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CATALYST Creative Collective Events
October 1, 2024 - November 30, 2024
CATALYST Creative Collective was established by the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance in 2019 to be an inspiring, innovative place where people from all walks of life connect through the shared experience of arts and culture. Located at Tucson Mall, this community space is ideal for gatherings, special events, workshops, art shows, retreats, concerts, and more.
CATALYST Creative Collective is located at 4500 N Oracle Rd Suite 110, Tucson, AZ 85705 1st Floor of the Tucson Mall in between Sears and Dillards.
With over 14,000 square feet available, the flexible-use rooms are equipped with an array of tables and chairs, WIFI upload speeds of 150+ mbps, four separate bathrooms, handwashing sinks, individual lockers for storing personal belongings, AV technology, and colorful murals and art installations. The collective hosts special events, fundraisers, seminars, presentations, arts experiences, rehearsals, performances and social gatherings from 25-300 people.
CREATIVE KIND & FRIENDS Holiday MarketsNov 14 – Dec 22 (excluding Thanksgiving weekend) Thursdays 3 – 7pm
Sundays 11am – 5pm
We’re excited to partner with Creative Kind, our newest partner at CATALYST, to bring you the Creative Kind & Friends Holiday Market! Join us at CATALYST Creative Collective in the Tucson Mall this holiday season for a festive pop-up shopping experience featuring a curated selection of local artisans and makers. Discover beautifully handcrafted gifts, unique art, and more!
Perfect for everyone on your holiday shopping list, this is a wonderful opportunity to support local businesses and celebrate the creativity of Southern Arizona! Vendor details coming soon—stay tuned!
ESPERANZA DANCE PROJECTRising Hope: 1st Annual Fundraising Gala
November 17 | 5 – 8pm
The Esperanza Dance Project is a community-based collaboration that uses a multimedia dance performance to educate about the issue of childhood sexual trauma and deliver a message of hope, strength and empowerment.
JUST ANNOUNCED – the 1st Annual Inaugural Fundraising Gala. This event will be open to the public with a suggested donation.
Dancers interested in joining EDP for our upcoming season are invited to email esperanzadanceproject@gmail.com with any questions MORE INFOART MIXER PAINT AND SIPArt Mixer is a unique Tucson paint and sip experience! Public and private paint events and classes. Attendees can choose step-by-step painting projects on canvas, wood board, wood cutouts, wine glasses, wine bottles and paint-and-take ceramics! Appointments are HIGHLY recommended to ensure your paint day/time. Painting availability not guaranteed for walk ins. Learn more and make reservations at: https://artmixer.net/
Contact: (520) 490-9400, artmixertucson@gmail.com
TUCSON YOUTH MUSICTuesdays & Wednesdays
3:00pm – 6:30pm
Tucson Youth Music is a nonprofit music center answering the call for music education. TYM offers music lessons free of charge to underserved youth. Qualifying students are provided with group instruction as appropriate, music books, necessary supplies, and loaner instruments, all at no charge. Our teachers are accomplished professionals in their respective fields, bringing compassion and understanding to their lesson plans and interactions with our students.
Tucson Youth Music is currently seeking the following:
-Guitar Instructor
-Front Desk Volunteers
Registration is now open for the 2024-25 after school music program!
OCTOBER / NOVEMBER CATALYST CALENDARLight the Mic Open Mic
October 18 | 6 – 9pm
Light The Mic is a community open mic where ALL forms of art are welcome: musical & visual art, dance, poetry and spoken word, come play your instrument, comedians, you name it!MORE INFODesert Artisans Market
October 26 | 12pm – 5pm
Join us for the September Desert Artisans Market right here in CATALYST! Over 20 local Artisans and small businesses are showcased every month. It’s an event you don’t want to miss! Artists/Vendors can apply HERE.MORE INFOCeramics Workshop | What is Comfort?
