State invests $2.5 million in nonprofit arts & culture sector / Arizona Commission on the Arts
A one-time legislative appropriation of $2 million in support of Arizona’s arts and culture sector is reaching communities throughout the state with grants to nonprofit organizations, festivals, and arts learning programs.
This Navajo from Arizona is now president of a prestigious arts school in the Southwest / KJZZ
The Santa Fe-based Institute of American Indian Arts recently named Shelly Lowe as the tribal college’s next president. Lowe, a Flinn Scholar alum from Ganado, Arizona, was the first Indigenous chair of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Desert Botanical Garden welcomes Chris Kline as new president & CEO / Desert Botanical Garden
Desert Botanical Garden has named Arizona nonprofit leader and community connector Chris Kline as its next president and chief executive officer. Kline joins the Garden following seven years as president and CEO of the Arizona Media Association and the Arizona Local News Foundation. Read more: Desert Botanical Garden to reopen ‘Gertrude’s Restaurant and Patio Café’ under Mark Tarbell’s leadership
Tucson’s rich culture remains a key driver of its economy and future / 13 News
As Tucson celebrates more than 250 years of history, the city is honoring its past while looking to the future. Its unique cultural heritage, which has been a significant driver of the local economy, is being preserved to ensure it continues to thrive. Read more: Tucson opened its time capsule after 50 years. Here’s what was inside
Mesa welcomes Luis F. Ruiz, Jr. as new arts and culture director / Mesa Now
The city of Mesa has announced Luis F. Ruiz, Jr. as the new director of arts and culture. Ruiz, who brings nearly three decades of experience in municipal and university cultural programming, will officially join Mesa’s leadership team in October.
West Valley teacher earns theater award nomination / Goodyear Independent
Kathleen Berger was elated to find out she had been nominated for an ariZoni Award for her music direction of Fountain Hills Theater’s production of “Ragtime.”
Upcoming Events
Sept. 12-13: Corazon de Latinos Unidos presents 2025 Fiestas Patrias, Eloy
Sept. 18 – 27: Ballet Under the Stars, Ballet Arizona, Multiple Locations
Sept. 27-28, Oct. 4: Zorro, Arizona Opera
Through Sept. 28: The World of Anna Sui , Phoenix Art Museum
Oct. 25: Dia de los Muertos Festival, National Yuma Crossing Heritage Area, Yuma
Through Oct. 27: Poetry Maps • Museum of Northern Arizona, Flagstaff
Through December 2025: Art of Achievement: Celebrating 40 Years of Flinn Scholars, Flinn Foundation, Phoenix (by appointment)
Check out #FlinnFriday on Instagram and Facebook for more events and happenings!