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Since 1991, the Peer Consulting Program has provided affordable and accessible consulting services to the state’s non-profit arts organizations and local arts agencies. The intention of this program is to make available the extensive knowledge and experience of these professionals to our constituents across the state. The Commission intends these consultancies to be learning opportunities for organizations.  The consultant should not do the organization’s work, rather, the consultant’s role is to listen, teach, and suggest.  They won’t solve all your problems, but they will help you assess or diagnose your current situation, and develop strategies to get your organization on the road to solving the root of any problems, not just the symptoms.  Even if you don’t have a pressing issue, our consultants are also available to look at positive aspects of change, such as examining accessibility issues or building participation in your organization. Peer consultants are professionals who have expertise in many areas, including board development, financial management, fund raising, strategic/long-range planning, program development, marketing, public relations, community outreach and more.  The consultants on our roster are not just available as a pool for our Consultant Services Program, but may be hired independently of the grant to work on long-term issues.  The Consultant Services Program is a way organizations may work with different consultants over time and perhaps find one with which you may develop a lasting relationship.

Peer Consultants can provide the following services that include, but are not limited to:

• On site workshops or consultations in a specific area, including a written report;

• A facilitated assessment of the organization with board and staff;

• Technology assessment

•  Strategic planning

•  Examination of your organization’s participation issues regarding audience, artists, board.

• Facilitation of a staff or board retreat

• Peer Consultants can perform Community Cultural Inventories and Inventory Follow-ups for towns, cities and counties, which evaluate the cultural resources of a community. Peer Consultants facilitate public meetings for artists, arts organizations, government officials, business leaders, educators and other interested citizens. A detailed written report is produced by the Peer Consultant, summarizing discussions at the meetings, describing their observations and prioritizing recommendations for cultural development in a community.

Funding for services by a Peer Consultant are available throughout the year for Arizona non-profit arts organizations through the Consultant Services Program. Generally, organizations may receive one CSG per fiscal year (subject to review, approval and availability of funds).  Requests must be made six weeks in advance of the proposed consultancy. You are encouraged to speak to staff from the Arts Commission before submitting your request.  Funding is made to the arts organization receiving the consultation; it is then the responsibility of the arts organization to pay the consultant.

Examples of Consultant Services Grant support:

·   $400 towards a one-day on-site consultation (for example: facilitating a board workshop)  Organizations are, in general, expected to contribute $100 of consultant’s fee.  Peer Consultant fees are $500 for a one-day on-site consultation which includes pre-meeting planning and a written report.

·  Mileage, meal and lodging reimbursement for consultants for out-of-town consultants only (subject to State guidelines).  * Subject to approval by Arts Commission staff.

View Consultant Services guidelines and application. For assistance, please contact Mitch Menchaca, Director of State and Local Partnerships at 602-771-6529 or mmenchaca@azarts.gov.

Look for a new Peer Consultants Roster this July!  Interested in being a peer consultant?  The Arizona Commission on the Arts will accept applications for new Consultants this fall!  Check back for further information.