Press Releases Overview

After more than a decade of building a broad base of bipartisan support, the Santa Cruz Valley in Southern Arizona was designated as a National Heritage Area. The designation of the Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area was included in Senate Bill 47, The John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act (Title 6, Sec. 6001), which was passed by Congress on February 26, 2019 and signed by President Trump on March 12, 2019. National Heritage Areas stimulate local heritage-based economic development by marketing regional heritage tourism, and promoting place-based foods, arts, crafts, and other traditional products.  There are 55 National Heritage Areas in 32 states across country, with many of these areas seeing a significant increase in tourism following the designation.

The 28th Arizona International Film Festival, the longest running cinematic celebration in Arizona, will showcase a diverse program of over 100 new works representing 22 countries from April 10 through April 21 at The Screening Room (127 E. Congress Street) in downtown Tucson.

Tucson Cine Mexico, a partnership between The University of Arizona Hanson FilmTV Institute and New York-based Cinema Tropical, has announced the 2019 festival program. Highlights include the U.S. Premiere of Beto Gómez’ romantic comedy Cinderelo and this year’s Jaguar Award-winning La camarista (The Chambermaid), from director-actor-dramatist Lila Avilés. The festival will run from March 27-31, with an Opening Night Party and talks at the Tucson Museum of Art, and screenings at the Center for Creative Photography and Harkins Tucson Spectrum 18. All films are in Spanish with English subtitles. As always, Tucson Cine Mexico events are free.

The AC Hotel Tucson Downtown is proud to announce their environmentally friendly efforts at the hotel have been awarded the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) 2018 New Construction and Major Renovations certification. LEED certification identifies AC Hotel Tucson Downtown as a showcase example of environmental design and demonstrates leadership in transforming downtown development.

The University of Arizona Museum of Art may seem like a peaceful place but on November 29, 1985, it was the site of one of the most baffling art heists in recent history. On that day, a mysterious couple walked into the museum and walked out with Woman-Ochre, an abstract painting by the legendary expressionist artist Willem de Kooning, believed to be worth more than $100 million. Decades later, the painting was discovered by an antique dealer in an estate sale and it was returned to the museum. But who were the thieves? On May 16, you’ll get a chance to learn more about this surreal story from people closely involved in it at this event at the UA Museum of Art. You’ll hear how the painting came to the museum, what happened the day of the heist, how it was recovered—and who may have been responsible!

Founded in 1939, The Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus commences the celebration of its 80th Anniversary in 2019. Over the last eight decades, the Chorus has gained worldwide acclaim as one of the elite boy choirs on the planet. Thousands of boys have participated in the chorus and chances are most longtime residents know someone who sang (or sings) in the chorus.

The Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block is celebrating their 95th Birthday on March 10, 2019, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in collaboration with Second SundAZe Family Day @ TMA, the museum’s popular admission-free monthly program. Join the museum for birthday-inspired art-making projects, a performance by Cirque Roots including stilt walkers, jugglers, and acrobats; a workshop and performance by Artifact Dance Project; and the Gonzo Hour: an interactive, musical, physical theater clown show for all ages. The day will also include face painting, piñatas, and a cake-cutting ceremony at 2 p.m.! All events are free and open to the public.

On Saturday, March 9, come to  2nd Saturdays Downtown for a free, family-friendly music festival. It’s fun and it’s all for you. Stroll on Congress Street to see many new clubs and restaurants. See many vendors and street merchants with items that are handmade or one of a kind. Winter hours are in effect, from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m.

Don Guerra of Barrio Bread listed among a field of twenty as Outstanding Baker; Legendary El Charro Café honored in Outstanding Restaurant category.

Former world champion boxer and current boxing promoter Oscar De La Hoya and actor and comedian Alfonso Ribeiro will play in the Cologuard Classic “Celebrity Challenge” on Saturday, March 2nd on Omni Tucson National’s Catalina Course.