Beautifying Kingman

April 20, 2023

Tourism is an economic force with the potential to significantly increase economic growth and workforce stability. Art tourism has been around for centuries, though not highly publicized. However, with the explosion of social media, camera phones, and digital photos, art tourism is in demand. Road trips, directly and indirectly, contribute to the rise in art tourism because of the pandemic. From baby boomers to millennials, the desire to photo-document visits with landmark or artsy backgrounds is just as crucial to the aesthetic as it is to the memories.

Programs Boosting Art Tourism

Kingman is the number one location on Route 66 for global tourists. Having access to 34 million people within a day's drive, Kingman is also a choice location for companies moving to Arizona, tourists vacationing, and visitors driving through.

As Kingman’s tourist and visitor traffic increases, an art tourism movement was created to beautify Kingman with the Murals Incentive and Façade Improvement programs.

Murals Incentive Program

Murals are the cornerstone of art tourism. Being a supporter of the arts, in January of this year, Kingman launched the Murals Incentive Program (MIP). MIP provides financial support to small business owners wanting to beautify Downtown Kingman with interactive murals that complement Downtown Kingman’s character and give visual enhancement to the property/business without stating the business name.

Benefits from such a program include:

Increasing art tourism from locals and visitors
Supporting local and non-local artists
Engaging residents
Defining the community’s identity
Increasing art appreciation

MIP is centralized for murals to appear within a five-block, east-west span, and a two-block, north-south span. Centralizing mural locations will create a designated Mural Walk for tourists and residents to enhance the photo-documenting of their travels and journeys. Being steps away from Beale Street and with the current, mandatory Beale Street exit, the future Mural Walk will be a colorful and artsy rest stop for road trip tourists while adding daily enlightenment for existing businesses.

Small business owners in Downtown Kingman are urged to complete the application and apply for MIP.

building

Store

Façade Improvement Program

The Façade Improvement Program (FIP) was established in 2019 to encourage the beautification of commercial buildings throughout Kingman. Since then, FIP has helped dozens of businesses with new signs, exterior paint, and more. Once granted, FIP will award each applicant up to $9k.

Some of the eligibility requirements:

Small businesses or non-profit buildings within Kingman’s commercial zoning district
New signs must be an upgrade from an existing sign and compliment the character of the area
Improvements must be completed within six months of the grant approval

Inviting, welcoming, and interesting storefront signage adds allure and intrigue while increasing foot traffic. Currently, funds for the 2022/2023 fiscal year are expended. However, interested business owners may apply early for the 2023/2024 fiscal year.