Beginning in March 2020, in response to the COVID-19 crisis, the Arizona Commission on the Arts began hosting online conversations and convenings to provide a space for Arizona artists and creative sector workers to discuss challenges and opportunities, share resources and information, and generally support each other during a uniquely difficult time.
Some of these sessions were recorded and are shared below.
Additional sessions may be added as they are scheduled.
2021 Already: Dialogue/Exchange Sessions
Since COVID-19 began, creative workers like you have faced previously unimaginable difficulties, including loss of income, projects, gigs, and prolonged isolation from your support networks. And yet, even in a global pandemic, you persist in making critical contributions through your work and service.
With a new year underway, please join us for a 2021 Already: Dialogue/Exchange Session via Zoom, to connect with other Arizona creatives and help us better understand what you need, what you’ve learned, and how you imagine the creative sector can shape our collective post-pandemic future.
Arts Commission staff will facilitate the sessions and will be present to hear questions about Arts Commission services and other pandemic-era support and opportunities. If we can’t answer your questions, we’ll do our best to direct you to relevant resources.
Who this is for
Arizona artists and creative workers, both independent and affiliated with institutions/organizations, who want to connect with others, surface questions, and share what they have learned via pandemic-era experiences.
How to Register
To ensure that all are able to be heard, these dialogue/exchange sessions will be limited to 40 participants each. Registration is required. More sessions may be added according to demand.
Wednesday, February 10, 2021
10:00 – 11:30 am
Registration will close on Monday, February 8
Peer-to-Peer Webinars for BIPOC Teaching Artists
Do you identify as a BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, or People of Color) teaching artist or arts educator in Arizona? Join us as we build a community of BIPOC artists across the state who work and teach in a variety of art forms and settings. Gain an intimate and intentional net of support for the work ahead in a BIPOC-centered teaching and learning arts space. Â
This winter, the Arizona Commission on the Arts will present 4 webinars for BIPOC teaching artists interested in exchanging best practices. Teaching artist Sharah Nieto will facilitate four sessions specific to different age groups and disciplines. This is a great opportunity to connect with peers in your area of expertise, ask questions, share ideas and build community. Feel free to join any session/s that best suit/s your practice!Â
(for teaching artists serving Elementary aged youth) Saturday, January 9, 2021 (for teaching artist serving Middle School aged youth) Saturday, January 16, 2021Session 1 Â
Visual Arts Best Practices Exchange 
9:00 am-10:00 am MSTSession 2 Â
Visual Arts Best Practices Exchange 
9:00 am-10:00 am MST
(for teaching artist serving High School aged youth) Saturday, January 23, 2021 (for teaching artists serving K-12 aged youth) Saturday, January 30, 2021Session 3 Â
Visual Arts Best Practices Exchange 
9:00 am-10:00 am MSTSession 4Â
Performing Arts Best Practices ExchangeÂ
9:00 am-10:00 am MST
This space is for Arizona state teaching artists, school-based arts specialists, youth arts providers, and classroom teachers who self-identify as BIPOC. We welcome all intersectional BIPOC identities, including (but not limited to) African, Arab, Asian, Caribbean, Latinx, Middle Eastern, Pacific Islander, mixed race, and white-passing folks who identify as BIPOC and are prepared to honor and explore the nuances of being white-passing in this context.Â
Additional Opportunities
Are you white-identified and interested in talking about anti-racist work in arts education? Skip this workshop and consider signing up for future Teaching Artist trainings.
Artist Support Navigator Discussion: Contribute Your Talents to the Cause!
Facilitated by Rae Ellis
Presented on Tuesday, June 30, 2020
Presentation Slides: Contribute Your Talents to the Cause
Artist Support Navigator Discussion: How Artists Can Thrive in 2020 & Beyond
Facilitated by Jose Gonzalez
Presented on Monday, June 29, 2020
Artist Support Navigator Discussion: Navigating White Spaces: Support and Discussion for BIPOC
Facilitated by Giovana Aviles
Presented on Monday, June 29, 2020
As Creatives of Color, how do we show up as our authentic selves within predominantly White institutions? How can we work and thrive in spaces where we don’t always feel safe to speak up or share our experiences? Join us for an hour-long dialogue and community support as we discuss the challenges of navigating spaces not designed for Black and brown bodies.
