Mayor honors Phoenix artists

Scorpius Dance Theatre must be doing their happy dance after receiving one of five Mayor’s Arts Awards presented at Phoenix Festival of the Arts

I’m what you might call a late convert. Though I moved three decades ago from California to Arizona with my husband James, I never felt truly connected to the state until I began exploring Arizona arts and culture, which is distinguished in both its breadth and depth of offerings.

For those truly passionate about arts and culture, no justification of their existence is needed. But we’re living in a time dominated by national conversations about the relative merits of austerity and investment. So folks who favor arts for arts sake need to do more than simply love art. They need to demonstrate its merits.

I’ve heard Phoenix mayor Greg Stanton speak several times about the role of arts and culture in building vibrant communities, citing concrete examples of the economic impact arts in Phoenix has on the city’s growth and development — including construction inspired by revitalization along Roosevelt Row.

Investments in arts and culture increase tourism revenue, create jobs in creative industries and attract businesses eager to settle in communities that provide a rich quality of life for employees. And they create more opportunities for youth to develop skills like critical thinking, problem solving and collaboration through the arts.

When thoughts of leaving Arizona cross my mind, I call two families to mind. My husband’s parents, whose roots in Arizona go back much farther than my own, and my arts family — all the amazing artists I’ve met while exploring Arizona museums, galleries, theaters and other venues from coffee shops to concert halls.

Folks eager to get a feel for Phoenix arts and culture can head to Margaret T. Hance Park near the Burton Barr Library in central Phoenix today for Phoenix Festival of the Arts, which runs through 5pm. It’s a free event featuring live entertainment, art exhibits and more — even the chance to help paint a community mural.

Mayor Stanton attended the 3-day festival yesterday afternoon, and presented five recipients with Mayor’s Arts Awards — Scorpius Dance Theatre (dance organization award), Downtown Chamber Series (music organization award), Rising Youth Theatre (theater award), Hugo Medina (public art award) and Eugene Grigsby (visual artist award).

I’m delighted that Mayor Stanton appreciates the role of arts and culture in fostering strong communities, but none of us should imagine for an instant that his support alone can move the cause of greater investments in arts and culture forward. We’ve all got to advocate each and every day within our own spheres of influence.

Learn more about championing the cause of Arizona arts and culture from  Arizona Commission on the Arts and Arizona Citizens Action for the Arts, and save the date for the next Arizona Arts Congress taking place Monday, Feb. 4 at the Arizona State Capitol.

— Lynn

Note: The next Governor’s Arts Awards ceremony takes place March 6, 2013 at the Herberger Theater Center in Phoenix. Nominations are being accepted in six categories through 5pm on Friday, Dec. 14. Click here for details.

Coming up: Musings on mural art

I’m just a bill…

Arts advocates gathered at the Arizona Capitol yesterday for the 2012 Arts Congress.

First, a heartfelt thanks to all of you who made it to yesterday’s Arizona Arts Congress — and to the legislators who took time to meet with all the lovely folks who care about arts and culture, and the role it plays in our economy, community, schools and everyday lives.

Thankfully, those of us who couldn’t make it can still weigh in with our legislators about just how much we value arts and culture. Arizona Citizens/Action for the Arts has details about three issues noted on its website — and makes it easy for folks to send e-mails to the folks who vote on such things.

Arizona Representative Steve Farley meeting with arts advocates during the 2011 Arts Congress at the Arizona State Capitol

Seems there’s already a bit of good news on that front. Today the Arizona House of Representatives committee considering HB 2265 decided to move it forward for consideration by the larger legislative body. HB 2265 authorizes the continuation, for another ten years, of the Arizona Commission on the Arts.

This makes me a happy camper, because they’re an invaluable resource for artists, educators and citizens. If you’re not getting their newsletters, you’re missing the latest and greatest news about arts-related events, arts education, funding opportunities, calls for student artwork and much more.

Arizona Representative Ruben Gallego meeting with David Hemphill of the Black Theatre Troupe during the 2011 Arts Congress attended by more than 200 advocates

But HB 2265 is just one of three arts-related issues working its way through this legislative session. Another, SB 1348, would establish an Arizona poet laureate. We need a state poet; don’t I know it. Finally, there’s a section of the governor’s proposed budget that would further cut funding for arts — and advocates can still weigh in on that prospect.

Those of you who remember the musical “Schoolhouse Rock” can probably still sing David Frishberg’s lyrics for “I’m Just a Bill.” But nothing is ever “just a bill.” Every piece of legislation working its way through both the Arizona House of Representatives and the Arizona Senate has the potential to impact our daily lives. Click here to join fellow citizens championing the arts in Arizona.

— Lynn

Note: If you have photos from this year’s Arizona Arts Congress to share, I’d love to see them — and you may find them featured in a future post. Click here to learn more about this weekend’s “Arizona Best Fest” Phoenix taking place at, and around, the Arizona Capitol Mall (and watch for a future post highlighting monuments your family can explore during your visit).

Coming up: Reflections from Catherine “Rusty” Foley, executive director for Arizona Citizens/Action for the Arts

Photos: 2011 Arts Congress photos courtesy of Arizona Citizens/Action for the Arts

Top ten signs you’re an arts advocate

Liz Trimble pauses to enjoy artwork during a college admissions tour

10. You attend arts advocacy events like the Arizona Arts Congress 2012 (taking place Feb. 7 — and yes, there’s still time to get involved).

9. You talk with education leaders (school board members, principals and others) about the importance of funding and supporting art in schools and classrooms.

8. You troll publications like Arizona Capitol Times looking for arts-related news and legislation (like a recent issue noting bills about renewing the Arizona Commission on the Arts and creating an Arizona Poet Laureate).

7. You attend diverse art-related exhibitions and events in your community — and choose art-related events for time with family and friends.

6. You support local arts venues and museums by doing your gift shopping in their gift shops (there’s still time to gather art-related Valentine’s Day fare).

5. You write letters to the editor sharing evidence for the role of arts in building strong communities, economies, schools and families.

4. You curl up at night with reports like “Capitalizing on Arizona’s Arts & Culture” (prepared in conjunction with the 98th Arizona Town Hall).

3. You enroll your children in arts-related programs that foster their love and familiarity with visual art, dance, film, music, poetry, theater and other art forms.

2. You donate money or time to at least one local arts organization (even small gifts of time, talent and financial resources are appreciated and make a difference).

1. You take time to thank legislators, businesses and others who support arts on a national, state and local level.

— Lynn

Note: To learn more about arts and culture in Arizona, visit www.azarts.gov and www.azcitizensforthearts.org.

Coming up: Moving beyond tragedy through a community art project