Cultural Facilities

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​​​​​​Several city departments manage cultural facilities including the Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture. A majority of these facilities were funded by voter-approved city general obligation bonds. Through the bond program, the City of Phoenix has developed, grown and sustained a vibrant mix of cultural facilities that engage and serve residents through education and outreach programming, help to attract new business development, and each year draws more than six million total attendances. ​   ​


Managed Facilities

The Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture manages the following cultural facilities. The department only manages the physical building and property and is not responsible for the tenants' programming, services, and administration.

Questions? Please contact Romeo Rabusa, administrative and cultural facilities director at romeo.rabusa@phoenix.gov or 602-534-8334.

Latino Cultural Center Project

The Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture is coordinating the planning of a new Latino Cultural Center.

In 2016, the Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture secured the services of a consultant to conduct a capital needs assessment and feasibility study, including a management/business plan and evaluation of potential tie-ins with other cultural resources. In 2017, the study was released. In 2019, a mayoral-appointed Ad Hoc Committee was created to evaluate and make recommendations to the City Council next year about the next steps, including possible sites for a center and developing a strategic business plan.

The Ad Hoc Committee sunset on June 30, 2020, and presented their final report to Phoenix City Council on September 22, 2020. City Council approved the report and final recommendations. The City of Phoenix is committed to this project, and is a recommended project in the current General Obligation Bond Program​.​

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Cultural Bond Program

In 1989, 2001 and 2006, City of Phoenix residents approved a General Obligation Bond program to support improvements and development of the city's arts and culture infrastructure. Through the Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture, the city partnered with the arts and culture community, other city departments, and community stakeholders  to implement a variety of capital projects, including major renovations, expansions of existing cultural properties or the creation of new cultural centers to be operated by established nonprofit cultural organizations.  


2023 General Obligation Bond

On June 7, 2022, the Mayor and City Council approved moving forward with a proposed General Obligation (GO) Bond program of $500 million. GO Bond programs help to fund critical infrastructure and rehabilitation needs of City facilities such as parks, libraries, fire and police stations, affordable housing, streets and cultural facilities. Voters will then decide during the Special Election in November 2023 whether or not to adopt the GO Bond Program.​

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2006 Arts and Culture Bond Projects

The 2006 bond recommended projects totaling $58 million, which included the following:

Arizona Opera
New construction of a Rehearsal Hall and renovation of an existing building to house administrative and production offices, box office and education pavilion.

Arizona Science Center
Renovations to address code deficiencies, and to improve patron access and queuing comfort.

Ballet Arizona
Renovation of a 40,000 square foot warehouse to house Ballet Arizona's administrative and production offices, the Arizona Ballet School, 7 dance studios, warehouse, and a 299-seat performance space.

Black Theatre Troupe
Acquisition of property for a cultural center, with administrative offices, rehearsal and performance space operated and programmed by the troupe.

George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center
Renovations to the Center's historic 33,000-square-foot main building for use as a community cultural center which showcases the African American cultural and historical heritage.

Herberger Theater Center
Renovations and refurbishment of back and front of house spaces, and upgrades to mechanical and electrical systems.  HTC is the home venue for Arizona Theatre Company, Actors Theater of Phoenix, Center Dance, iTheatre Collaborative, and many emerging theater groups.

Phoenix Indian School Memorial Hall
Renovation of historic Memorial Hall in Steele Indian School Park into a multi-purpose space for performances, exhibits, meetings, receptions and other community uses.

Phoenix Theatre
Expansion of the theatre including a new black box theatre, lobby renovations, and guest service amenities.

 

2001 Capital Culture Bond Projects:

The 2001 Arts and Culture Bond Subcommittee recommended a program of $60 million, which included the following projects:

Children's Museum of Phoenix
Acquisition and renovation of an historic school to create a children's museum.

Latino Cultural Center
Funding was made available to Museo Chicano to promote knowledge and appreciation of the cultures of Latinos in Phoenix.

Phoenix Art Museum
Expansion of gallery space and museum entrance lobby to fully realize the original facility design.

Phoenix Symphony Hall
Replacement and refurbishment of systems and finishes including expansion/remodeling of the lobby and correction of code deficiencies.  Operated by Phoenix Convention Center, the Hall is home to the Phoenix Symphony, Ballet Arizona and Arizona Opera.

Valley Youth Theatre
Purchase and develop property to provide performance/rehearsal space for small productions and children's theatre workshops.

 

1989 Cultural Bond Projects:

The 1989 Arts and Culture Bond Subcommittee recommended a program of $15 million, which funded:

Orpheum Theater

Restoration of the 1929 historic theater, one of the most extravagant theaters of its time.  Now operated by the Phoenix Convention Center and home to Theater League productions, Ballet Arizona and various community groups.