The arts scene in downtown Salt Lake City has flourished recently, with expectations for continued expansion in the coming year, according to a recent presentation to the Salt Lake City Council.
The Blocks, a 40-block arts district now in its eighth year, has reported an increase in its days of activation from Fiscal Year 2024 to Fiscal Year 2025.
As of May 12, 2025, The Blocks hosted 148 activation days, a noticeable rise from 117 days the previous year.
The council received a report highlighting several positive trends, including an uptick in the number of local artists hired, increased attendance at events, and a greater percentage of the budget allocated directly to artistic endeavors.
Both Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County contribute $300,000 to The Blocks’ annual budget, which is primarily funded through these combined resources.
The city’s contribution consists of $250,000 from the general fund and an additional $50,000 from a past surplus, according to the city council transmittal.
Britney Helmers, program director for The Blocks, presented the council with an overview of the district’s progress over the past year.
She noted an increase in event profitability and outlined plans for ongoing expansion into 2026.
“Working with all our arts and cultural venues around Downtown, we’re pleased to report over 4 million tickets sold last year, marking an 18.4% growth year over year,” Helmers stated.
Within its budget, The Blocks plans to broaden its asset loan program for artists, having already loaned more than $18,000 worth of assets at no cost in 2024.
Stage decking was the most commonly loaned item, but the organization will now also provide a full PA and sound system for events hosted downtown.
Helmers discussed several recurring events, including the free summer series Steppin’ on Main, which takes place outside the Eccles Theater and offers a variety of activities each week.
Additionally, the city’s Mariachi Festival, now in its third year and organized in collaboration with the Mexican Consulate, is slated for August 22 at the Eccles Theater.
However, not all programs managed by The Blocks are expected to return.
Helmers indicated that the Glow Garden event at the Gallivan Center is unlikely to happen again in 2026, despite attracting over 71,000 visitors during its three-month span.
She pointed out that other festivals, such as the Portland Winter Light Festival, draw significantly higher attendance.
“At the moment, we are evaluating how this program grows next,” Helmers added.
“We’re looking to pause this in 2026, with hopes of revamping it in 2027 through new branding, creative ideas, and deeper collaborations with artists.”
Following Helmers’ briefing, Council Member Eva López Chávez, representing downtown, spoke positively about the growth of the arts scene in her district.
She remarked, “To me, it is a way that the city can really anchor permanency and activation on block facades that might need some support right now.”
López Chávez continued by emphasizing the significance of The Blocks in activating spaces that would otherwise remain untouched during these transitional summer months.
“With the ongoing transformation of our downtown area, maintaining the continuity of The Blocks is essential for enhancing accessibility and engagement.”
image source from：buildingsaltlake
