Arizona Governor Doug Ducey’s announcement that $2 million has been allocated to the Arizona Commission on the Arts for statewide grants “is tremendous news for the arts and culture sector, its employees and the communities they serve,” said Arizona Citizens for the Arts Executive Director Joseph Benesh.
“At a time of unprecedented economic challenges driven by the coronavirus pandemic, these critical funds will stimulate our economy and benefit the health of communities,” Benesh said. “We want to thank Governor Ducey and his team and recognize everyone, from Yuma to Flagstaff and everywhere in between, who called, emailed, posted and shared messages to the Legislature and Governor’s office about how integral the arts are to their cities, their neighborhoods and their own lives.”
According to well-documented research, Arizona’s arts and culture contributes about $1 billion to the state’s economy, which then generates an estimated $9 billion in additional spending. The $2 million allocation will help protect more than 250 businesses and up to 90,000 jobs impacted by COVID-19, according to the Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block.
In his announcement, Ducey said that “Arizona’s vibrant arts community is fundamental to our state’s cultural identity and expression. These dollars will directly support arts education and creative efforts, providing more students and people of all ages the opportunity to learn and grow through the arts. Ensuring the viability of the arts community will help lift up those facing hardship due to COVID-19 and support economic recovery as Arizona works to return stronger.”
Grants issued by the Commission support efforts to provide quality arts and cultural programming. The grants also will foster substantive school-community partnerships that strengthen teaching and learning in arts education and arts integration in Arizona Title I schools.
An eligible entity must be a small business with fewer than 50 employees or a non-profit organization.
The funds for the allocation will come from the Crisis Contingency and Safety Net Fund, which was established by Arizona’s bipartisan state budget agreement.
For more information, visit Arizona Citizens for The Arts or call (602) 253-6535.
