Introduction
The City of Phoenix enhances the community's cultural and economic development by supporting the production, presentation, exhibition, advancement and preservation of visual art, design, music, dance, theater, literature, science, zoology, botany, natural history and cultural history for the benefit of the public.
Arts and culture enhance the quality of life in Phoenix and make our city more livable - As Phoenix has grown, so too has the arts and cultural community. Today, more than 130 nonprofit organizations provide arts and cultural experiences for Phoenix residents and visitors. The range and diversity of organizations and activities is reflective of what one might expect from the sixth largest city in the United States, and includes a symphony orchestra, opera and ballet companies, producing and presenting theater and dance organizations, art and history museums, a science center, zoo, botanical garden and festivals reflective of the city’s diverse population. The city’s active downtown artist community of galleries and arts spaces participates in a monthly First Friday Artwalk, which brings thousands of people to downtown Phoenix. Numerous city-owned facilities provide a range of venues for arts and cultural activity.
Arts and culture generate jobs and economic impact - Arts and cultural organizations and their patrons are an acknowledged economic driver, with a $361 million economic impact in Phoenix. Arts activity generates state and city tax revenue and contributes to job growth in support industries, such as restaurants, hotels and retail businesses.
A rich cultural climate attracts business - Arts and cultural activity is increasingly recognized for its importance to Phoenix’s competitive position in attracting creative industries that rely on a highly educated and creative workforce. These “Knowledge Workers” seek to live in cities with a rich arts and cultural environment and ongoing educational opportunities. A vibrant arts and cultural community will help Phoenix to realize a competitive edge in attracting and retaining knowledgeable workers and creative industries.
The City of Phoenix has a long history of supporting arts and culture – The Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture and the citizen’s advisory Phoenix Arts and Culture Commission were established in 1985 by the Phoenix City Council to advance the growth and development of the city’s arts and cultural community. In partnership with the commission, the office manages the city’s nationally recognized public art program, administers a grants program, supports arts education, conducts research, provides information and assistance to artists and cultural organizations, and oversees the city’s cultural planning efforts. The office also works with several other city departments that manage or support city cultural facilities and programs. Collectively these efforts result in a broad range of artistic and cultural opportunities for Phoenix residents.
A comprehensive arts and cultural plan is needed to direct the city’s efforts and resources in supporting arts and culture – While the Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture and the Arts and Culture Commission have operated under their own strategic plan, the city’s overall support of arts and cultural programs has evolved to the point that a new city arts and cultural plan is needed – one that will guide the development of all aspects of the city’s arts and cultural programs and services for the next five years.
Full version PDF City of Phoenix Arts and Cultural Plan 2008-2012
