The Arizona Commission on the Arts, an agency of the State of Arizona, announced today the appointment of Yuma County resident and Cocopah Indian Tribe member Wilana Ortega to its governing board of commissioners.
With this latest appointment, Governor Hobbs continues to expand the 15-member advisory board’s geographic representation and diversity of experience.
“I am committed to ensuring Arizona’s diverse communities and cultures have a voice on the Arts Commission,” Governor Hobbs said. “These appointees, who all come from different backgrounds and regions within our state, each bring with them their own unique perspective.”
Commission members serve terms of three years and are chosen for their demonstrated ability, good judgment and experience in arts-related fields. In addition, they are selected to ensure geographic and ethnic representation of all areas of the state. Commission members attend quarterly board meetings, chair review panels, award grants, and formulate policy consistent with the State agency’s enabling legislation.
“I’m honored to serve as a representative for both the county and my tribe. My main goal is to promote and advocate for the arts which has been my passion for many years,” Ortega said.
About Wilana Ortega
Wilana Ortega is an enrolled member of the Cocopah Indian Tribe and currently works for the Tribe as a Substance and Alcohol Abuse Counselor. Additionally, she sits as Chair for the First Things First Cocopah Regional Partnership Council. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater from Arizona State University. Upon graduating in 2008 she co-founded Theatre In My Basement, a Phoenix-based theatre collaborative, and worked extensively for several years as a director, dramaturg, playwright, and producer.
In addition to her own background as a theatre artist, Ortega is the child of accomplished artists: her late father was an accomplished painter and storyteller, and her late mother was a renowned traditional beaded cape maker.
Ortega replaces outgoing arts commissioner Daniel “Danny” Sharaby of Scottsdale, who served on the commission for 6 years.
We’re staying closer to our Phoenix home for the next Community Conversations, visiting the west and east valley!
Join us in Peoria at Theater Works on May 21 for one of two sessions in the Phoenix area.
Then catch us in Mesa at the Mesa Main Library on May 22!
RSVP now via the QR code, the link in our bio, or our website.