Many people see Las Vegas as the life of the party, popularized because of our famous slogan, “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas,” aimed at those who come here for fun and eventually go back to their own hometowns. But what about those of us who call Las Vegas home? What happens to our culture, to the scenes behind the scenes, to the art and creativity that define us as a community?

Many critics say Las Vegas is a joke when it comes to art, culture and history. Though Las Vegas will turn 100 years old this year, many locals and visitors still don’t understand the meaning of Las Vegas’ history and can’t see its artistic and cultural identity. You don’t have to look far, though, to understand; our culture is diverse, evolving and being created before our eyes every day.

Because of the relatively young age of our town, Las Vegas still has the ability to make its own culture and atmosphere, portraying the growth and adaptability of the different people who populate our community. These people might contribute only one small thing to our new culture. But even small contributions have added up to make us who we are today. A hundred years ago, who would have thought that Las Vegas would someday be such a huge, thriving city?

Thanks to the opportunities Las Vegas has as a growing city, new forms of art are created and displayed. Our main attractions, like everyone knows, are the casinos and their themes. But art galleries around the valley are beginning to arrive and offer people an insight into true art. “First Friday” spotlights the best of the arts Las Vegas has to offer, every month in our very own Arts District. Top-notch theaters, such as the one being built for the Las Vegas Academy, and the great shows offered each night at different hotels display a wide range of artistic and creative expression.

Las Vegas’ Centennial Celebration, which kicked off this past New Year’s Eve, is showing the public the history of Las Vegas and what has made the city what it is today. At the same time, new art and culture is being created as part of the celebration.

For example, the Centennial Celebration Committee, an organization of community leaders organizing centennial events, launched the City of 100 Murals art education project, which will sponsor the creation of permanent and temporary murals throughout the city, showing an insight into the history and culture of Las Vegas.

"We are so proud that one of the largest, most significant public art initiatives in our community is part of the Centennial celebration," says Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, as quoted on the committee’s website. "What better way to commemorate our 100th birthday than to document our history with art and create a lasting legacy to the Centennial?"

Most of the centennial festivities will be concentrated in May and July of this year. Best of all, residents of Las Vegas are encouraged to participate in events, create works of art to display or just join in the cultural experience. You can even apply to be in the Helldorado Days Parade, returning to Las Vegas on May 14.

There’s no better time to get involved in this growing community, build its culture and make history.

For more information about Las Vegas culture and its centennial celebration, go to www.lasvegas2005.org.

-Return to March 2005 Issue-