October 27 | 3 – 6pm | $10 donation suggested
The artist will introduce you to ceramic forming techniques to create objects that embody your personal understanding of comfort. Throughout the workshop, collaboration is highly encouraged, allowing you to get to know each other and meaningfully share, engage, and celebrate each other’s way in understanding comfort. As the workshop progresses, you will deepen your connection with the material and through your conversations, forming a supportive space to explore your individual and collective needs for comfort.RSVPMinis For All: Tiny Basket and Veggies
November 9 | 1 – 3pm
Join us for Minis for All, our monthly DIY mini project, designed to inspire creativity and an appreciation for the art of miniatures. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crafter, all skill levels are welcome! $10 per session/kit. Advanced registration is required. REGISTERAn Iliad | Creative Writing Workshop for Active Military, Veterans, and Family
November 9 | 3 – 6pm
CATALYST is honored to host a Creative Writing Workshop specifically for active military, veterans, and their families. This inspiring evening will begin with a live performance of selections from the play An Iliad, setting the stage for a thoughtful exploration of storytelling, followed by a hands-on monologue writing workshop. Participants will have the opportunity to reflect on their own experiences and craft unique narratives in a supportive, creative environment. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided. Don’t miss this chance to connect, create, and share your voice in the company of those who serve and their loved ones.RSVPArchaeology Café | Archaeology Southwest
November 12 | 5:30 – 7:30pm
Unleash your curiosity at the 2024–2025 season of Archaeology Café: Dogs! This season, we’re diving into the fascinating relationship between humans and canines. Join us as we explore this enduring bond across time and cultures.
Experts in archaeology, zooarchaeology, and biology will guide us through six paw-some lectures, covering everything from the role of dogs in past societies to their impact on art, stories, and daily life. Whether you’re a dog lover or just eager to learn, this series will be a real treat!MORE INFOLight the Mic Open Mic
November 15 | 6 – 9pm
Light The Mic is a community open mic where ALL forms of art are welcome: musical & visual art, dance, poetry and spoken word, come play your instrument, comedians, you name it!MORE INFOMinis + Sip: Greenhouse Vignette
November 21 | 5:30 – 8pm
Join us for an evening of spirits and miniatures! In this class, you’ll learn step-by-step how to create your own miniature in a fun, social atmosphere. All skill levels are welcome (wine, small bites, and materials included). 21+ Advanced registration is required.
ARTIST IN RESIDENCE
IBHRAHIM KHAZZAKA: We are thrilled to welcome Ibrahim, a dynamic Lebanese-born transnational artist, to our creative community! With a background in psychology, education, and an MFA in ceramics, Ibrahim brings a truly unique perspective to the studio. He describes his vibrant work as a conversation on “notions of affection, sensuality, and belonging,” blending his diverse cultural heritage with a bold, contemporary voice.
After years of teaching and working in Lebanon, Dubai, Los Angeles, and New York City, Ibrahim has now made Tucson his home. As our newest Artist-in-Residence, Ibrahim’s practice is rooted in social and interfaith dialogues, place-making, and the nature of perception. His work invites contemplation and celebrates the intersection of diverse ideas and identities.
“I believe that innovation thrives at the border of culture and that risking my comfort is necessary for my creative process,” Ibrahim shares. At CATALYST, he will explore new dimensions in his art and deepen his engagement with our vibrant Southern Arizona community.
Stay tuned for more updates on Ibrahim’s upcoming projects, workshops, and community collaborations! Join us in welcoming him to the CATALYST family! LEARN MORECATALYST CREATIVE PARNTERSThe CATALYST Creative Collective is a dynamic and inclusive space that reflects the essence of the hundreds of artists, creatives, community members, and nonprofit organizations that come together at CATALYST to collaborate and build shared value. Current CATALYST partners include digital creators, culinary-based businesses, visual and performing artists, business networking groups, and nonprofit organizations.JOIN THE COLLECTIVECATALYST NEW PARTNER HIGHLIGHT
CREATIVE KIND
We’re thrilled to welcome Creative Kind as our newest partner at the CATALYST Creative Collective! Known for their hyper-focus on supporting all things local, Creative Kind’s unique designs and unmatched creative spirit have made them a cornerstone of Arizona’s artisan community.
As a stationery company, Creative Kind offers some of the best ideas for thoughtful, locally-inspired gifts. Whether you’re looking for beautifully crafted cards, notebooks, or unique gift items, they’ve got something special for everyone on your list. Their new fall line of stickers is especially a must-see—spooky and cute in the best way possible, perfect for adding a festive touch to your holiday decor or gifting!
After an unexpected closure of their brick-and-mortar store, Creative Kind made an inspiring pivot, shifting their focus to new opportunities and partnerships with other retailers. True to the entrepreneurial spirit, they have found success by embracing wholesale and continuing to champion local makers and businesses. Their commitment to highlighting Arizona talent remains stronger than ever!
This holiday season, we are excited to bring their infectious energy to CATALYST with the Creative Kind & Friends Holiday Market—a specially curated shopping experience featuring the best local vendors in Tucson. Handpicked by Creative Kind, these artisans will help make holiday shopping both easy and fun, with unique, high-quality goods that celebrate the creativity of our community.