About Arizona citizens for the arts
Arizona Citizens for the Arts: Advocating for the Arts in Arizona
Arizona Citizens for the Arts is a nonprofit organization that serves as an advocate and voice of the arts and culture sector in Arizona. The organization was founded in 2012 with a mission to ensure that arts and culture are recognized as vital components of Arizona's economic, educational, and civic landscape.
The organization acts as a liaison between artists, cultural organizations, businesses, government agencies, and other stakeholders to promote policies that support the growth and sustainability of Arizona's creative industries. Through its advocacy efforts at both state and local levels, Arizona Citizens for the Arts has been instrumental in securing funding for arts education programs, preserving historic buildings and landmarks, promoting tourism through cultural events, supporting public art projects, among others.
One of the primary goals of Arizona Citizens for the Arts is to increase public awareness about how important arts are to our communities. The organization believes that art is not just a form of entertainment but also an essential tool for social change. By bringing together diverse groups of people through artistic expression, we can create more inclusive communities where everyone feels valued.
Arizona Citizens for the Arts also provides resources such as training workshops on fundraising strategies or grant writing skills to help artists or cultural organizations succeed financially. They offer networking opportunities where artists can connect with potential collaborators or mentors who can help them grow their careers.
The organization has been successful in advocating policies that benefit not only artists but also businesses across various sectors. For example:
- In 2018 alone they secured $2 million from state funds towards grants supporting nonprofit arts organizations.
- They have helped pass legislation allowing tax credits up to $1 million per year towards donations made by individuals or corporations towards qualifying nonprofits.
- They have advocated successfully against budget cuts proposed by lawmakers which would have reduced funding available towards art education programs across schools statewide.
- They have worked closely with city officials on initiatives such as Phoenix Office Of Art And Culture's "Mural Arts Program" which has helped beautify the city while providing opportunities for local artists.
Arizona Citizens for the Arts is committed to ensuring that Arizona remains a vibrant and creative state where arts and culture thrive. They believe that by working together, we can create a more prosperous future for everyone. If you are an artist or cultural organization looking to get involved in advocacy efforts or seeking resources to help grow your career, Arizona Citizens for the Arts is an excellent place to start.