ARTS & CULTURE
SHOWCASING OUR ARTS & CULTURAL GEMS
Arts and Culture Contributed $14.2 Billion to Arizona’s Economy
by Mike Hunter
Data from the most recent study on this economic sector released on March 25, 2024, show arts and cultural industries hit an all-time high in 2022, contributing 4.3% of gross domestic product, or $1.1 trillion, to the U.S. economy. Arizona’s arts & culture sector added a staggering $14.2 billion in value to the state’s economy, a 16.6% increase over 2021!
These ndings and more come from the Arts and Cultural Production Satellite Account (ACPSA), a product of the National Endowment for the Arts and the Bureau of Economic Analysis that tracks the annual economic value of arts and cultural production from 35 industries — including both commercial and nonpro t entities. A national summary report and an accompanying interactive graphic are available on the NEA’s website, along with state-level estimates.
In 2022, Arizona ranked 17th among all states in ACPSA value added and 6th among all states in ACPSA value-added growth. Since 2021, ACPSA value added has grown 16.2% in Arizona, compared with an increase of 7.8% for the United States.
In 2022, Arizona ranked 20th among all states in ACPSA employment and 47th among all states in ACPSA employment growth. Since 2021, ACPSA employment has decreased 0.9% in Arizona, compared with an increase of 6.4% for the United States.
ARTS & CULTURE
ARTS AND CULTURAL INDUSTRIES AS AN OVERALL SECTOR
The overall arts economy grew by 4.8% in in ation-adjusted dollars from 2021 to 2022, a rate increase far surpassing that for the entire U.S. economy during the same time period. Since the pre-pandemic year of 2019, arts and cultural industries have surged by 13.6%. By contrast, the U.S. economy grew by 5.5% over the same period.
TOP ARTS AND CULTURAL INDUSTRIES
The top ve industries by total value added to the U.S. economy in 2022 were web publishing and streaming, broadcasting, government services (including public schools), publishing, and motion picture and video industries. The largest arts and cultural industry in the U.S., web publishing and streaming services, grew 40.9% in value added to GDP since 2019. Yet, from 2021 to 2022, this industry declined for the rst time in recent history (by 1.4%).
In terms of percent growth in value added, in 2022, 25 out of 35 arts industries posted amounts exceeding 2019 levels, including agents and managers, sound recording, computer systems design, web publishing and streaming, and interior design services.
In Business Magazine has asked several of the Valley’s arts and cultural organizations to be included in this guide of venues, performing arts organizations, museums and attractions guide to identify just a handful of the groups who seek corporate support and want to create more awareness about their offerings to Valley residents and visitors. We hope our readers will support these great organizations and look at ways that they can attend, donate and engage in the arts right here in the Greater Phoenix area.
Taliesin West
ARTS & CULTURE
QUALITY OF LIFE MEANS BUSINESS
Performing Arts Organizations
Arizona Opera Center
Since its inaugural year, Arizona Opera has produced more than 200 fully staged operas and concerts. The company’s artistic history is rich with a blend of opera’s traditional repertoire featuring baroque, bel canto and verismo works; turn-of-the-century masterpieces; operettas; and American operas. Arizona Opera has also presented Wagner’s complete “Ring Cycle” twice, a feat that has been accomplished in North America by only four other companies.
1636 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85004 (602) 266-7464 • azopera.org
Arizona Theatre Company
The Arizona Theatre Company doesn’t just stage productions … it creates cultural experiences that resonate far beyond the curtain. As a vibrant nonprofit since 1966 and the Official State Theatre of Arizona, it is a hub where creativity thrives, and art takes center stage. Tempe Center for the Arts
700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe, AZ 85281 (833) 282-7328 • atc.org
Ballet Arizona
Ballet Arizona is the Southwest’s premier nonprofit ballet institution, dedicated to educating, creating and performing remarkable classical and contemporary ballet. Through unparalleled performances showcasing mastery, elegance and excitement, Ballet Arizona provides guests an occasion the whole family is sure to remember.
2835 E. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85034 (602) 381-1096 • balletaz.org
The Black Theatre Troupe
(Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center)
The Black Theatre Troupe, Inc. has been providing training, employment and performance opportunities for multiethnic and underserved artists since 1970 and acts to make significant contributions toward fostering the arts, specifically theater, within the State of Arizona. It operates to enhance the cultural and artistic awareness of the community by providing productions that illuminate the African American experience and culture. Its purpose and mission are to educate, enlighten and entertain a diverse, multicultural audience by using local, regional and national talent with the emphasis on providing exposure to black culture and ideology. 1333 E. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85034 (602) 258-8128 • blacktheatretroupe.org
Museums & Attractions
Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum
At the only combat aviation museum in Phoenix, visitors will take an edu-venture through history and learn how aircraft evolved as a vital partner to ground and sea operations from WWI to present. It’s an opportunity to get up close and personal with history. Friendly docents are the keepers of nostalgic, inspirational stories and are eager to answer any questions or lead a tour through the collection of artifacts and exhibits.
