Contact:
Casey Blake, 602-771-6536, cblake@azarts.gov
Rey Torres, 602-926-3233, rtorres@azleg.gov

PHOENIX, AZ (January 13, 2012)—Visions of Arizona, an exhibition conceived by State Representative Debbie Lesko and developed through a partnership between the Arizona State House of Representatives, the Arizona Commission on the Arts and the Arizona Art Alliance, is now on view throughout the second floor of the House of Representatives office building at the Arizona Capitol complex, alongside legislative leadership offices and conference rooms. The exhibition provides visibility for Arizona professional artists and celebrates the lush, wide-ranging beauty of the Arizona landscape.

The collection of artwork on loan is made possible through the volunteer efforts of the Arizona Art Alliance, who managed the statewide open call to artists. A review panel convened by the Arizona Commission on the Arts recommended 25 artworks from a juried pool of over 300 submissions. The exhibited artworks were selected in consultation with the House Majority Whip, Representative Debbie Lesko.

Artists selected for the exhibition will be honored at a reception on January 19, 2012.

Representative Lesko says of the exhibition, “I am pleased to introduce the work of Arizona artists to the hallways of the House of Representatives during our state’s Centennial year. The work featured in this exhibition captures and commemorates aspects of our state that are unique and timeless. ”

Arts Commission Executive Director, Bob Booker says of the collaboration, “The artworks on view feature a broad range of Arizona themes and styles that capture the imagination. The Arts Commission extends thanks to our partners in the House of Representatives and the Arizona Art Alliance for making this exceptional collaboration a possibility. It is our hope that visitors to the House of Representatives will have the opportunity to become familiar with the work of Arizona visual artists.”

The exhibition, which coincides with Arizona’s Centennial year, will remain on display until November 2012. Artwork can be viewed by visitors to the Capitol between the hours of 9:00am and 5:00pm, Monday through Friday.

For more information about the exhibition, to view the selected works and learn about the artists, visit http://www.azarts.gov/programs/visions-of-arizona-exhibition/.

Arizona State House of Representatives
http://www.azhouse.gov/

About the Arizona Commission on the Arts
One of 56 state and jurisdictional arts agencies across the United States, the Arizona Commission on the Arts is an agency of the State of Arizona that supports a statewide arts network. The Arizona Commission on the Arts supports access to quality arts and arts education opportunities for all Arizona citizens; the development and retention of statewide jobs in the nonprofit arts, culture and education sectors; and increased economic impact in local communities through arts-based partnerships that develop tax and small business revenue. For more information, visit www.azarts.gov.

We imagine an Arizona where everyone can participate in and experience the arts.

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To request this or any other agency publication in an alternative format, contact the Arts Commission offices at (602) 771-6502, or info@azarts.gov.
Images available upon request.

During her tenure at the Phoenix-based Arizona Commission on the Arts, Adriana developed programs, grants, partnerships and services in support of arts organizations, artists, universities/schools, community groups and government agencies. Through local, regional and national public and private partnerships, Adriana designed professional development initiatives, coordinated exhibition opportunities to increase visibility and engagement of Arizona artists, and delivered consultation and resources to cultivate field leadership. She pursued these responsibilities mindful of inclusivity, equity and accessibility.

Arts Commission Executive Director, Robert C. Booker, said of the transition, “Adriana’s bold, passionate leadership within Arizona’s arts and culture sector has been an asset to the Arts Commission and all those served by our programs. Her significant work – with local arts agencies, the Arizona Public Art Network, the Arizona/Mexico Commission and statewide individual artists – has advanced our agency’s mission in ways too numerous to mention. Though we will miss working with her on a daily basis, we are thrilled for Adriana and look forward to our continued relationship as she champions positive change from a national vantage point. She is both well-equipped and well-positioned to take on this terrific new opportunity at NALAC.”

At NALAC, Adriana will work closely with the Executive Director, Maria De Leon, representing the organization with internal and external partners, agencies, and organizations; managing the business affairs of the organization; supervising staff, and overseeing programs, projects and activities.

Executive Director of NALAC, Maria De Leon, says of the new position, “I am pleased that Adriana will be joining NALAC as Deputy Director. She comes to NALAC with multiple years of experience at the Arizona Commission on the Arts developing grants programs and providing professional development services. Adriana is an alumnus of the NALAC Leadership Institute and has been involved with NALAC over many years. We will continue to strengthen NALAC’s infrastructure over the coming months with additional staff to allow us the capacity to address the challenges facing the Latino arts community and the larger arts industry.”

About the National Association of Latino Arts and Culture (NALAC): Founded in 1989, the National Association of Latino Arts and Culture is the nation’s only multidisciplinary Latino arts service organization. NALAC provides critical advocacy, funding, networking opportunities and professional development training to build the capacity and sustainability of the Latino arts and cultural field to sustain artists and arts organizations in every region of the country. NALAC advances the Latino arts field with a mission of advocacy, capacity building, technical assistance, and enhancing communications with and among the Latino arts and cultural community. NALAC’s constituency is a multi-ethnic, multigenerational, and interdisciplinary community that includes thousands of artists and more than 750 not-for-profit Latino arts and cultural organizations located in urban and rural communities across the country. http://www.nalac.org/.

About the Arizona Commission on the Arts
One of 56 state and jurisdictional arts agencies across the United States, the Arizona Commission on the Arts is an agency of the State of Arizona that supports a statewide arts network. The Arizona Commission on the Arts supports access to quality arts and arts education opportunities for all Arizona citizens; the development and retention of statewide jobs in the nonprofit arts, culture and education sectors; and increased economic impact in local communities through arts-based partnerships that develop tax and small business revenue. For more information, visit www.azarts.gov.

We imagine an Arizona where everyone can participate in and experience the arts.

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To request this or any other agency publication in an alternative format, contact the Arts Commission offices at (602) 771-6502, or info@azarts.gov.

Images available upon request.

5 Arizona Artists Awarded Arts Commission Project Grants to Create New Works

PHOENIX, AZ (December 27, 2011) – In December 2011, the Governor-appointed board of the Arizona Commission on the Arts awarded the prestigious Artist Project Grants to artists from across Arizona, practicing in a variety of artistic disciplines. Offered annually, these grants support the professional development of Arizona artists with awards of up to $5,500.

The Arts Commission remains committed to maintaining support for artists through grants, as it has for 21 years. In addition to the Artist Project Grant, the Arts Commission also makes one Distinguished Merit Award, which offers additional funding support in the amount of up to $2,500 to one recipient. Of the 180 applications received, only 5 were funded, based on grant funding currently available.

The 2012 recipients are: Perry Allen, Kimi Eisele, Logan Phillips, Joshua Rathkamp, and TC Tolbert.

2012 Artist Project Grant review panelists included Stacey Lynn Brown, Assistant Professor of Creative Writing at Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, IL; Liesel Fenner, Public Art Program Manager at Americans for the Arts, Washington, D.C.; and Robert Karimi, award winning interdisciplinary playwright/poet, currently serving as Artist-in-residence at Intermedia Arts in Minneapolis, MN. Vicki Hunt, a Governor-appointed Commissioner of the Arizona Commission on the Arts, chaired the panel.

These awards have been known to springboard recipients into the next level of their careers as artists, in their business of researching, developing, marketing and delivering their creative product. Through their work with communities, in education and in partnership with local vendors, artists stimulate local economies and improve the quality of life for all.

Artist Project Grant Distinguished Merit Award

Perry Allen (Phoenix) — Town of Product. The artist will create a suburban town animated from still-image advertisements, to be projected wall-sized and continuously looping through a 24-hour day, suitable for a range of venues. Allen holds a B.A. in Film and Electronic Arts from Bard College in New York, and teaches film and video at Arizona School for the Arts.

Artist Project Grant Panelists said of the artist: “This artist’s proposed project is conceptually very powerful and overall feasible to accomplish successfully; a very interesting, visionary commentary on cultural consumerism.”

Artist Project Grant Descriptions

Kimi Eisele (Tucson) —The Lightest Object in the Universe: A Novel. Eisele will write a novel exploring love, loss, and adaptation in a post-apocalyptic America. Eisele holds a M.A. in geography from the University of Arizona, and her essays and articles about globalization, the environment, health and the arts have been published in Orion Magazine, River Teeth, as well as in anthologies and online news outlets.

Logan Phillips (Tucson) — The Sonoran Strange. Phillips, working closely with collaborators, will write and direct a multimedia theater piece celebrating the varied histories of Arizona. Phillips holds a B.A. in Spanish from Northern Arizona University, and has performed and conducted residencies throughout the United States and Mexico.

Joshua Rathkamp (Gilbert) — In Response: A Collection of Poems. The writer will create a collection of poems exploring single fatherhood through personal and universal fact. Rathkamp holds a B.A. in Creative Writing from Western Michigan University and an M.F.A. in Poetry from Arizona State University. A widely published author, he is the director of the Creative Writing Program at Mesa Community College and the Fine Arts Coordinator for the Maricopa Community College District.

TC Tolbert (Tucson) — The Littlest Death. Tolbert will create a poetry manuscript that addresses the violence against transgender people and the challenges they face in their daily lives. Tolbert holds an M.F.A. in Poetry from the University of Arizona, currently teaches Composition at UA and Pima Community College, and is also the Assistant Director of Casa Libre en la Solana.

Bill Desmond Writing Award

The Arts Commission is also pleased to announce that Elena Diaz Bjorkquist (Tucson) will receive the Bill Desmond Writing Award for the best nonfiction submission, in the amount of $500. This award was established by Kathleen Desmond to honor her late husband, Bill Desmond, a reporter, editor and nonfiction writer. Bjorkquist’s project, Unsung Women who made Arizona Great, is set within a historical framework in honor of the Arizona Centennial. The project will become a series of monologues that bring to life the diverse contributions of seven Arizona women. Artist Project Grant panelist, Stacey Lynn Brown, the award judge, said of the project, “This is a wonderful proposal, and I love the prospect of unearthing the stories of the influential women in the history or Arizona. This is vital and important artistic work.”

About the Arizona Commission on the Arts
One of 56 state and jurisdictional arts agencies across the United States, the Arizona Commission on the Arts is an agency of the State of Arizona that supports a statewide arts network. The Arizona Commission on the Arts supports access to quality arts and arts education opportunities for all Arizonans; the development and retention of statewide jobs in the nonprofit arts, culture and education sectors; and increased economic impact in local communities through arts-based partnerships that develop tax and small business revenue.

We imagine an Arizona where everyone can participate in and experience the arts.

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To request this or any other agency publication in an alternative format, contact the Arts Commission offices at (602) 771-6502, or info@azarts.gov.

Images available upon request.

