The Arizona Commission on the Arts administers programs and services that contribute to the growth and stabilization of the arts, impact student learning, nurture and develop artists’ craft and skills, preserve the rich traditions of Arizona communities and encourage participation by Arizonans of all ages and abilities.

AZ ArtWorker

Through an innovative partnership with Arizona State University and the generous support of the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation, AZ ArtWorker offers artist-to-artist professional development, creating opportunities for Arizona artists to learn from national and international artists who are at the frontlines of contemporary art and community practice.

AZ Creative Aging

An ambitious and comprehensive initiative of the Arizona Commission on the Arts, AZ Creative Aging will build a creative aging infrastructure to enhance quality of life for older Arizonans. With funding from Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust, AZ Creative Aging will provide training to teaching artists, support the development of high-quality arts programs for older adults and embed creative aging knowledge and best practices in the community.

Poetry Out loud

Poetry Out Loud seeks to foster the next generation of literary readers by capitalizing on the latest trends in poetry – recitation and performance. Through Poetry Out Loud, students can master public speaking skills, build self-confidence and learn about their literary heritage.

AZ Youth Arts Council

Established in Fall 2019, the AZ Youth Arts Council is composed of young people from across the state, selected through a statewide application process to represent their respective communities and the unique perspectives of young Arizonans.

Folk and Traditional Arts

Through the State Partnership Grant, the National Endowment for the Arts provides state arts agencies with support for stable, professionally-directed programs that are responsive to a state’s diverse folk and traditional arts heritage. Since 2014, the Arizona Commission on the Arts has partnered with the Southwest Folklife Alliance (SFA) to serve as the state’s official folk arts partner.