Arizona Arts Organizations Celebrate Additional Funding for the Arts

Back in May we announced that the $9.6 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2017 approved by the State Legislature and signed today by Governor Doug Ducey included an additional $1.5 million appropriation to the Arizona Commission on the Arts. This additional one-time funding allocation, derived from interest accrued on the state’s Rainy-Day Fund, is already finding its way into communities throughout the state. In July the Arizona Commission on the Arts awarded $2.26 million in grants to nonprofit arts organizations and festivals, a more than 100% increase to total funding awarded during last year’s first grantmaking cycle.

Over the past few weeks, these organizations have been letting Arizona know how they feel about the state’s additional investment, sharing photos and animated gifs on social media with the hashtag #azartsyay. Below, we’ve compiled some of our favorites. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see new submissions as they come in and if you want to get in on the fun, click here!.

@rosies_house_music_academy is celebrating Arizona’s additional investment in the arts! #azartsyay

A video posted by Arizona Commission on the Arts (@azartscomm) on Aug 15, 2016 at 2:48pm PDT

@lafronteratimc is keeping the mariachi tradition going in southern Arizona! 2016 Tucson International Mariachi Conference. La Frontera is among the nonprofit arts organizations celebrating Arizona’s additional investment in the arts for 2017! #azartsyay

A photo posted by Arizona Commission on the Arts (@azartscomm) on Aug 19, 2016 at 4:16pm PDT

@tucsonsymphony staff jump for joy at being able to share music with more of our community! Increased arts funding means the TSO can connect more Arizonans to the inspirational power of symphonic music. Together we are engaging, educating and transforming our community through live musical experiences of the highest quality. #azartsyay

A video posted by Arizona Commission on the Arts (@azartscomm) on Aug 18, 2016 at 4:23pm PDT

Thanks from @yumaartcenter “The Yuma Art Center is beyond thankful for generous funding from the Arizona Commission on the Arts. With six annual signature events and over 100,000 annual visitors, we’ll be sure to stretch the additional funds far!” #azartsyay

A video posted by Arizona Commission on the Arts (@azartscomm) on Aug 23, 2016 at 9:57am PDT

@theroguetucson Theatre Company says, “Yes!” to additional funding for the arts from the State of Arizona. The arts in Arizona make a difference in the quality of life in our community–it increases our civic pride and makes our lives richer. (Photo by Tim Fuller) #azartsyay

A photo posted by Arizona Commission on the Arts (@azartscomm) on Aug 17, 2016 at 11:29am PDT

Congratulations to the City of El Mirage. As a first time Arts Commission grant recipient, El Mirage will host a festival that honors local veterans and showcases veteran-related art. #cityofelmirage #azartsyay

A photo posted by Arizona Commission on the Arts (@azartscomm) on Aug 25, 2016 at 1:41pm PDT

Grammy-nominated violinist Elmira Darvarova and hornist Howard Wall. Additional funding this year helps bring Red Rocks Music Festival programs to Arizonans. #azartsyay #redrocksmusicfestival

A photo posted by Arizona Commission on the Arts (@azartscomm) on Aug 24, 2016 at 1:37pm PDT

Bringing kids together at Live Theatre Workshop. This year’s additional funding will ensure that we can continue to expand theatre education programs in schools that have little or no access to theatre education. It is an investment that immediately resonates throughout Tucson. #livetheatreworkshop #azartsyay

A photo posted by Arizona Commission on the Arts (@azartscomm) on Aug 22, 2016 at 9:00am PDT