Phoenix, AZ (November 23, 2011)–Governor Jan Brewer has appointed a new chair for the Arizona Commission on the Arts as well as reappointing a current commissioner and three new community members to the Commission itself.

Phoenix businessman  Mark Feldman, a current commission member, has been named the chair of the Commission. Former Senator Carolyn Allen of Scottsdale has been named a new commissioner, and vice-chair. Dr Robert Breunig of Flagstaff, director of the Museum of Northern Arizona has been appointed to a second 2-year term.

Former State Senator Tim Bee of Tucson also has been appointed to the Commission along with Phoenix public affairs professional Carol Crockett. The new Commissioners are part of the 15-member, Governor-appointed Arts Commission.

Feldman was first appointed to the Arts Commission in 2009. Of his new role as Chair, Feldman says, “I am pleased to accept the challenge of the role of Chair for the Arts Commission, as I greatly value the contributions of Arizona’s arts and culture sector. As Chair I pledge to help strengthen the position of the arts and culture sector within and in partnership with other industries, because I believe arts and culture can contribute even more powerfully to Arizona’s bright future.”

“Senator Allen, Senator Bee and Ms. Crockett bring to the Arts Commission years of experience in leadership, education and policymaking. Together with Mr. Feldman as Chair and the uniquely-skilled group of Commissioners, the Arts Commission is poised for a bright future of innovation and collaboration,” said Robert Booker, executive director of the Arts Commission.

Commissioner Appointee Bios

Commission Chair, Mark Feldman (Scottsdale) possesses approximately 25 years experience in the wealth management industry. Mr. Feldman currently serves on the Boards of Directors for the Arizona Science Center and Free Arts of Arizona, is a past President of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern and Central Arizona, and is a past Trustee of the Desert Botanical Garden.

Vice Chair, Carolyn Allen (Scottsdale) was an Arizona Senator for District 8 from 2002-2010. Prior to this, she served as a State Representative for District 28. Before her election she was Development Director of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation and the Scottsdale Cultural Council. She also served as Executive Director of the Scottsdale Arts Center and President of the Board of Directors of the Scottsdale Arts Center Association.

Timothy S. Bee (Tucson) is the Associate Vice President for State Relations at the University of Arizona. Before joining the UA, Bee served as the Director of the Southern Arizona Office of Governor Jan Brewer beginning in January 2009, following eight years of service in the Arizona State Senate. He served as the Senate Majority Leader from 2003 to 2006 and later became President of the Senate, marking the first time that seat was held by someone from Southern Arizona since 1974. Prior to entering state politics, he owned and operated Bee Brothers Printing. Bee is a third generation native of Tucson. Tim and his wife Grace have six children who are very active in the performing arts.

Dr. Robert Breunig (Flagstaff) is director of the Museum of Northern Arizona (MNA). Dr. Breunig served as executive director of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Chief Curator and Deputy Director of the Heard Museum, Executive Director of the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, and Executive Director of the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. He led the design and execution of new displays at each of these museums.

Carol Crockett (Phoenix), an oil painter and member of the Phoenix Art Museum docent program, is Vice President Development/Donor Relations at Hospice of the Valley. She earned a Ph.D. in educational policy from Arizona State University, has served in executive positions at Thunderbird School of Global Management and Xavier College Preparatory, and has held policy and advocacy positions at the federal and state levels, including the Office of Women’s Business Ownership and The Governor’s Division for Children, overseeing the Head Start/Arizona Collaboration for children under the age of 8.

For a full roster of Governor-appointed members of the Arts Commission, visit http://www.azarts.gov/about-us/commissioners/.

About the Arizona Commission on the Arts
One of 56 state and jurisdictional arts agencies across the United States, the Arizona Commission on the Arts is an agency of the State of Arizona that supports a statewide arts network. The Arizona Commission on the Arts supports access to quality arts and arts education opportunities for all Arizona citizens; the development and retention of statewide jobs in the nonprofit arts, culture and education sectors; and increased economic impact in local communities through arts-based partnerships that develop tax and small business revenue. www.azarts.gov

We imagine an Arizona where everyone can participate in and experience the arts.

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To request this or any other agency publication in an alternative format, contact the Arts Commission offices at (602) 771-6501.

Images available upon request.

Phoenix, AZ (September 9, 2011)–The Arizona Commission on the Arts invites Arizona high schools to participate in the 2012 Poetry Out Loud: National Recitation Contest, a free national program sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation. Poetry Out Loud encourages youth to learn about great poetry through memorization and performance, which help students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence and learn about literary heritage.

Starting at the classroom level in October, participating teachers will receive free multimedia curriculum materials – a poetry anthology, audio guide, teachers’ guide, posters and comprehensive website, www.poetryoutloud.org, all aligned to national standards – augmenting their regular poetry curriculum with poetry recitation and a classroom-level competition. School-level recitation champions compete to advance to the regional, state and then national levels. In 2011, Poetry Out Loud awarded more than $100,000 in prizes to students and schools at the state and national levels.

Poetry Out Loud is administered in Arizona by the Arizona Commission on the Arts in collaboration with its regional partners, Arizona State University’s Young Writers Program and the University of Arizona Poetry Center.

To participate in the 2012 Poetry Out Loud program, visit www.azarts.gov/pol, and register your school at http://www.azarts.gov/arts-learning/poetry-out-loud/register-your-school/. Online registration will be open until October 31 2011. Once registered, schools should contact their region’s partner to learn more about the many resources and opportunities available to them. Contact information for the regional partners can be found on the “For Teachers” page of the POL section of the Arts Commission’s website at http://www.azarts.gov/arts-learning/poetry-out-loud/for-teachers/.

Further detail regarding the Poetry Out Loud program is available at www.poetryoutloud.org.

For more information regarding Poetry Out Loud in Arizona, please visit www.azarts.gov/pol or contact Patrick Fanning, Arts Learning and Special Projects Coordinator, at 602-771-6529.

About the Arizona Commission on the Arts
One of 56 state and jurisdictional arts agencies across the United States, the Arizona Commission on the Arts is an agency of the State of Arizona that supports a statewide arts network. The Arizona Commission on the Arts supports access to quality arts and arts education opportunities for all Arizona citizens; the development and retention of statewide jobs in the nonprofit arts, culture and education sectors; and increased economic impact in local communities through arts-based partnerships that develop tax and small business revenue. http://www.azarts.gov/.

About the National Endowment for the Arts
The NEA is a public agency dedicated to supporting excellence in the arts – both new and established – bringing the arts to all Americans, and providing leadership in arts education. Established by Congress in 1965 as an independent agency of the federal government, the Arts Endowment is the largest national funder of the arts, bringing great art to all 50 states, including rural areas, inner cities, and military bases. For more information, please visit, www.nea.gov.

About The Poetry Foundation
The Poetry Foundation, publisher of Poetry magazine and one of the largest literary organizations in the world, exists to discover and celebrate the best poetry and to place it before the largest possible audience. The Poetry Foundation seeks to be a leader in shaping a receptive climate for poetry by developing new audiences, creating new avenues for delivery, and encouraging new kinds of poetry through innovative literary prizes and programs. For more information, please visit, www.poetryfoundation.org.

We imagine an Arizona where everyone can participate in and experience the arts.

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To request this or any other agency publication in an alternative format, contact the Arts Commission offices at (602) 771-6501.

Images available upon request.

Grants support nonprofit arts organizations, community groups and schools to provide opportunities for Arizonans to participate in and experience the arts. The grantmaking process includes a rigorous application and review process which is led by Governor-appointed Commissioners. Funding recommendations are made by panels comprised of volunteer experts and experienced practitioners from around the state. Grants are funded by the Arizona Arts Trust Fund and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Executive Director Robert C. Booker says of the grants, “The Arts Commission’s grants to organizations and schools support their work to deliver arts experiences to Arizonans of all ages. The services they provide are valuable to the citizens of our state, and the modest but critical investment in our nonprofit arts industry helps revitalize communities, brings visitors, and generates revenue for other sectors.”

Arts Commission grants in FY12 will support 35 festivals, celebrating the rich historical and cultural traditions of our state, 65 Arts Learning residency or community enrichment projects, preparing young people with critical and creative thinking skills, and 196 nonprofit arts organizations across Arizona, which partner with businesses in their own communities to build local economies.

According to the Americans for the Arts’ 2011 Creative Industries Report, Arizona is home to 13,871 arts-related businesses which employ 47,762 people. Arizona’s Creative Industry accounts for 4.49% of all Arizona businesses.

About the Arizona Commission on the Arts
One of 56 state and jurisdictional arts agencies across the United States, the Arizona Commission on the Arts is an agency of the State of Arizona that supports a statewide arts network. The Arizona Commission on the Arts supports access to quality arts and arts education opportunities for all Arizona citizens; the development and retention of statewide jobs in the nonprofit arts, culture and education sectors; and increased economic impact in local communities through arts-based partnerships that develop tax and small business revenue.

For more information about the grants, services and programs of the Arizona Commission on the Arts, visit www.azarts.gov.

We imagine an Arizona where everyone can participate in and experience the arts.

# # #

To request this or any other agency publication in an alternative format, contact the Arts Commission offices at (602) 771-6502.

