Mark Feldman was first appointed to the Arts Commission in 2009, and in October 2011 was appointed Chair of the Arts Commission by Governor Jan Brewer. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Arizona Science Center and Free Arts of Arizona, is past President of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern and Central Arizona, and past Trustee of the Desert Botanical Garden.
Dear members of the Arizona arts and culture community,
Let me begin by thanking you for your tremendous contributions to our state. I greatly admire the work of artists, arts educators and all those who devote their careers to ensuring Arizona’s arts and culture sector can thrive.
By way of background, my career has been in wealth management, helping families realize their financial objectives as a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Financial Planner. For many years I was a partner in the world’s largest accounting firm, and when opportunity knocked, I purchased the right to serve my clients from within the walls of my own small business. My startup wealth management firm quickly became the largest firm in Arizona, employing 50 people and managing over $2 billion.
I am hopeful that my experience in financial planning, my understanding of the challenges facing the arts and culture sector, and my passion for advancing our collective cause, will be useful in my role as Commission Chair. Because I believe that you, members of the arts and culture sector, can contribute even more powerfully to Arizona’s bright future – and I believe the Arts Commission can better support you in your efforts.
The Arts Commission invests in the arts and culture sector on behalf of the State of Arizona, through grants, professional development opportunities, services and resources to the arts industry. The benefits of a thriving arts industry to our state are evident; a vibrant arts industry aids in economic revitalization, has a positive impact on education, and encourages civic engagement in our state.
Economic Revitalization:
When Arizona invests in the arts and culture sector, your work directly impacts Arizona’s economic diversity and vitality, through the support of jobs, stimulation of commerce, increased property values and as a catalyst for community revitalization.
Educational Impact:
When Arizona invests in arts and culture, Arizona students are better prepared to achieve successful careers and futures. We know that an education which includes quality arts instruction and arts participation opportunities supports creativity, innovation and problem-solving, persistence and entrepreneurship. These skills are highly sought-after and desirable to employers, and critical to a productive 21st-century workforce.
Civic Engagement:
When Arizona invests in arts and culture, Arizona’s citizens can celebrate their community through a welcoming sense of place and desirable quality of life. Partnerships between the arts sector and small businesses lead to community revitalization.
In service to the Arizona arts industry, the Arts Commission endeavors to provide you with the services you need, so the sector can be recognized and supported in its critical role as a catalyst for Arizona’s economic growth and recovery. My fellow Commissioners and staff of the Arts Commission value the opportunity to serve and are ready to implement programs and services that support the arts and culture sector in the new economy: to get behind the work that you champion, through innovative programs that deliver meaningful community impact.
I look forward to working with the Commissioners and staff of the Arts Commission to reinvent our services to you, and to the entire Arizona arts industry. Together, we can position the arts and culture sector to not simply survive, but thrive.
Mark Feldman
Chair, Arizona Commission on the Arts