2017 N. Greenfield Rd., Mesa, AZ 85215 (480) 924-1940 • azcaf.org
Herberger Theater Center
Built in 1989 to support and foster the growth of performing arts in Phoenix as a performance venue and arts incubator, the Herberger Theater Center actively contributes to the cultural and educational development of the Valley. In addition to hosting resident companies and the exceptional work they do, the Center creates festivals that celebrate the arts; holds gallery shows and special events; and, in the face of a once-in-a century pandemic, even built a new outdoor stage to meet the moment.
222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix, AZ 85004 (602) 252-8497 • herbergertheater.org
Mesa Arts Center
The Mesa Arts Center is a performing and visual arts complex in downtown Mesa. At more than 210,000 square feet, the $95-million facility, completed in 2005, is the largest comprehensive arts campus in the state. The programs are hosted in four buildings on the Mesa Arts Center campus. This includes the four theaters, the Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum and 14 art studios.
One E. Main St., Mesa, AZ 85201 (480) 644-6500 • mesaartscenter.com
The Phoenix Theatre Company
The Phoenix Theatre Company, originally founded as the Phoenix Players in 1920, is the oldest arts organization in Arizona and remains one of the oldest operating arts organizations in the country.
The Phoenix Theatre Company has launched stars in the industry, developed young audiences, introduced emerging playwrights and composers, created a space for alternative and experimental theatre and hosted world premieres. Most importantly, it remains at the center of an active arts complex serving its audiences by creating dynamic, professional productions while following its mission of educating and elevating the growing Phoenix artistic and cultural community.
1825 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85004 (602) 254–2151 • phoenixtheatre.com
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
One of the premier performing arts halls in the western United States, Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts showcases a diverse season of music, dance, theatre, comedy and film from around the world. Each year, the Center presents hundreds of events that entertain and inspire — from live performances and educational programs to community celebrations and major festivals.
7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale, AZ 85251 (480) 499-8587 • scottsdaleperformingarts.org
Arizona Heritage Center at Papago Park
The Arizona Historical Society is proud to serve as the steward of Arizona’s history. Its collections broadly represent Arizona history that offers a oneof-a-kind resource for Arizona history. Its artifact and manuscript holdings offer unique opportunities for public programming, educational outreach and exhibitions, as well as academic and communitybased research. AHS collections provide premier resources for recounting Arizona’s past, and they are invaluable tools for promoting public understanding of contemporary issues such as water availability, immigration, free trade, mining, and urban development and revitalization.
1300 N. College Ave., Tempe, AZ 85288 (480) 929-0292 • arizonahistoricalsociety.org
Tempe Center for the Arts
Tempe Center for the Arts is a vibrant part of the larger Tempe Arts + Culture Division. The iconic TCA facility serves as a cultural gem and the crown jewel of the city’s vibrant performing arts community. More than 200 provocative and inspiring programs are produced/hosted each year. Award-winning performances by national, regional and local dancers, musicians, educators, actors and more give voice to a wide variety of artistic expression and provide meaningful engagement for all audiences. Located on the edge of Tempe Town Lake, the center is home to The Arizona Theatre Company, seven select Resident Companies and a vibrant free art gallery.
700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe, AZ 85281 (480) 350-2822 • tempecenterforthearts.com
TheaterWorks of Peoria
The 2024-2025 season marks the 39th season for TheaterWorks, which produces full seasons of theater (Main Stage series), youth theater (Youth Works), youth education camps and classes (Theater Alive and SummerWorks) and more. TheaterWorks welcomes thousands of school-aged youth to field trip performances, hundreds of young people to its YouthWorks Academy classes and camps, more than a hundred young people to its stages, and draws more families than ever before to the programming offered by TheaterWorks.
10580 N. 83rd Drive, Peoria, AZ 85345 (623) 815-7930 • theaterworks.org
Valley Youth Theatre
Recognized for its professional-quality performances and exceptional teaching staff, Valley Youth Theatre has continuously impacted the vitality and diversity of the arts in Phoenix. While some VYT alumni go on to become professional theatre, television and film actors, many reach their full potential in other professions to become police officers, professors, attorneys, chefs, parents and community leaders.
525 N. First St., Phoenix, AZ 85004 (602) 253-8188 • vyt.com
Arizona Museum of Natural History
Nestled in the heart of Downtown Mesa, the 80,000-square-foot Arizona Museum of Natural History offers plenty to see, learn and explore for dino enthusiasts and historians of all ages. Admire its collection of nearly 60,000 objects, snap a selfie with a T-Rex, pan for gold, discover the origins of the galaxy, and take a stroll through a mock village of our ancestral Sonoran Desert people at this popular Mesa attraction.
53 N. Macdonald, Mesa, AZ 85201 (480) 644-2230 • arizonamuseumofnaturalhistory.org
Arizona Science Center
When it first opened in downtown Phoenix in 1984, Arizona Science Center was a small space on the map, occupying a modest 10,000-square-foot storefront. A pilot science center by the Junior League of Arizona, the Center (then called Arizona Museum of Science and Technology) quickly proved its value, however, welcoming more than 87,000 visitors its first year. With its unique ability to inspire, educate and engage curious minds through science, Arizona Science Center quickly grew in popularity and created the need for a larger space. So, in 1997, it moved into a 120,000-square-foot building that was designed by award-winning architect Antoine Predock. Today, the Center still occupies this distinct building within Heritage and Science Square and has added an additional 18,000 square feet with the opening of CREATE at Arizona Science Center®.