See the List of Grantees, by County

Apache County
Cochise County
Coconino County
Gila County
Graham County
Maricopa County
Mohave County
Navajo County
Pima County
Pinal County
Santa Cruz County
Yavapai County
Yuma County

See the List of Grantees, Alphabetical

List of Grantees, by County

Apache County – $7,945

Chinle ($2,265)

Chinle USD, Chinle High School, $2,265, Arts Learning Residency

Many Farms ($1,880)

Many Farms High School, $1,880, Arts Learning Residency

Teec Nos Pos ($3,800)

Youth Empowerment Services for Dine* Bikeyah, $3,800, Arts Learning Community Enrichment

Cochise County – $12,840

Benson ($1,000)

San Pedro River Arts Council, $1,000, Organizational Development Grant

Bisbee ($9,340)

Bisbee Community Chorus, $1,345, General Operating Support Level I

Central School Project, $5,125, General Operating Support Level II

The Bisbee Radio Project, Inc., $2,870, General Operating Support Level II

Pearce ($1,000)

Desert Community Arts, $1,000, Organizational Development Grant

Tombstone ($1,500)

Tombstone Western Music Festival, Inc, $1,500, Festivals

Coconino County – $119,785

Flagstaff ($86,725)

Artists Coalition of Flagstaff, $1,411, General Operating Support Level I

Canyon Movement Company, Inc., $3,280, General Operating Support Level II

Coconino County Superintendent of Schools, $2,500, Arts Learning-Residency

Dry Creek Arts Fellowship, $5,125, General Operating Support Level II

Flagstaff Arts and Leadership Academy, $1,360, Arts Learning-Residency

Flagstaff Cultural Partners, Inc., $5,125, General Operating Support Level II Locals

Flagstaff Friends of Traditional Music, Inc., $4,305, General Operating Support Level II

Flagstaff Performance Arts Fringe Festival, $1,500, Festivals

Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra, $10,120, General Operating Support Level III

Flagstaff USD, Marshall Magnet Elementary School, $3,260, Arts Learning-Residency

Grand Canyon Guitar Society, LTD, $1,215, General Operating Support Level I

Heritage Square Trust, $1,500, General Operating Support Level I

Human Nature Dance Theatre, $1,500, General Operating Support Level I

Master Chorale of Flagstaff, $1,831, General Operating Support Level I

Museum of Northern Arizona, $5,000, Arts Link to Tourism and the Economy

Museum of Northern Arizona, $23,038, Basic Aid

Northern Arizona Book Festival, $1,500, Festivals

Northern Arizona Celtic Heritage Society, $2,255, General Operating Support Level I

Orchestra Northern Arizona, $1,000, Organizational Development Grant

Pine Forest Education Association, Inc., $4,300, Arts Learning-Residency

Theatrikos Theatre Company, $4,100, General Operating Support Level II

Transition Zone Horticultural Institute, Inc., $1,500, Festivals

Grand Canyon ($8,710)

Grand Canyon Music Festival, Inc., $4,305, General Operating Support Level II

Grand Canyon Unified School District, $2,005, Arts Learning-Residency

Grand Canyon USD, Grand Canyon High School, $2,400, Arts Learning-Residency

Page ($5,680)

Page Unified School District, $2,960, Arts Learning-Residency

Tse Yaato High School, $2,720, Arts Learning-Residency

Sedona ($18,670)

Sedona Arts Center, $5,000, Arts Link to Tourism and the Economy

Sedona Arts Center, $12,630, General Operating Support Level III

Sedona-Oak Creek USD, West Sedona School, $1,040, Arts Learning-Residency

Gila County – $3,482

Globe ($1,982)

Cobre Valley Center for the Arts, $1,982, General Operating Support Level I Locals

Payson ($1,500)

Town of Payson, $1,500, Festivals

Graham County – $1,500

Safford ($1,500)

Gila Valley Arts Council, $1,500, General Operating Support Level I Locals

Maricopa County- $891,605

Anthem ($6,100)

Deer Valley USD, Gavilan Peak School, $2,000, Arts Learning-Residency

ProMusica Arizona Chorale and Orchestra, $4,100, General Operating Support Level II

Carefree ($11,395)

Arizona Musicfest, $11,395, General Operating Support Level III

Chandler ($36,858)

Chandler Childrens Choir, Inc., $1,500, General Operating Support Level I

Chandler Cultural Foundation, $16,555, General Operating Support Level III Locals

Chandler Parks and Recreation Division, $750, Arts Learning-Community Enrichment

Chandler Symphony Orchestra, $2,269, General Operating Support Level I

Chandler USD, Fulton Elementary School, $3,300, Arts Learning-Residency

Chandler USD, Navarrete Elem School, $2,000, Arts Learning-Residency

Chandler USD, T. Dale Hancock Elementary School, $2,000, Arts Learning-Residency

Desert Sounds Performing Arts Inc., $1,859, General Operating Support Level I

Fine Arts Association of Arizona, $1,500, General Operating Support Level I

Xico, $5,125, General Operating Support Level II

Fountain Hills ($10,526)

Fountain Hills Community Theater Inc., $10,526, General Operating Support Level III

Gilbert ($2,000)

Portrait Artists of Arizona, $1,000, Organizational Development Grant

San Tan Community Performing Arts, $1,000, Organizational Development Grant

Glendale ($6,920)

Bicentennial South School, $2,000, Arts Learning-Residency

Glendale Library and Arts Department, $4,920, General Operating Support Level II Locals

Goodyear ($4,100)

City of Goodyear- Arts and Culture, $4,100, General Operating Support Level II Locals

Laveen ($4,240)

Landrum Foundation, Inc., $4,240, Arts Learning-Residency

Litchfield Park ($5,600)

Phoenix Conservatory of Music, $4,100, General Operating Support Level II

West Valley Youth Orchestra, $1,500, General Operating Support Level I

Mesa ($71,126)

Arizona Museum for Youth, $16,555, General Operating Support Level III

Cultural Coalition, Inc., $1,500, Festivals

East Valley Childrens Theatre, $2,665, General Operating Support Level I

Korean Cultural Center in AZ, $1,500, Festivals

Mesa Arts Center, $29,666, Locals Aid

Mesa Encore Theatre, $2,245, General Operating Support Level I

Metropolitan Youth Symphony, $2,255, General Operating Support Level I

Sonoran Desert Chorale, Inc., $1,500, General Operating Support Level I

Southwest Shakespeare Company, Inc., $11,395, General Operating Support Level III

Symphony of the Southwest, $1,845, General Operating Support Level I

Morristown ($3,200)

Morristown ESD, Morristown Elementary School, $3,200, Arts Learning-Residency

Peoria ($11,210)

Peoria Transition Center, $2,000, Arts Learning-Residency

Theater Works, $9,210, General Operating Support Level III

Phoenix ($530,783)

Actors Theatre of Phoenix, $10,427, General Operating Support Level III

Advocates for Latin@ Arts and Culture Consortium, Inc. (ALAC), $1,000, Organizational Development Grant

Alliance for Audience, $9,815, General Operating Support Level III

Arizona Alliance for Arts Education, $1,000, Organizational Development Grant

Arizona Art Alliance, $2,367, General Operating Support Level I

Arizona Asian American Association, $1,500, Festivals

Arizona Consortium for the Arts, Inc., $1,000, Organizational Development Grant

Arizona Dance Coalition, $1,500, Festivals

Arizona Dance Education Organization, $1,000, Organizational Development Grant

Arizona Humanities Council, $1,500, Festivals

Arizona Jewish Theatre Co., Inc., $5,378, General Operating Support Level III

Arizona Matsuri, $1,500, Festivals

Arizona Opera Company, $42,179, Basic Aid

Arizona Women in Tune, $1,528, General Operating Support Level I

Artlink, Inc, $1,500, General Operating Support Level I

Arts Council of the North Valley, Inc., $1,500, General Operating Support Level I Locals

Ballet Arizona, $42,160, Basic Aid

Balsz ESD, Orangedale Junior High Prep Academy, $1,300, Arts Learning-Residency

Black Theatre Troupe, Inc., $4,305, General Operating Support Level II

Boys and Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix, $2,000, Arts Learning-Community Enrichment

Business Volunteers for the Arts, $4,920, General Operating Support Level II

Cartwright ESD, Justine Spitalny School, $750, Arts Learning-Residency

Center Dance Ensemble, $4,100, General Operating Support Level II

Children’s Museum of Phoenix, $16,555, General Operating Support Level III

Creighton ESD, Squaw Peak Traditional Academy, $2,000, Arts Learning-Residency

Detour Company Theatre, Inc., $2,460, General Operating Support Level I

EPIK Dance Company, $1,000, Organizational Development Grant

Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona, $10,089, General Operating Support Level III

Girl Scouts – Arizona Cactus-Pine Council, $1,250, Arts Learning-Community Enrichment

Grand Canyon Mens Chorale, $3,075, General Operating Support Level II

Great Arizona Puppet Theater, $8,728, General Operating Support Level III

Heard Museum, $59,082, Basic Aid

Herberger Theater Center, $12,359, General Operating Support Level III

iTheatre Collaborative, $1,500, General Operating Support Level I

Keystone Montessori, $1,500, Arts Learning-Residency

Maricopa County Community College District, $1,500, Festivals

Movement Source Inc., $1,500, General Operating Support Level I

Phoenix Art Museum, $74,415, Basic Aid

Phoenix Boys Choir, $8,815, General Operating Support Level III

Phoenix Chamber Music Society, $4,920, General Operating Support Level II

Phoenix Childrens Chorus, $4,920, General Operating Support Level II

Phoenix Chinese Week, $1,500, Festivals

Phoenix Chorale, $7,525, General Operating Support Level III

Phoenix Day, $1,600, Arts Learning-Residency

Phoenix Elementary School District, $1,000, Arts Learning-Residency

Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture, $16,555, General Operating Support Level III Locals

Phoenix Symphony Association, $59,494, Basic Aid

Phoenix Theatre, Inc., $30,225, Basic Aid

Red Rocks Music Festival, $1,967, General Operating Support Level I

Rosies House – A Music Academy for Children, $4,920, General Operating Support Level II

Scorpius Dance Theatre, $1,500, General Operating Support Level I

Scottsdale International Film Festival, $4,920, General Operating Support Level II

Scottsdale USD, Tavan Elementary School, $2,000, Arts Learning-Residency

Shemer Art Center and Museum Association, Inc., $2,255, General Operating Support Level I

Southwest Human Development, $6,300, Arts Learning-Community Enrichment

Tumbleweed Center for Youth Development, $3,500, Arts Learning-Community Enrichment

Valley Youth Theatre, $11,931, General Operating Support Level III

VSA arts of Arizona, $4,075, General Operating Support Level II

Young Arts Arizona Ltd., $2,274, General Operating Support Level I

Young Sounds Of Arizona, $1,845, General Operating Support Level I

Youth Development Institute, $5,500, Arts Learning-Community Enrichment

Queen Creek ($4,100)

Queen Creek Cultural Foundation, $4,100, General Operating Support Level II

Scottsdale ($77,893)

Arizona Womens Theatre Company, $1,500, Festivals

Convergence Ballet Company, $1,000, Organizational Development Grant

Desert Foothills Theater, $3,174, General Operating Support Level II

DuoWest, $1,000, Organizational Development Grant

Four Seasons Orchestra, $1,500, General Operating Support Level I

Greasepaint Scottsdale Youtheatre, $4,100, General Operating Support Level II

Indo American Cultural Connect, $1,000, Organizational Development Grant

Jazz in Arizona, Inc., $4,100, General Operating Support Level II

Musica Nova, $2,255, General Operating Support Level I

Paradise Valley USD, Pinnacle Peak Elementary School, $3,000, Arts Learning-Residency

Scottsdale Artists School, $8,403, General Operating Support Level III

Scottsdale Cultural Council, $34,461, Locals Aid

Scottsdale Neighborhood Arts Place, $1,000, Organizational Development Grant

Scottsdale USD, Cheyenne Traditional School, $1,600, Arts Learning-Residency

Scottsdale USD, Desert Canyon Elementary, $2,500, Arts Learning-Residency

Scottsdale USD, Laguna Elementary School, $3,300, Arts Learning-Residency

Scottsdale USD, Sequoya Elementary School, $2,000, Arts Learning-Residency

Scottsdale USD, Yavapai Elementary School, $2,000, Arts Learning-Residency

Sun City ($4,100)