Artist Support Navigator Discussion: Unemployment Benefits, Pt 2
Facilitated by Milta Ortiz
Presented on Thursday, May 21, 2020
Did you know that there’s now a new application for freelancers? Did you get denied because of low earnings? As of May 12, the Department of Economic Security is able to process freelance earnings with a new application designed for freelancers. Join us to find out more from someone who’s gone through the application process! We’d love to hear about your experience with Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA).
Artist Support Navigator Discussion: A Change in Practice
Facilitated by Rae Ellis
Presented on Thursday, May 21, 2020
Join us for a “Happy Hour Kick-back” facilitated by Phoenix-based musician Rae Ellis. Rae will share their recent experiences and insights about streaming performances online versus sharing their work in front of live audiences.
Our follow-up discussion and idea sharing session will focus on ways Arizona artists and art communities can change and adapt, not only their creative practices, but the ways they present their work to the world during the pandemic.
Artist Support Navigator Discussion: Arizona Utility Assistance Program
Facilitated by Giovana Aviles
Presented on Thursday, April 30, 2020
The Artist Support Navigator Discussion series is co-presented by ASU Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts and Arizona Commission on the Arts
Artist Support Navigator Discussion: Zoom Cafecito
Facilitated by Milta Ortiz
Presented on Friday, April 24, 2020
The Artist Support Navigator Discussion series is co-presented by ASU Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts and Arizona Commission on the Arts
Artist Support Navigator Discussion: Artists Helping Artists
Facilitated by Jose Gonzalez
Presented on Friday, April 24, 2020
The Artist Support Navigator Discussion series is co-presented by ASU Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts and Arizona Commission on the Arts
Peer-to-Peer Discussion for Young Artists (14-20)
Tuesday, April 21, 2020
4:30 – 5:30 pmÂ
A peer to peer-driven conversation for Young Artists in Arizona to virtually check-in, share challenges and opportunities. This discussion will be led by the Arizona Youth Arts Council. This space is for and by young people. Adults are kindly asked not to participate.
A link and instructions for joining the session will be emailed to you upon registration.
Artist Community Check-in
Friday, April 17, 2020
5:30 – 6:30 pmÂ
A conversation about strategies for staying connected to community during “social distancing” and imagining new ways to sustain your creative practice and share your craft during the coronavirus pandemic.
A link and instructions for joining the session will be emailed to you upon registration.
AZ Creative Aging Virtual Conversation
Friday, April 10, 2020
10:00 – 11:00 amÂ
A peer to peer driven conversation for creative aging practitioners in Arizona to virtually check-in, share strategies, insights, tools, and resources relevant in navigating the COVID-19 pandemic in this time of isolation for older adults.
A link and instructions for joining the session will be emailed to you upon registration.
Arizona Teaching Artist Virtual Conversation
Thursday, April 9, 2020
2:00 – 3:00 pmÂ
A peer-to-peer driven conversation for Arizona Teaching Artists to virtually check-in, share strategies, insights, tools, and resources relevant in navigating the COVID-19 pandemic.Â
A link and instructions for joining the session will be emailed to you upon registration.
Crisis Engagement: 12 Tasks to Sustain Donors in Turbulent Times
Thursday, April 9, 2020
10:00 – 10:30 amÂ
Presented by Social Prosperity Partners, in partnership with City of Phoenix Office of Arts & Culture, the Arizona Commission on the Arts, and Arizona Citizens for the Arts, this short webinar for leaders of nonprofit organizations offers substantive & actionable recommendations designed to help organizations sustain the support of their donors, members, volunteers, and other stakeholders.
