Petition Urges Harkins to Reopen Historic Valley Art Theater in Tempe

Tempe resident Michael R. launched a Change.org petition on Dec. 2 titled “Tell Harkins to reopen the Valley Art Theater in Tempe,” according to the Phoenix New Times. The petition calls for the single-screen venue to be renovated into a modern cinema while preserving its historic character. As of Wednesday, the petition had garnered 77 signatures.

History and Community Impact of the Valley Art Theater

Originally opening in 1940 as the College Theatre, the Valley Art has operated as a cultural cornerstone for metro Phoenix residents, hosting community events and film screenings for decades. According to the petition text cited by the Phoenix New Times, the venue served as “a place where friendships were forged, art was celebrated and the spirit of Tempe thrived.” The petition emphasizes that local cinephiles still value the space and want to see its screen light up again to nurture a shared cultural identity.

Harkins Theatres Response and Public Frustration

While most cinemas locally and nationally reopened within a year of the initial 2020 pandemic restrictions, the Valley Art stayed dark, and its closure is now approaching its sixth year. According to the Phoenix New Times, Harkins Theatres has offered little clarity about the property’s future beyond general assurances that it could eventually reopen.

The theater’s marquee has featured shifting messages regarding its potential return. One side long read, “Movies are forever. We’ll see you soon,” while a message during part of 2022 changed to “We’ll see you in ’22” before reverting to its original promise. The official Harkins website notes that the location remains temporarily closed, directing patrons to check back or follow social media for updates, though the chain’s online channels have remained mostly silent outside of a 90th-anniversary post featuring a vintage photo of the theater.

Public frustration has mounted online, with local repertory series organizers and residents voicing discontent on social media platforms like Reddit and in comment sections. According to the Phoenix New Times, Phoenix New Times contacted Harkins Theatres to ask whether any reopening plans are currently in the works but did not receive a response.