West Valley Symphony, $4,100, General Operating Support Level II

Sun Lakes ($1,500)

Arizona Classic Jazz Society, Inc., $1,500, Festivals

Surprise ($18,720)

West Valley Arts Council, $18,720, Locals Aid

Tempe ($59,554)

A Ludwig Dance Theatre, $1,000, Organizational Development Grant

Arizona Academy of the Performing Arts, $9,704, General Operating Support Level III

Arizona Aloha Festivals, Inc, $1,500, Festivals

Arizona Wind Symphony, Inc., $1,500, Festivals

Childsplay, Inc., $19,436, Basic Aid

CONDER/dance, $1,500, Festivals

Ear Candy Productions, Inc., $2,055, General Operating Support Level I

Stray Cat Theatre, $2,304, General Operating Support Level I

Tempe Community Chorus, Ltd., $1,000, Organizational Development Grant

Tempe Cultural Services, $16,555, General Operating Support Level III Locals

Tempe Little Theatre, $1,500, General Operating Support Level I

urbanSTEW, $1,500, Festivals

Wickenburg ($21,680)

Friends of Music Committee, Inc., $1,000, Organizational Development Grant

Maricopa County Historical Society, $6,825, General Operating Support Level III

Wickenburg Children’s Cultural Organization, $2,460, General Operating Support Level I

Wickenburg Foundation for the Performing Arts, $11,395, General Operating Support Level III

Mohave County- $7,500

Kingman ($1,500)

Mohave Library Alliance – KABAM! Festival, $1,500, Festivals

Lake Havasu City ($6,000)

Allied Arts Council of Lake Havasu City Inc, $1,000, Organizational Development Grant

Havasu Art Guild, $1,500, Festivals

Lake Havasu Concert Association, $1,500, General Operating Support Level I

Lake Havasu Regional Orchestra, $1,000, Organizational Development Grant

Lake Havasu Symphonic Winds, $1,000, Organizational Development Grant

Navajo County – $9,495

Fort Apache ($5,125)

White Mountain Apache Tribe, $5,125, General Operating Support Level II Tribal Museums

Second Mesa ($2,870)

Hopi Arts and Crafts Cooperative Guild, $2,870, General Operating Support Level I Tribal Museums

Show Low ($1,500)

White Mountain Symphony Orchestra, $1,500, General Operating Support Level I

Pima County- $380,585

Green Valley ($7,565)

Community Performing Arts Center Foundation, $4,305, General Operating Support Level II

Continental ESD, Continental Elementary School, $3,260, Arts Learning-Residency

Sahuarita ($3,260)

Sahuarita Unified School District #30, $3,260, Arts Learning-Residency

Tucson ($369,760)

AmeriSchools Academy Tucson, $2,000, Arts Learning-Residency

Amphitheater USD, Amphitheater High School, $2,000, Arts Learning-Residency

Amphitheater USD, Amphitheater Middle School, $2,000, Arts Learning-Residency

Amphitheater USD, Prince Elementary, $2,000, Arts Learning-Residency

Arizona Early Music Society, $1,242, General Operating Support Level I

Arizona Theatre Company, $53,819, Basic Aid

Arts for All, Inc., $13,975, General Operating Support Level III

Ballet Arts Foundation, $3,075, General Operating Support Level II

Borderlands Theater, $5,125, General Operating Support Level II

Boys and Girls Club of Tucson, $2,000, Arts Learning-Community Enrichment

Casa Libre en la Solana, $1,000, Organizational Development Grant

Chamber Music PLUS Inc., $2,255, General Operating Support Level I

Chax Press, $3,321, General Operating Support Level II

Childrens Museum Tucson, $9,236, General Operating Support Level III

Cultural Exchange Council of Tucson, Inc., $5,125, General Operating Support Level II

Desert Bluegrass Association, $1,500, Festivals

Desert Voices (Tucson Metro Comm Chorus), $1,500, General Operating Support Level I

Dinnerware Artist Cooperative, $2,870, General Operating Support Level II

Foundation for Creative Broadcasting, $8,217, General Operating Support Level III

Greater Oro Valley Arts Council, Inc., $9,678, General Operating Support Level III Locals

Griffin Foundation, Inc., $2,000, Arts Learning-Residency

Invisible Theatre, $9,245, General Operating Support Level III

Kore Press, Inc., $4,920, General Operating Support Level II

Lead Guitar, $1,583, General Operating Support Level I

Live Theatre Workshop, $4,100, General Operating Support Level II

Loft Cinema, Inc., $16,555, General Operating Support Level III

Los Changuitos Feos de Tucson, $1,500, General Operating Support Level I

Many Mouths One Stomach, $1,500, General Operating Support Level I

Marana USD, DeGrazia Elementary School, $3,000, Arts Learning-Residency

NEW ARTiculations Dance Theatre, $1,188, General Operating Support Level I

Nosotros, Inc., $2,000, Arts Learning-Residency

Ocotillo Literary Endeavors, Inc, $1,500, Festivals

Odaiko Sonora, $4,305, General Operating Support Level II

Old Pueblo Playwrights, $1,500, Festivals

O-T-O Dance (Orts Theatre of Dance), $1,500, General Operating Support Level I

Pan Left Productions, $3,828, General Operating Support Level II

POG, $1,000, Organizational Development Grant

Safos Dance Theatre, $1,000, Organizational Development Grant

Sharmoore Childrens Productions, $4,920, General Operating Support Level II

Sonoran Glass Art Academy, $7,882, General Operating Support Level III

Sons of Orpheus – The Male Chorus of Tucson, $1,500, General Operating Support Level I

Southern Arizona Blues Heritage Foundation, $1,500, Festivals

The Drawing Studio, Inc., $11,395, General Operating Support Level III

The Rogue Theatre, $4,100, General Operating Support Level II

Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus, $6,243, General Operating Support Level III

Tucson Chamber Artists, Inc., $4,100, General Operating Support Level II

Tucson Girls Chorus, $4,920, General Operating Support Level II

Tucson Guitar Society, $1,000, Organizational Development Grant

Tucson Jewish Community Center, $1,500, Festivals

Tucson Kitchen Musicians Association, $1,500, Festivals

Tucson Museum of Art, $29,081, Basic Aid

Tucson Pima Arts Council, $18,720, Locals Aid

Tucson Pops Orchestra, $2,870, General Operating Support Level II

Tucson Regional Ballet, $2,665, General Operating Support Level I

Tucson Sino Choir, $4,305, General Operating Support Level II

Tucson Small School Project/City High School, $2,500, Arts Learning-Residency

Tucson Symphony Society, $30,768, Basic Aid

Tucson USD, Bloom Elementary School, $3,500, Arts Learning-Residency

Tucson USD, Borton Primary School, $1,250, Arts Learning-Residency

Tucson USD, Ft. Lowell Townsend K-8, $2,000, Arts Learning-Residency

Tucson USD, Mary Meredith K-12 School, $2,000, Arts Learning-Residency

Tucson USD, Miles Exploratory Learning Center, $2,000, Arts Learning-Residency

Tucson USD, Pueblo Gardens Elementary School, $2,000, Arts Learning-Residency

Tucson USD, Sam Hughes Elementary School, $2,000, Arts Learning-Residency

Tucson USD, Steele Elementary School, $2,000, Arts Learning-Residency

Tucson USD, Van Buskirk Elem School, $2,000, Arts Learning-Residency

Voices: Community Stories Past and Present, Inc., $4,920, General Operating Support Level II

Winding Road Theater Ensemble, $1,000, Organizational Development Grant

WomanKraft, $1,819, General Operating Support Level I

YWCA, $3,540, Arts Learning-Community Enrichment

ZUZI! Dance Company, School and Theater, $4,100, General Operating Support Level II

Pinal County- $4,500

Eloy ($1,500)

Corazon De Latinos Unidos, $1,500, Festivals

Florence ($1,500)

Florence Main Street Program, $1,500, Festivals

Gold Canyon ($1,500)

Gold Canyon Arts Council, $1,500, General Operating Support Level I Locals

Santa Cruz County- $18,394

Nogales ($6,805)

Patrons of the Arts, Inc., $1,500, General Operating Support Level I

Santa Cruz Advocates for the Arts, $1,000, Organizational Development Grant

Santa Cruz County Young Audiences, $4,305, General Operating Support Level II

Patagonia ($2,129)

Patagonia Creative Arts Association, $2,129, General Operating Support Level I Locals

Tubac ($9,460)

Santa Cruz Valley Art Association, $9,460, General Operating Support Level III

Yavapai County- $80,214

Camp Verde ($2,870)

Yavapai-Apache Nation, $2,870, General Operating Support Level I Tribal Museums

Cottonwood ($1,000)

Verde Valley Voices, Inc., $1,000, Organizational Development Grant

Crown King ($2,770)

Crown King ESD, Crown King School, $2,770, Arts Learning-Residency

Prescott ($34,066)

Friends of Big Band Jazz, $1,500, Festivals

George Phippen Memorial Foundation, $7,006, General Operating Support Level III

Mountain Artists Guild, Inc., $2,460, General Operating Support Level I

Prescott Area Arts and Humanities Council, $1,500, Festivals

Prescott Bluegrass Events Association, $1,500, Festivals

Prescott Creeks Preservation Association, $2,000, Arts Learning-Community Enrichment

Prescott Fine Arts Association, $5,375, General Operating Support Level III

Primavera School, Inc., $2,000, Arts Learning-Residency

Smoki Museum of American Indian Art and Culture, $4,100, General Operating Support Level II

Tsunami On The Square, $1,500, General Operating Support Level I

Yavapai Symphony Association, Inc., $5,125, General Operating Support Level II

Prescott Valley ($6,305)

Franklin Phonetic Primary School, $2,000, Arts Learning-Residency

Town of Prescott Valley, $4,305, General Operating Support Level II Locals

Sedona ($33,203)

Gardens for Humanity, $1,875, Arts Learning-Community Enrichment

Sedona Arts and Culture Division, $4,305, General Operating Support Level II Locals

Sedona Arts Festival, $2,460, General Operating Support Level I

Sedona Chamber Music Society, $7,525, General Operating Support Level III

Sedona International Film Festival, $10,535, General Operating Support Level III

Sedona Jazz on the Rocks, Inc, $4,100, General Operating Support Level II

Verde Valley Sinfonietta, $2,403, General Operating Support Level I

Yuma County – $21,580

San Luis ($6,000)

