Build more vibrancy in the arts and culture sector to generate greater economic prosperity and regional competitiveness—that is the mission of a new nonprofit officially launched today. The Maricopa Partnership for Arts and Culture, known as "MPAC," was created to implement the recommendations outlined by the Maricopa Regional Arts and Culture Task Force. Myra Millinger, associate director of the Flinn Foundation, has been named its first president and CEO, effective October 1. Mark Sklar, managing director of DMB Associates, has been selected to chair a distinguished board of business and civic leaders.

 

The Flinn Foundation and The Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust are both providing seed grants to assist with MPAC's initial development. Each foundation has committed $217,600 to assist in start-up activities through the end of 2004.

"We know revitalizing and expanding the arts and culture sector will pay huge dividends, because we've seen it happen in several of our competitor regions," said Sklar. "The Task Force provided us the business case for action, and a blueprint for the strategies we need to undertake. With Myra Millinger as our president and a prestigious board, we have the talent and energy to make this new vision a reality."

Other board members include: Roc Arnett, East Valley Partnership; Drew Brown, DMB Associates; Jos C rdenas, Lewis & Roca; Ed Fox, Pinnacle West Capital Corporation; Grady Gammage, Gammage & Burnham; Teresa Brice-Heames, Housing for Mesa; Sharon Harper, The Plaza Companies; Jack Lunsford, WESTMARC; Valerie Manning, Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce; Steve Matteucci, Friedman, Billings, Ramsey; Jack Pfister, civic activist; Rick Rayson, Deloitte & Touche; Quentin Smith, Cadre Business Advisors; Chip U'Ren, SRP; and Mary Jo Waits, public policy consultant.

Since 1983, Millinger has served as associate director of The Flinn Foundation, where she has worked to develop program initiatives in the fields of health, the cultural arts, and education. She has been involved nationally on the board of Grantmakers in the Arts and is currently chair of the board of National Arts Strategies, based in Washington, D.C.

Locally, she has served as a commissioner for the Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture and also served two terms as president of Arizonans for Cultural Development. In 1995, she was the recipient of the Governor's Arts Award in recognition of her significant contribution to the arts in Arizona, and in 1999 she was recognized by The Business Journal as one of the ten most influential non-profit leaders in Phoenix.

MPAC will work to implement the recommendations outlined in the task force's report, Vibrant Culture - Thriving Economy, that illustrates the benefits other regions accrue from strong investments in arts and culture, and outlines how the Valley must take dramatic steps forward to succeed in the competitive environment of the new economy. MPAC will use leadership and seed funding to:

• Integrate arts and culture more fully into current economic development activities
• Enhance participation in arts and culture activities through partnerships and regional marketing
• Build regional distinction by creating more signature events, arts districts and nationally recognized annual events
• Integrate arts and culture into education by supporting partnerships and opportunities for teacher training in arts education
• Achieve sustained funding by developing a detailed strategy that encompasses generating funds from multiple sources, including dedicated revenue streams

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For more information:

Maricopa Regional Arts and Culture Task Force

The Flinn Foundation

Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust