On August 20, 2026, the Arizona Commission on the Arts announced 409 grant awards totaling $2,655,846. Grants were awarded to a diverse array of organizations and programs spread across the state.
Posts Categorized: Press Releases
Governor Hobbs Appoints Show Low Resident to Arizona Commission on the Arts
Governor Katie Hobbs has appointed Cynthia Whipple, a choir and drama teacher at Show Low High School, to serve on the 15-member governing commission of the state’s arts agency. Whipple assumes a seat previously held by Nicole Dahl, a Tucson resident first appointed to the commission in June 2023.
State Seeks Creative Young People for Arizona Youth Arts Council
The Arizona Commission on the Arts invites teenaged artists and creatives to join the AZ Youth Arts Council. The advisory group will work to ensure that Arizona’s youth perspective is heard in arts programming and policy.
Governor and Legislature Agree to Continue $2 million Investment in Arts and Culture
“On behalf of the Commission, I extend our sincere thanks to the Legislature and Governor Hobbs for their continued investment in the arts. This funding reflects a strong, shared belief that arts and culture are not just expressions of creativity—they are vital to Arizona’s economic strength, education, and community well-being.”
Governor’s Budget Proposes Level Funding for the Arts
The Fiscal Year 2027 Executive Budget released on Friday, January 16, 2026, by the Governor’s office proposes the continuation of a $2 million one-time legislative appropriation to the Arizona Commission on the Arts that was included in the State’s FY2025 and FY2026 budgets.
Governor Katie Hobbs Appoints Laura Tohe as Arizona Poet Laureate
“Over the course of her career, Dr. Tohe has distinguished herself as a poet, librettist, and writer of both fiction and nonfiction. She is a storyteller whose words reflect the heart, history, and hopes of our state. As Poet Laureate, Dr. Tohe will continue Arizona’s tradition of creativity and help inspire the next generation of writers.”
Governor Appoints Becky Daggett, Essen Otu, and Mark Schauer to Arizona Commission on the Arts
Governor Katie Hobbs has appointed Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett, Essen Otu of Phoenix, and Yuma resident Mark Schauer to serve on the 15-member commission and re-appointed Arthur Harding, Simon Tipene Adlam, and John-Peter Wilhite to second terms.
Christina You-sun Park Elected to Board of National Assembly of State Arts Agencies
Arizona Commission on the Arts executive director Christina You-sun Park has been elected to serve a three-year term on the board of directors for the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA).
Artists Selected for State Park Artist Residency Program
Patagonia Lake State Park will host a full three-week residency with Flagstaff artist Cory Woodall from October 29 – November 16, 2025, and a mini-residency with Bisbee’s Fernando Serrano from November 19 – 23, 2025.
State Invests $2.5 Million in Nonprofit Arts & Culture Sector
On August 21, 2025, the Arizona Commission on the Arts, an agency of the State of Arizona, announced 375 grant awards totaling $2,5456,273. Grants were awarded to a diverse array of organizations and programs spread across the state.
Agency Newsletters