San Luis Corporation for the Arts and Humanities, $5,000, Arts Link to Tourism and the Economy

San Luis Corporation for the Arts and Humanities, $1,000, Organizational Development Grant

Yuma ($15,580)

Ballet Yuma, $5,125, General Operating Support Level II

Yuma Arts and Culture Commission, $5,125, General Operating Support Level II Locals

Yuma Ballet Theatre and Performing Arts Co, $3,280, General Operating Support Level II

Yuma Fine Arts Association, Inc., $2,050, General Operating Support Level I

List of Grantees, Alphabetical

A Ludwig Dance Theatre, Tempe, $1,000, Organizational Development Grant

Actors Theatre of Phoenix, Phoenix, $10,427, General Operating Support Level III

Advocates for Latin@ Arts and Culture Consortium, Inc., Phoenix, $1,000, Organizational Development Grant

Alliance for Audience, Phoenix, $9,815, General Operating Support Level III

Allied Arts Council of Lake Havasu City Inc, Lake Havasu City, $1,000, Organizational Development Grant

AmeriSchools Academy Tucson, Tucson, $2,000, Arts Learning Residency

Amphitheater USD, Amphitheater High School, Tucson, $2,000, Arts Learning Residency

Amphitheater USD, Amphitheater Middle School, Tucson, $2,000, Arts Learning Residency

Amphitheater USD, Prince Elementary, Tucson, $2,000, Arts Learning-Residency

Arizona Academy of the Performing Arts, Tempe, $9,704, General Operating Support Level III

Arizona Alliance for Arts Education, Phoenix, $1,000, Organizational Development Grant

Arizona Aloha Festivals, Inc, Tempe, $1,500, Festivals

Arizona Art Alliance, Phoenix, $2,367, General Operating Support Level I

Arizona Asian American Association, Phoenix, $1,500, Festivals

Arizona Classic Jazz Society, Inc., Sun Lakes, $1,500, Festivals

Arizona Consortium for the Arts, Inc., Phoenix, $1,000, Organizational Development Grant

Arizona Dance Coalition, Phoenix, $1,500, Festivals

Arizona Dance Education Organization, Phoenix, $1,000, Organizational Development Grant

Arizona Early Music Society, Tucson, $1,242, General Operating Support Level I

Arizona Humanities Council, Phoenix, $1,500, Festivals

Arizona Jewish Theatre Co., Inc., Phoenix, $5,378, General Operating Support Level III

Arizona Matsuri, Phoenix, $1,500, Festivals

Arizona Museum for Youth, Mesa, $16,555, General Operating Support Level III

Arizona Musicfest, Carefree, $11,395, General Operating Support Level III

Arizona Opera Company, Phoenix, $42,179, Basic Aid

Arizona Theatre Company, Tucson, $53,819, Basic Aid

Arizona Wind Symphony, Inc., Tempe, $1,500, Festivals

Arizona Women in Tune, Phoenix, $1,528, General Operating Support Level I

Arizona Women’s Theatre Company, Scottsdale, $1,500, Festivals

Artists Coalition of Flagstaff, Flagstaff, $1,411, General Operating Support Level I

Artlink, Inc, Phoenix, $1,500, General Operating Support Level I

Arts Council of the North Valley, Inc., Phoenix, $1,500, General Operating Support Level I Locals

Arts for All, Inc., Tucson, $13,975, General Operating Support Level III

Ballet Arizona, Phoenix, $42,160, Basic Aid

Ballet Arts Foundation, Tucson, $3,075, General Operating Support Level II

Ballet Yuma, Yuma, $5,125, General Operating Support Level II

Balsz ESD, Orangedale Junior High Prep Academy, Phoenix, $1,300, Arts Learning-Residency

Bicentennial South School, Glendale, $2,000, Arts Learning-Residency

Bisbee Community Chorus, Bisbee, $1,345, General Operating Support Level I

Black Theatre Troupe, Inc., Phoenix, $4,305, General Operating Support Level II

Borderlands Theater, Tucson, $5,125, General Operating Support Level II

Boys and Girls Club of Tucson, Tucson, $2,000, Arts Learning-Community Enrichment

Boys and Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix, Phoenix, $2,000, Arts Learning-Community Enrichment

Business Volunteers for the Arts, Phoenix, $4,920, General Operating Support Level II

Canyon Movement Company, Inc., Flagstaff, $3,280, General Operating Support Level II

Cartwright ESD, Justine Spitalny School, Phoenix, $750, Arts Learning-Residency

Casa Libre en la Solana, Tucson, $1,000, Organizational Development Grant

Center Dance Ensemble, Phoenix, $4,100, General Operating Support Level II

Central School Project, Bisbee, $5,125, General Operating Support Level II

Chamber Music PLUS Inc., Tucson, $2,255, General Operating Support Level I

Chandler Childrens Choir, Inc., Chandler, $1,500, General Operating Support Level I

Chandler Cultural Foundation, Chandler, $16,555, General Operating Support Level III Locals

Chandler Parks and Recreation Division, Chandler, $750, Arts Learning-Community Enrichment

Chandler Symphony Orchestra, Chandler, $2,269, General Operating Support Level I

Chandler USD, Fulton Elementary School, Chandler, $3,300, Arts Learning-Residency

Chandler USD, Navarrete Elem School, Chandler, $2,000, Arts Learning-Residency

Chandler USD, T. Dale Hancock Elementary School, Chandler, $2,000, Arts Learning-Residency

Chax Press, Tucson, $3,321, General Operating Support Level II

Children’s Museum of Phoenix, Phoenix, $16,555, General Operating Support Level III

Children’s Museum Tucson, Tucson, $9,236, General Operating Support Level III

Childsplay, Inc., Tempe, $19,436, Basic Aid

Chinle USD, Chinle High School, Chinle, $2,265, Arts Learning-Residency

City of Goodyear- Arts and Culture, Goodyear, $4,100, General Operating Support Level II Locals

Cobre Valley Center for the Arts, Globe, $1,982, General Operating Support Level I Locals

Coconino County Superintendent of Schools, Flagstaff, $2,500, Arts Learning-Residency

Community Performing Arts Center Foundation, Green Valley, $4,305, General Operating Support Level II

CONDER/dance, Tempe, $1,500, Festivals

Continental ESD, Continental Elementary School, Green Valley, $3,260, Arts Learning-Residency

Convergence Ballet Company, Scottsdale, $1,000, Organizational Development Grant

Corazon De Latinos Unidos, Eloy, $1,500, Festivals

Creighton ESD, Squaw Peak Traditional Academy, Phoenix, $2,000, Arts Learning-Residency

Crown King ESD, Crown King School, Crown King, $2,770, Arts Learning-Residency

Cultural Coalition, Inc., Mesa, $1,500, Festivals

Cultural Exchange Council of Tucson, Inc., Tucson, $5,125, General Operating Support Level II

Deer Valley USD,  Gavilan Peak School, Anthem, $2,000, Arts Learning-Residency

Desert Bluegrass Association, Tucson, $1,500, Festivals

Desert Community Arts, Pearce, $1,000, Organizational Development Grant

Desert Foothills Theater, Scottsdale, $3,174, General Operating Support Level II

Desert Sounds Performing Arts Inc., Chandler, $1,859, General Operating Support Level I

Desert Voices (Tucson Metro Comm Chorus), Tucson, $1,500, General Operating Support Level I

Detour Company Theatre, Inc., Phoenix, $2,460, General Operating Support Level I

Dinnerware Artist Cooperative, Tucson, $2,870, General Operating Support Level II

Dry Creek Arts Fellowship, Flagstaff, $5,125, General Operating Support Level II

DuoWest, Scottsdale, $1,000, Organizational Development Grant

Ear Candy Productions, Inc., Tempe, $2,055, General Operating Support Level I

East Valley Childrens Theatre, Mesa, $2,665, General Operating Support Level I

EPIK Dance Company, Phoenix, $1,000, Organizational Development Grant

Fine Arts Association of Arizona, Chandler, $1,500, General Operating Support Level I

Flagstaff Arts and Leadership Academy, Flagstaff, $1,360, Arts Learning-Residency

Flagstaff Cultural Partners, Inc., Flagstaff, $5,125, General Operating Support Level II Locals

Flagstaff Friends of Traditional Music, Inc., Flagstaff, $4,305, General Operating Support Level II

Flagstaff Performance Arts Fringe Festival, Flagstaff, $1,500, Festivals

Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra, Flagstaff, $10,120, General Operating Support Level III

Flagstaff USD, Marshall Magnet Elementary School, Flagstaff, $3,260, Arts Learning-Residency

Florence Main Street Program, Florence, $1,500, Festivals

Foundation for Creative Broadcasting, Tucson, $8,217, General Operating Support Level III

Fountain Hills Community Theater Inc., Fountain Hills, $10,526, General Operating Support Level III

Four Seasons Orchestra, Scottsdale, $1,500, General Operating Support Level I

Franklin Phonetic Primary School, Prescott Valley, $2,000, Arts Learning-Residency

Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona, Phoenix, $10,089, General Operating Support Level III

Friends of Big Band Jazz, Prescott, $1,500, Festivals

Friends of Music Committee, Inc., Wickenburg, $1,000, Organizational Development Grant

Gardens for Humanity, Sedona, $1,875, Arts Learning-Community Enrichment

George Phippen Memorial Foundation, Prescott, $7,006, General Operating Support Level III

Gila Valley Arts Council, Safford, $1,500, General Operating Support Level I Locals

Girl Scouts – Arizona Cactus-Pine Council, Phoenix, $1,250, Arts Learning-Community Enrichment

Glendale Library and Arts Department, Glendale, $4,920, General Operating Support Level II Locals

Gold Canyon Arts Council, Gold Canyon, $1,500, General Operating Support Level I Locals

Grand Canyon Guitar Society, LTD, Flagstaff, $1,215, General Operating Support Level I

Grand Canyon Mens Chorale, Phoenix, $3,075, General Operating Support Level II

Grand Canyon Music Festival, Inc., Grand Canyon, $4,305, General Operating Support Level II

Grand Canyon Unified School District, Grand Canyon, $2,005, Arts Learning-Residency

Grand Canyon USD, Grand Canyon High School, Grand Canyon, $2,400, Arts Learning-Residency

Greasepaint Scottsdale Youtheatre, Scottsdale, $4,100, General Operating Support Level II

Great Arizona Puppet Theater, Phoenix, $8,728, General Operating Support Level III

Greater Oro Valley Arts Council, Inc., Tucson, $9,678, General Operating Support Level III Locals

