout the city starting in April 2025, fusing creativity, culture, and innovative cooling systems to provide relief from extreme urban heat.
