The Maricopa Regional Arts and Culture Task Force was formed in June 2003 to help advance arts and culture as an important component of new technology-based economic development efforts underway throughout the metropolitan area. The 30-member task force of senior leaders from the corporate, arts, public, educational and philanthropic sectors delivered its recommendations in May 2004 through the report, Virbrant Culture-Thriving Economy, and a series of public presentations.
The task force was the cornerstone component of a two-year effort by The Flinn Foundation, The Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust, the J.W. Kieckhefer Foundation, and the Margaret T. Morris Foundation to strengthen the Valley's arts and culture infrastructure. It followed on a 2002 report, "The Arts in Arizona," which concluded that Arizona's arts organizations are ill-prepared to cope with changing demographic and economic conditions, and suggested the foundations encourage a regional strategy.
The task force, chaired by Drew Brown, managing director and partner, DMB Associates, examined research data and input from local arts, business, and civic leaders gathered through interviews, focus groups, and public forums. The research findings outlined how the Phoenix metro area can compete with other regions on quality of life measures, which are important to knowledge-industry workers.
Research and project coordination was performed by the Battelle Memorial Institute's Technology Partnership Practice, a division of the world's largest private, nonprofit organization recognized for supporting technology-based economic development. Local data and analysis was contributed by the Morrison Institute for Public Policy.
Progress Reports
September 10, 2003
November 20, 2003
January 27, 2004
May 17, 2004
More Information
Task Force
Task Force Roster
The Flinn Foundation
The Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust
Battelle Memorial Institute
"The Arts in Arizona: A Discussion Document," Adrian Ellis, AEA Consulting
Maricopa Region Arts and Culture Benchmarking Study
"A Place for Arts & Culture: A Maricopa County Overview" report
Vibrant Culture--Thriving Economy summary report
Vibrant Culture--Thriving Economy final report
News
"Business of 'the arts'," East Valley Tribune, 06/09/2004
"Report shows 'creative class' equals economic vitality," op-ed, Business Journal, 05/31/2004
"Art work in progress: Valley must find the means for a great culture," editorial, Arizona Republic, 05/23/2004
"Impact studies miss payoff," column, East Valley Tribune, 05/23/2004
" Report: Valley lags in financial support for arts, culture,"Arizona Capitol Times, 05/21/2004
"Valley prosperity tied to arts funding, group says,"Arizona Republic, 05/19/2004
"Quality job creation linked to arts, culture,,East Valley Tribune, 05/19/2004
"Valley needs to see 'big picture' in arts, culture,
" op-ed,
East Valley Tribune, 01/17/2004
(By Roc Arnett, president and CEO of the East Valley Partnership, Task Force member)
"A- for Horne," editorial, Arizona Republic, 01/07/2004
(includes praise for the Opening Minds Through the Arts elementary school arts program)
"Schools chief seeks training, arts programs," Arizona Republic, 01/06/2004
"Sales generate most of budget for Valley arts," Arizona Republic, 01/04/2004
"Culture, arts at forefront in developing good quality of life," op-ed, Business Journal, 07/25/2003
"Artistic Endeavors," editorial, Arizona Republic, 06/28/2003
"Foundations unite to create regional arts and culture task force," News Release, 06/19/2003
"Leaders push arts for economy," Arizona Republic, 06/19/2003
"Group to promote Valley arts, culture," East Valley Tribune, 06/19/2003
"Economic Power of arts and culture presented to local leadership," News Release, 03/21/2003
"Culture, arts vital to Valley," Arizona Republic, 03/21/2003
Related Publications and Resources
"Shareholder Return - What's Art Got To Do With It?," a speech by Irv Weiser of RBC Dain Rauscher, delivered at the Phoenix Community Alliance Annual Meeting Luncheon, 12/18/2003
"The Value of the Performing Arts in Five Communities," Performing Arts Research Coalition
"Vital & Valuable: The Economic Impact of Valley Nonprofit Arts and Their Audiences," Americans for the Arts
"The Performing Arts in a New Era," Pew Charitable Trusts
"Arts Participation: Steps to Stronger Cultural and Community Life," The Wallace Foundation