Griffin Foundation, Inc., Tucson, $2,000, Arts Learning-Residency

Havasu Art Guild, Lake Havasu City, $1,500, Festivals

Heard Museum, Phoenix, $59,082, Basic Aid

Herberger Theater Center, Phoenix, $12,359, General Operating Support Level III

Heritage Square Trust, Flagstaff, $1,500, General Operating Support Level I

Hopi Arts and Crafts Cooperative Guild, Second Mesa, $2,870, General Operating Support Level I Tribal Museums

Human Nature Dance Theatre, Flagstaff, $1,500, General Operating Support Level I

Indo American Cultural Connect, Scottsdale, $1,000, Organizational Development Grant

Invisible Theatre, Tucson, $9,245, General Operating Support Level III

iTheatre Collaborative, Phoenix, $1,500, General Operating Support Level I

Jazz in Arizona, Inc., Scottsdale, $4,100, General Operating Support Level II

Keystone Montessori, Phoenix, $1,500, Arts Learning-Residency

Kore Press, Inc., Tucson, $4,920, General Operating Support Level II

Korean Cultural Center in AZ, Mesa, $1,500, Festivals

Lake Havasu Concert Association, Lake Havasu City, $1,500, General Operating Support Level I

Lake Havasu Regional Orchestra, Lake Havasu City, $1,000, Organizational Development Grant

Lake Havasu Symphonic Winds, Lake Havasu City, $1,000, Organizational Development Grant

Landrum Foundation, Inc., Laveen, $4,240, Arts Learning-Residency

Lead Guitar, Tucson, $1,583, General Operating Support Level I

Live Theatre Workshop, Tucson, $4,100, General Operating Support Level II

Loft Cinema, Inc., Tucson, $16,555, General Operating Support Level III

Los Changuitos Feos de Tucson, Tucson, $1,500, General Operating Support Level I

Many Farms High School, Many Farms, $1,880, Arts Learning-Residency

Many Mouths One Stomach, Tucson, $1,500, General Operating Support Level I

Marana USD,  DeGrazia Elementary School, Tucson, $3,000, Arts Learning-Residency

Maricopa County Community College District, Phoenix, $1,500, Festivals

Maricopa County Historical Society, Wickenburg, $6,825, General Operating Support Level III

Master Chorale of Flagstaff, Flagstaff, $1,831, General Operating Support Level I

Mesa Arts Center, Mesa, $29,666, Locals Aid

Mesa Encore Theatre, Mesa, $2,245, General Operating Support Level I

Metropolitan Youth Symphony, Mesa, $2,255, General Operating Support Level I

Mohave Library Alliance – KABAM! Festival, Kingman, $1,500, Festivals

Morristown ESD, Morristown Elementary School, Morristown, $3,200, Arts Learning-Residency

Mountain Artists Guild, Inc., Prescott, $2,460, General Operating Support Level I

Movement Source Inc., Phoenix, $1,500, General Operating Support Level I

Museum of Northern Arizona, Flagstaff, $5,000, Arts Link to Tourism and the Economy

Museum of Northern Arizona, Flagstaff, $23,038, Basic Aid

Musica Nova, Scottsdale, $2,255, General Operating Support Level I

NEW ARTiculations Dance Theatre, Tucson, $1,188, General Operating Support Level I

Northern Arizona Book Festival, Flagstaff, $1,500, Festivals

Northern Arizona Celtic Heritage Society, Flagstaff, $2,255, General Operating Support Level I

Nosotros, Inc., Tucson, $2,000, Arts Learning-Residency

Ocotillo Literary Endeavors, Inc, Tucson, $1,500, Festivals

Odaiko Sonora, Tucson, $4,305, General Operating Support Level II

Old Pueblo Playwrights, Tucson, $1,500, Festivals

Orchestra Northern Arizona, Flagstaff, $1,000, Organizational Development Grant

O-T-O Dance (Orts Theatre of Dance), Tucson, $1,500, General Operating Support Level I

Page Unified School District, Page, $2,960, Arts Learning-Residency

Pan Left Productions, Tucson, $3,828, General Operating Support Level II

Paradise Valley USD, Pinnacle Peak Elementary School, Scottsdale, $3,000, Arts Learning-Residency

Patagonia Creative Arts Association, Patagonia, $2,129, General Operating Support Level I Locals

Patrons of the Arts, Inc., Nogales, $1,500, General Operating Support Level I

Peoria Transition Center, Peoria, $2,000, Arts Learning-Residency

Phoenix Art Museum, Phoenix, $74,415, Basic Aid

Phoenix Boys Choir, Phoenix, $8,815, General Operating Support Level III

Phoenix Chamber Music Society, Phoenix, $4,920, General Operating Support Level II

Phoenix Childrens Chorus, Phoenix, $4,920, General Operating Support Level II

Phoenix Chinese Week, Phoenix, $1,500, Festivals

Phoenix Chorale, Phoenix, $7,525, General Operating Support Level III

Phoenix Conservatory of Music, Litchfield Park, $4,100, General Operating Support Level II

Phoenix Day, Phoenix, $1,600, Arts Learning-Residency

Phoenix Elementary School District, Phoenix, $1,000, Arts Learning-Residency

Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture, Phoenix, $16,555, General Operating Support Level III Locals

Phoenix Symphony Association, Phoenix, $59,494, Basic Aid

Phoenix Theatre, Inc., Phoenix, $30,225, Basic Aid

Pine Forest Education Association, Inc., Flagstaff, $4,300, Arts Learning-Residency

POG, Tucson, $1,000, Organizational Development Grant

Portrait Artists of Arizona, Gilbert, $1,000, Organizational Development Grant

Prescott Area Arts and Humanities Council, Prescott, $1,500, Festivals

Prescott Bluegrass Events Association, Prescott, $1,500, Festivals

Prescott Creeks Preservation Association, Prescott, $2,000, Arts Learning-Community Enrichment

Prescott Fine Arts Association, Prescott, $5,375, General Operating Support Level III

Primavera School, Inc., Prescott, $2,000, Arts Learning-Residency

ProMusica Arizona Chorale and Orchestra, Anthem, $4,100, General Operating Support Level II

Queen Creek Cultural Foundation, Queen Creek, $4,100, General Operating Support Level II

Red Rocks Music Festival, Phoenix, $1,967, General Operating Support Level I

Rosies House – A Music Academy for Children, Phoenix, $4,920, General Operating Support Level II

Safos Dance Theatre, Tucson, $1,000, Organizational Development Grant

Sahuarita Unified School District #30, Sahuarita, $3,260, Arts Learning-Residency

San Luis Corporation for the Arts and Humanities, San Luis, $5,000, Arts Link to Tourism and the Economy

San Luis Corporation for the Arts and Humanities, San Luis, $1,000, Organizational Development Grant

San Pedro River Arts Council, Benson, $1,000, Organizational Development Grant

San Tan Community Performing Arts, Gilbert, $1,000, Organizational Development Grant

Santa Cruz Advocates for the Arts, Nogales, $1,000, Organizational Development Grant

Santa Cruz County Young Audiences, Nogales, $4,305, General Operating Support Level II

Santa Cruz Valley Art Association, Tubac, $9,460, General Operating Support Level III

Scorpius Dance Theatre, Phoenix, $1,500, General Operating Support Level I

Scottsdale Artists School, Scottsdale, $8,403, General Operating Support Level III

Scottsdale Cultural Council, Scottsdale, $34,461, Locals Aid

Scottsdale International Film Festival, Phoenix, $4,920, General Operating Support Level II

Scottsdale Neighborhood Arts Place, Scottsdale, $1,000, Organizational Development Grant

Scottsdale USD, Cheyenne Traditional School, Scottsdale, $1,600, Arts Learning-Residency

Scottsdale USD, Desert Canyon Elementary, Scottsdale, $2,500, Arts Learning-Residency

Scottsdale USD, Laguna Elementary School, Scottsdale, $3,300, Arts Learning-Residency

Scottsdale USD, Sequoya Elementary School, Scottsdale, $2,000, Arts Learning-Residency

Scottsdale USD, Tavan Elementary School, Phoenix, $2,000, Arts Learning-Residency

Scottsdale USD, Yavapai Elementary School, Scottsdale, $2,000, Arts Learning-Residency

Sedona Arts and Culture Division, Sedona, $4,305, General Operating Support Level II Locals

Sedona Arts Center, Sedona, $5,000, Arts Link to Tourism and the Economy

Sedona Arts Center, Sedona, $12,630, General Operating Support Level III

Sedona Arts Festival, Sedona, $2,460, General Operating Support Level I

Sedona Chamber Music Society, Sedona, $7,525, General Operating Support Level III

Sedona International Film Festival, Sedona, $10,535, General Operating Support Level III

Sedona Jazz on the Rocks,  Inc, Sedona, $4,100, General Operating Support Level II

Sedona-Oak Creek USD, West Sedona School, Sedona, $1,040, Arts Learning-Residency

Sharmoore Childrens Productions, Tucson, $4,920, General Operating Support Level II

Shemer Art Center and Museum Association, Inc.(SACAMA), Phoenix, $2,255, General Operating Support Level I

Smoki Museum of American Indian Art and Culture, Prescott, $4,100, General Operating Support Level II

Sonoran Desert Chorale, Inc., Mesa, $1,500, General Operating Support Level I

Sonoran Glass Art Academy, Tucson, $7,882, General Operating Support Level III

Sons of Orpheus – The Male Chorus of Tucson, Tucson, $1,500, General Operating Support Level I

Southern Arizona Blues Heritage Foundation, Tucson, $1,500, Festivals

Southwest Human Development, Phoenix, $6,300, Arts Learning-Community Enrichment

Southwest Shakespeare Company, Inc., Mesa, $11,395, General Operating Support Level III

Stray Cat Theatre, Tempe, $2,304, General Operating Support Level I

Symphony of the Southwest, Mesa, $1,845, General Operating Support Level I

Tempe Community Chorus, Ltd., Tempe, $1,000, Organizational Development Grant

Tempe Cultural Services, Tempe, $16,555, General Operating Support Level III Locals

Tempe Little Theatre, Tempe, $1,500, General Operating Support Level I

The Bisbee Radio Project, Inc., Bisbee, $2,870, General Operating Support Level II

The Drawing Studio, Inc., Tucson, $11,395, General Operating Support Level III

The Rogue Theatre, Tucson, $4,100, General Operating Support Level II

Theater Works, Peoria, $9,210, General Operating Support Level III

Theatrikos Theatre Company, Flagstaff, $4,100, General Operating Support Level II

Tombstone Western Music Festival,  Inc, Tombstone, $1,500, Festivals

Town of Payson, Payson, $1,500, Festivals

Town of Prescott Valley, Prescott Valley, $4,305, General Operating Support Level II Locals

