Arts & Culture News: Tucson arts push through funding cuts; Carmen Baron earns NEA honor; UA celebrates 50 years of photography; Scottsdale grant supports Memory Lounge

May 9, 2025

By Jessica Vaile

How Tucson’s arts sector is weathering a turbulent era / Inside Tucson Business

Despite federal funding cuts and policy shifts, the resilient arts community in Southern Arizona and deep-rooted civic involvement are helping the region power through the changes. Read more: Tucson and Arizona arts lose funding as NEA rescinds grants


Meet 2 preservationists working to make Phoenix’s historic architecture part of its future/ KJZZ

To talk about historical preservation, The Show sat down with two people who’ve immersed themselves in the questions that seem to be reverberating in the collective consciousness of the Valley—Robrt Pela, a longtime KJZZ contributor, and Julia Taggart, president of the Sunnyslope Historical Society and Museum.


Tucson woman honored nationally for preserving Mexican folk traditions / KGUN

Tucson resident Carmen Baron has been named a 2025 National Heritage Fellow by the National Endowment for the Arts, the nation’s highest honor in folk and traditional arts.


Celebrate 50 years of UA’s Center for Creative Photography in Tucson / KVOA

The Center for Creative Photography at the University of Arizona is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a special exhibit: “Picture Party—Celebrating the Collection at 50.”


What 3 words would you use to describe Phoenix arts and culture? / KJZZ

Craig Outhier, editor in chief of Phoenix Magazine and Amber Victoria Singer, local musician and producer on KJZZ’s The Show, are interviewed for a new segment, CultureCap. And the first topic is Phoenix.


New U of A partnership promotes student wellness through art / UA News

The University of Arizona is expanding its support for students navigating anxiety, depression and loneliness with a new partnership with Art Pharmacy beginning in fall 2025. which will prescribe arts and culture experiences to participants based on their needs, interests, and background.



Scottsdale Arts receives grant for its Memory Lounge program | Daily Independent

The Scottsdale Arts’ memory lounge, which seeks to improve participants’ quality of life through hands-on artistic workshops that foster social, mental, and physical wellness, has received a $6,000 biannual grant from the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.


Chandler student art on display at Center for Arts / Chandler Independent

The Chandler Unified School District’s annual High School Art Showcase is open at the Chandler Center for the Arts through May 13. This exhibit features more than 100 works of art by district student artists from Basha, Hamilton, Perry, Arizona College Prep, Casteel, and Chandler high schools. 


Executive Director Joel Goldenthal transitions to new role at The Nash / Broadway World

The Nash President/CEO Steve Maun announced that Joel Goldenthal, co-founder of The Nash, has stepped down as executive director and will continue to serve the organization as a sustainability specialist.

Upcoming events:

May 13: Memoir and meaning: A May 13 conversation with Flinn Scholar Michelle Yang, Flinn Foundation, Phoenix (RSVP required)

May 13–20: An Evening at the Desert Botanical Garden with Ballet Arizona, Phoenix

May 18: International Museum Day (Free Admission) at Museum of Northern Arizona, Flagstaff

Through May: 2025 Arizona Author Series Explores the Culture and History of Arizona, Virtual

June 21: Make Music Phoenix | Rosies House, across Downtown Phoenix and Tempe

Through December 2025: Art of Achievement: Celebrating 40 Years of Flinn Scholars, Flinn Foundation, Phoenix (by appointment)


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