Transition Zone Horticultural Institute, Inc., Flagstaff, $1,500, Festivals

Tse Yaato High School, Page, $2,720, Arts Learning-Residency

Tsunami On The Square, Prescott, $1,500, General Operating Support Level I

Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus, Tucson, $6,243, General Operating Support Level III

Tucson Chamber Artists, Inc., Tucson, $4,100, General Operating Support Level II

Tucson Girls Chorus, Tucson, $4,920, General Operating Support Level II

Tucson Guitar Society, Tucson, $1,000, Organizational Development Grant

Tucson Jewish Community Center, Tucson, $1,500, Festivals

Tucson Kitchen Musicians Association, Tucson, $1,500, Festivals

Tucson Museum of Art, Tucson, $29,081, Basic Aid

Tucson Pima Arts Council, Tucson, $18,720, Locals Aid

Tucson Pops Orchestra, Tucson, $2,870, General Operating Support Level II

Tucson Regional Ballet, Tucson, $2,665, General Operating Support Level I

Tucson Sino Choir, Tucson, $4,305, General Operating Support Level II

Tucson Small School Project/City High School, Tucson, $2,500, Arts Learning-Residency

Tucson Symphony Society, Tucson, $30,768, Basic Aid

Tucson USD, Bloom Elementary School, Tucson, $3,500, Arts Learning-Residency

Tucson USD, Borton Primary School, Tucson, $1,250, Arts Learning-Residency

Tucson USD, Ft. Lowell Townsend K-8, Tucson, $2,000, Arts Learning-Residency

Tucson USD, Mary Meredith K-12 School, Tucson, $2,000, Arts Learning-Residency

Tucson USD, Miles Exploratory Learning Center, Tucson, $2,000, Arts Learning-Residency

Tucson USD, Pueblo Gardens Elementary School, Tucson, $2,000, Arts Learning-Residency

Tucson USD, Sam Hughes Elementary School, Tucson, $2,000, Arts Learning-Residency

Tucson USD, Steele Elementary School, Tucson, $2,000, Arts Learning-Residency

Tucson USD, Van Buskirk Elem School, Tucson, $2,000, Arts Learning-Residency

Tumbleweed Center for Youth Development, Phoenix, $3,500, Arts Learning-Community Enrichment

urbanSTEW, Tempe, $1,500, Festivals

Valley Youth Theatre, Phoenix, $11,931, General Operating Support Level III

Verde Valley Sinfonietta, Sedona, $2,403, General Operating Support Level I

Verde Valley Voices, Inc., Cottonwood, $1,000, Organizational Development Grant

Voices: Community Stories Past and Present, Inc., Tucson, $4,920, General Operating Support Level II

VSA arts of Arizona, Phoenix, $4,075, General Operating Support Level II

West Valley Arts Council, Surprise, $18,720, Locals Aid

West Valley Symphony, Sun City, $4,100, General Operating Support Level II

West Valley Youth Orchestra, Litchfield Park, $1,500, General Operating Support Level I

White Mountain Apache Tribe, Fort Apache, $5,125, General Operating Support Level II Tribal Museums

White Mountain Symphony Orchestra, Show Low, $1,500, General Operating Support Level I

Wickenburg Childrens Cultural Organization (WCO), Wickenburg, $2,460, General Operating Support Level I

Wickenburg Foundation for the Performing Arts, Wickenburg, $11,395, General Operating Support Level III

Winding Road Theater Ensemble, Tucson, $1,000, Organizational Development Grant

WomanKraft, Tucson, $1,819, General Operating Support Level I

Xico, Chandler, $5,125, General Operating Support Level II

Yavapai Symphony Association, Inc., Prescott, $5,125, General Operating Support Level II

Yavapai-Apache Nation, Camp Verde, $2,870, General Operating Support Level I Tribal Museums

Young Arts Arizona Ltd., Phoenix, $2,274, General Operating Support Level I

Young Sounds of Arizona, Phoenix, $1,845, General Operating Support Level I

Youth Development Institute, Phoenix, $5,500, Arts Learning-Community Enrichment

Youth Empowerment Services for Dine* Bikeyah, Teec Nos Pos, $3,800, Arts Learning-Community Enrichment

Yuma Arts and Culture Commission, Yuma, $5,125, General Operating Support Level II Locals

Yuma Ballet Theatre and Performing Arts Co, Yuma, $3,280, General Operating Support Level II

Yuma Fine Arts Association, Inc., Yuma, $2,050, General Operating Support Level I

YWCA, Tucson, $3,540, Arts Learning-Community Enrichment

ZUZI! Dance Company, School and Theater, Tucson, $4,100, General Operating Support Level II

The Choice is Art: A statewide campaign for the arts in Arizona, created by the Arizona Commission on the Arts

PHOENIX, AZ (June 20, 2011)— Professional basketball player and art collector Grant Hill has signed on as a Campaign Spokesperson for The Choice is Art, a promotional campaign for the arts in Arizona. Already airing on COX Media television stations, Mr. Hill is featured in a donor-sponsored public service announcement wherein he offers support to the campaign, and personal testimony about the impact of the arts on the lives of Arizona’s youth.

The Choice is Art, a campaign of the Arizona Commission on the Arts, is meant to:

• Advance the cultural conversation in Arizona,
• Grow public understanding about the broad-spectrum benefits of arts programs and increase arts participation in Arizona communities, and
• Fortify a privately-held arts endowment whose funds can be utilized in support of statewide arts programs. This endowment, Arizona ArtShare, was established in 1996 and is held by the Arizona Community Foundation.

The Choice is Art’s first focus is the importance of access to arts education. Over four years the campaign will evolve to address the following: the significant contributions of Arizona artists and arts professionals, the positive impact of the arts on community health and livability, the broad economic impact of the arts and culture sector, and the singular role of the arts in promoting cultural understanding.

In the public service announcement, Mr. Hill avows his passionate support for the arts and firm belief in the impact an education that includes the arts can have on the lives of young people. He says, “The arts teach skills like discipline, dedication and teamwork. And for kids struggling with academic, social or family challenges, the arts can change lives.”

An increasing body of research supports the value of an arts education as part of a comprehensive curriculum. Benefits of arts education for students include improved academic performance, greater leadership and social skills, advanced creative problem solving skills, and overall enhanced ability to compete in a 21^st Century workforce. 

Executive Director of the Arts Commission, Robert C. Booker, says of Mr. Hill’s involvement in the campaign, “Grant and Tamia Hill recognize the power of the arts and arts education in the lives of young people, and besides being passionate supporters of the arts, they maintain their own substantial visual art collection. We really could not have imagined a more dedicated, honorable and genuine spokesperson than Grant to help build public value for the arts in our state.”

As the campaign evolves, the Arts Commission will offer a variety of ways for interested parties to lend their support to the campaign. In addition to contributing funds to the privately-held Arizona ArtShare Endowment, people from within and outside of Arizona can lend their voices to the campaign through the submission of a video interview describing the impact of the arts on their lives. Visit the campaign website to view sample videos from some of Arizona’s elected officials, educators, business owners and more.

On average, 2 million Arizona students participate in Arts Commission sponsored activities each year. Funds contributed to the The Choice is Art campaign/Arizona ArtShare Endowment are delivered to nonprofit arts organizations through grantmaking activities of the Arizona Commission on the Arts. Grants are delivered to statewide arts organizations and nonprofit community institutions which provide arts-based programs and services.

In a video introduction to the campaign, Booker says, “We know that the arts can play a role in helping our children become better citizens, keeping them in school and keeping them out of trouble. The Choice is Art is a campaign that asks you, Arizonans, to get involved, stand up, and make art your choice.”

Visit the campaign website, http://www.thechoiceisart.org/, to discover arts programs in your community, to learn about the value of the arts in the lives of children, and to support and protect the arts in Arizona.

About The Choice is Art Campaign Spokesperson, Grant Hill
A seven-time NBA all-star, Grant Hill began his basketball career with the Detroit Pistons, played for the Orlando Magic and is now with the Phoenix Suns, where he was honored this year with his second Dan Majerle Hustle Award. In 2011, Grant was elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Board of Governors and produced the recently released documentary, Starting at the Finish Line: The Coach Buehler Story. Off the court, Grant is a passionate art collector and supports a variety of charities. Grant has two young daughters with his wife, Grammy-nominated singer Tamia Hill. http://www.granthill.com/

About the Arizona Commission on the Arts
One of 56 state and jurisdictional arts agencies across the United States, the Arizona Commission on the Arts is an agency of the State of Arizona that supports a statewide arts network. The Arizona Commission on the Arts supports access to quality arts and arts education opportunities for all Arizonans; the development and retention of statewide jobs in the nonprofit arts, culture and education sectors; and increased economic impact in local communities through arts-based partnerships that develop tax and small business revenue. http://www.azarts.gov/

We imagine an Arizona where everyone can participate in and experience the arts.

# # #

PHOENIX, AZ (April 7, 2011)—Mandy Buscas, currently serving as Arts Learning Director for the Arizona Commission on the Arts, will soon take on a new professional role at the Mesa Arts Center.

Mandy has been a part of Arizona’s state arts agency team for eight years, serving in three positions: Afterschool Coordinator, Arts Learning Program Director and Arts Learning Director.

In her new post at the City of Mesa, Mandy will oversee community programming and outreach activities as the Arts Education Outreach Coordinator for the Mesa Arts Center. Additionally, Mandy will work with program staff to creatively link visual and performing artists hosted by the Mesa Arts Center to various community groups and organizations; create projects and partnerships with external institutions and organizations that broaden and deepen the reach of the Mesa Arts Center into the local community and region; and collaborate with education staff at the City of Mesa’s two museums (Arizona Museum of Natural History and Arizona Museum for Youth) to coordinate efforts and programs as part of Mesa’s Arts and Culture Department.

In her time at the Arts Commission, Mandy transformed the agency’s Teaching Artist Roster program, significantly improving access to high-quality Arizona teaching artists by leading the process of moving the entire resource online. She fostered local support of arts education in Arizona communities through stART initiatives, which included networking, professional development and increased stakeholder engagement in the arts. Mandy also oversaw the delivery of grant funding to hundreds of arts organizations and schools through the agency’s various Arts Learning grant programs, and spearheaded two statewide convenings for Arizona arts learning professionals, the Teaching Artist Symposium (2009) and the Joint Arts Education Conference (2010).

Arts Commission Executive Director, Robert C. Booker, said, “Mandy’s leadership in developing quality professional learning opportunities for teaching artists and educators has been incredibly valuable to the Arizona arts industry. While we will miss her being a part of the Arts Commission team, we are thrilled that Mesa will become the focus of her myriad talents and attention as she develops innovative learning opportunities for East Valley residents.”

Rob Schultz, Assistant Director of the Mesa Arts and Culture Department said of the transition, “Cindy Ornstein, Director of the Mesa Arts Center, and I are so pleased to have the benefit of Mandy’s expertise, and her extensive contacts and partnerships as we move forward in connecting more broadly and deeply to our community.”

Mandy’s last day as Arts Learning Director for the Arts Commission will be April 16, 2011 in Yuma, where she will lead workshops on the agency’s behalf at the Museum Association of Arizona Conference. She will begin work in her new position at the Mesa Arts Center on April 18, 2011.

Over the last four years, the Arts Commission has reduced its staff by 40% in response to ongoing and significant budget reductions. Following Mandy’s departure and additional budget cuts outlined within the State of Arizona’s fiscal year 2012 budget, the Arts Commission will once more realign staff duties and consider placing some programs on hiatus. Agency leadership does not intend to rehire any vacant positions at this time.

About the Mesa Arts Center
Mesa Arts Center has received numerous awards and accolades for its programs and outstanding new facilities. Arizona’s largest arts center is home to four theaters, five art galleries and 14 art studios. Guests, patrons and students come to Mesa Arts Center to enjoy the finest live entertainment and performances, world-class visual art exhibitions, and outstanding arts education classes. The facility is an architectural showpiece and a destination for visitors to the Phoenix area. The Mesa Arts Center mission is to inspire people through impacting and engaging experiences that are diverse, accessible and relevant; and that enhance the quality of life and vitality of the region. For more information, visit www.mesaartscenter.com.

About the Arizona Commission on the Arts
One of 56 state and jurisdictional arts agencies across the United States, the Arizona Commission on the Arts is an agency of the State of Arizona that supports a statewide arts network. The Arizona Commission on the Arts supports access to quality arts and arts education opportunities for all Arizona citizens; the development and retention of statewide jobs in the nonprofit arts, culture and education sectors; and increased economic impact in local communities through arts-based partnerships that develop tax and small business revenue. For more information, visit www.azarts.gov.

We imagine an Arizona where everyone can participate in and experience the arts.

# # #

To request this or any other agency publication in an alternative format, contact the Arts Commission offices at (602) 771-6501.

Images available upon request.

The Arts Commission remains committed to maintaining support for artists through grants, as it has for 20 years. This year, the Arts Commission is proud to introduce the Distinguished Merit Award.  The award offers additional funding support in the amount of up to $2,500 to one 2011 Artist Project Grant recipient. Due to ongoing reductions to the Arts Commission’s overall budget, available funding for Artist Project Grants has decreased significantly over the last 4 years. This cycle, of the 174 applications received, only 5 were funded.

The 2011 recipients are: Sally Ball, Shannon Cain, Heather Green, Stephen Marc, Shloka Mangharam

2011 Artist Project Grant review panelists included Rick Noguchi, Senior Program Officer of The James Irvine Foundation, San Francisco, CA; Cynthia Hedstrom, Producer/Director of Special Projects of the Wooster Group, New York, NY; and Dr. Tey Marianna Nunn, Director and Chief Curator of the Art Museum and Visual Arts Program at the National Hispanic Cultural Center, Albuquerque, NM. Josh Nelson, a Governor-appointed Commissioner of the Arizona Commission on the Arts, chaired the panel.

These awards have been known to springboard recipients into the next level of their careers as artists, whose business is researching, developing, marketing and delivering their creative product. Through their work with communities, in education and in partnership with local vendors, artists stimulate local economies and improve the quality of life across Arizona.

Artist Project Grant Descriptions

Sally Ball (Scottsdale)—What to Do With Dead Birds. The artist will create poetry based on Linda Connor’s photographs of 20^th century astronomical plates. Ball’s poetry will explore the juxtapositions between pre-existing samples and original composition. She is an assistant professor of English at Arizona State University and the associate director of Four Way Books.

Shannon Cain (Tucson)—Tucson, the Novel: An Experiment in Literature and Civil Discourse. The artist will create a novel based on serialized three-minute weekly oral testimonies. Cain is the recipient of honors like the Pushcart Prize and a fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts. She currently teaches at the Gotham Writers’ Workshop.

Heather Green (Tucson)—Vermillion Remains. The artist will create an interdisciplinary installation documenting the disappearing biodiversity and fishing camp culture of La Cholla, Mexico. The installation will consist of thirty paintings of varying size and dimensions, fifteen glass and steel vitrines that display objects of the same era, and an oversized spool of letterpress cards that record fish specimens, fishing shacks and historical anecdotes. Green is currently an Adjunct Professor at the University of Arizona and Pima Community College.

Stephen Marc (Tempe)—Relocating African American Heritage in the West. The artist will explore African American heritage in the West by utilizing digital montages to interweave historical sites and related period artifacts. Marc will conduct research with the National Park Service’s National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom division, as well as local historians and organizations to gain access to, and document historic sites and structures.  Marc is currently a Professor of Art at Arizona State University.

Artist Project Grant Distinguished Merit Award

Shloka Mangharam (Tucson)— The Long Walk of Ali Gnattyhat. The artist will produce a blended-genre book that explores the impact of violence set against the tragedy of Central American migrants crossing the Mexico-Arizona desert. Mangharam is originally from Bombay, India and received a B.A. in Creative Writing from the University of Arizona.

Artist Project Grant Panelists said of the artist: “This applicant presents extremely high artistic quality and rose quickly to the top of the applicant pool. This project demonstrates the artists’s strong and well-developed personal voice. The applicant is obviously poised to take the next steps in their career as a writer.”

Bill Desmond Writing Award

The Commission is also pleased to announce that Nicole Walker (Flagstaff) received the Bill Desmond Writing Award for the best nonfiction submission. This award was established by Kathleen Desmond to honor her husband, Bill Desmond, a reporter, editor and nonfiction writer. Artist Project Grant panelist, Rick Noguchi, the award judge, said of the writer: “Very strong writing sample and intriguing artistic product that blurs fiction and non-fiction. The research phase of this project will support the work and move it to the next level.” Walker will receive $500 toward his project, Microclimates and Micropreemies.

About the Arizona Commission on the Arts
One of 56 state and jurisdictional arts agencies across the United States, the Arizona Commission on the Arts is an agency of the State of Arizona that supports a statewide arts network. The Arizona Commission on the Arts supports access to quality arts and arts education opportunities for all Arizona citizens; the development and retention of statewide jobs in the nonprofit arts, culture and education sectors; and increased economic impact in local communities through arts-based partnerships that develop tax and small business revenue.

We imagine an Arizona where everyone can participate in and experience the arts.

# # #

To request this or any other agency publication in an alternative format, contact the Arts Commission offices at (602) 771-6501.

Images available upon request.

PHOENIX, AZ – Steffi McNerney, a senior at St. Gregory College Preparatory High School in Tucson, Arizona, was selected as the winner of the sixth annual Arizona Poetry Out Loud State Finals, a program of the Arizona Commission on the Arts in partnership with the Young Writers Program at Arizona State University and The Poetry Center at the University of Arizona. The competition, held on March 16, 2011, recognizes one high school competitor to represent Arizona in the National Poetry Out Loud competition, presented by the National Endowment for the Arts and The Poetry Foundation, in Washington D.C., April 27-29, 2011.

The Arizona Poetry Out Loud state champion, Steffi McNerney, receives a $200 cash award and an all-expenses-paid trip to the national finals, where she will compete for a $20,000 college scholarship. McNerney’s school also receives $500 to purchase poetry books for its library. Runner-up in the Arizona State competition, Naomi Blackwell, a senior at Tucson High Magnet School, receives $100, and her high school receives $200 towards the purchase of poetry books for the school’s library.

Participating students compete at the classroom and school level. 80 school-level finalists competed in one of three regional competitions (northern, central or southern) to advance to the state level. Including McNerney and Blackwell, nine students – three from each region – were recognized as finalists in the state competition:

Carly Bates, Arizona School for the Arts, Phoenix
Reid Carter, Flagstaff High School, Flagstaff
Travis Marino, Freedom Christian Academy, Queen Creek
Grace Barker, Kingman High School, Kingman
Lindsay Bulloch, Mountain View High School, Mesa
Alina Burniston-Perez, Sedona Red Rock High School, Sedona
Samantha Neville, Tucson High Magnet School, Tucson

Broadcast partner Eight, Arizona PBS hosted the State Finals in their studio. The event will air on Tuesday, April 12, 2011, at 7:30pm. More information about the broadcast partner and air date can be found here: http://www.azpbs.org/pressroom/2011/april/az_poetry.php.

Arizona Commission on the Arts Executive Director Robert C. Booker said of the program, “This year over 11,500 students and 200 teachers participated in the statewide competition. Year after year, participation in the program grows. This demonstrates the positive effect the arts have on the education of our young people. Arizona Poetry Out Loud instills in the student participants a greater sense of self-confidence and increases their public speaking skills. These are skills grounded in the arts that will serve the participants throughout their lives.”

Judges for the 2011 Arizona Poetry Out Loud State Finals included: Christopher Lane, poet and author from Sedona; Logan Phillips, Tucson-based bilingual transdisciplinary artist, poet and member of multimedia performance group Verbobala; Robert X. Planet, writer, musician, actor and director, and former drama critic from Phoenix; Alberto Ríos, celebrated Arizona poet, Regents’ Professor and the Katherine C. Turner Chair in English at Arizona State University; and Beth Staples, poet and managing editor of Hayden’s Ferry Review, Marginalia and Word of Mouth, at the Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative Writing.

About Poetry Out Loud
Poetry Out Loud seeks to foster the next generation of literary readers by capitalizing on the latest trends in poetry—recitation and performance. Poetry Out Loud invites the dynamic aspects of slam poetry, spoken word, and theater into the English class. Through Poetry Out Loud, students can master public speaking skills, build self-confidence and learn about their literary heritage. For further information regarding Poetry Out Loud, visit www.azarts.gov/pol or  www.poetryoutloud.org.

About the Arizona Commission on the Arts
One of 56 state and jurisdictional arts agencies across the United States, the Arizona Commission on the Arts is an agency of the State of Arizona that supports a statewide arts network. The Arizona Commission on the Arts supports access to quality arts and arts education opportunities for all Arizona citizens; the development and retention of statewide jobs in the nonprofit arts, culture and education sectors; and increased economic impact in local communities through arts-based partnerships that develop tax and small business revenue. www.azarts.gov

We imagine an Arizona where everyone can participate in and experience the arts.

# # #

To request this or any other agency publication in an alternative format, contact the Arts Commission offices at (602) 771-6501.

Images available upon request.