600 E. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85004 (602) 716-2000 • azscience.org
ASU Art Museum
Arizona State University Art Museum centers art and artists in the service of community well-being and social good. Designed by Antoine Predock and opened in 1989, the Nelson Fine Arts Center facility is located on ASU’s Tempe campus with three floors of year-round exhibitions that rotate seasonally and the award-winning museum store.
51 E. 10th St., Tempe, AZ 85281 (480) 965-2787 • asuartmuseum.org
Children’s Museum of Phoenix
One of the top children’s museums in the nation, the Children’s Museum of Phoenix is a wondrous place of imagination, inspiration, creativity and just plain fun! Designed for children ages birth to 10, this is not your typical Museum … visitors are actively welcomed to touch EVERYTHING! And with more than 48,000 square feet of space, there’s plenty to touch. The Museum offers more than 300 play experiences, spread throughout three floors in the magnificent and historic Monroe School Building.
215 N. 7th St., Phoenix, AZ 85034 (602) 253-0501 • childrensmuseumofphoenix.org
Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting
George F. Getz Jr. founded the Hall of Flame in 1961. He organized the National Historical Fire Foundation as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to promote the programs of a museum, which he named the Hall of Flame. Getz began to collect fire apparatus after the Christmas 1955 present of a 1924 American LaFrance fire engine from his wife, Olive Atwater Getz. 6101 E. Van Buren St., Phoenix, AZ 85008 (602) 275-3473 • hallofflame.org
George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center
The George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center is a premier cultural institution that is the steward of the African American experience in Phoenix. The museum honors African American Heritage and Arts & Culture. The George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center established by the Phoenix Monarchs Alumni Association of Arizona in 1986 is committed to moving forward with the vision of creating a community gathering place for cultural learning. It was approved March 1, 2017 as an Historic Landmark.
415 E. Grant St., Phoenix, AZ 85004 (602) 254-7516 • gwcmccaz.org
Heard Museum
Since its founding in 1929, the Heard Museum, a private nonprofit organization, has grown in size and stature to become recognized internationally for the quality of its collections, world-class exhibitions, educational programming and unmatched festivals. It consists of 12 galleries featuring American Indian art and exhibitions, an outdoor sculpture gallery, a world-class museum shop and an outdoor café.
2301 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85004 (602) 252-8840 • heard.org
i.d.e.a. Museum
The i.d.e.a. Museum — which is owned by the City of Mesa and supported by the i.d.e.a. Museum Foundation — offers hands-on activities and art exhibitions for kids of all ages. Programs are developed not only for children but also — most importantly — for the whole family. The museum inspires visitors to experience their world differently. Therefore, in addition to art, creativity and imagination, it focuses on supporting early learning, nurturing creative thinking and engaging families in quality experiences.
150 W. Pepper Pl., Mesa, AZ 85201 (480) 644-idea (4332) • ideamuseum.org
Musical Instrument Museum (MIM)
MIM has a collection of more than 7,500 instruments from more than 200 world countries and territories. The galleries reflect the rich diversity and history of many world cultures. But music and instruments also show us what we have in common — a thought powerfully expressed in the MIM’s motto: Music is the language of the soul.
4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85050 (480) 478-6000 • mim.org
Penske Racing Museum
The Penske Racing Museum showcases an amazing collection of cars, trophies and racing memorabilia chronicling the career of one of the most successful dynasties in all of sports. Penske Racing has more than 50 years of racing experience and more than 600 major race wins highlighted by 20 Indianapolis 500-mile race victories. On display in the museum are cars detailing the diversity of Penske Racing, including a 1974 Penske PC1 Ford Cosworth Formula 1 car driven by Mark Donohue. Additionally, a number of Indianapolis 500-mile race winners are on display including the 1991 Penske PC21 Chevy driven by Rick Mears to his record tying fourth Indy 500 win.
7191 E. Chauncey Ln., Phoenix, AZ 85054 (480) 538-4444 penskeautomall.com/penske-racing-museum
Phoenix Art Museum
Phoenix Art Museum has provided access to visual arts and educational programs in Arizona for more than 60 years and is the largest art museum in the Southwestern United States. In addition to an annual calendar of exhibitions, Phoenix Art Museum’s permanent collection galleries are drawn from more than 19,000 works of American, Asian, European, Latin American, Western American, modern and contemporary art, and fashion design.
1625 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85004 (602) 257-1880 • phxart.org
SMoCA
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
SMoCA is a museum dedicated to contemporary art, architecture and design. Far more than just an arts and culture destination, Scottsdale Arts is a hub for creativity and innovation that welcomes all.
7374 E. Second St., Scottsdale, AZ 85251 (480) 874-4666 • smoca.org
S’edav Va’aki Museum (formerly Pueblo Grande Museum)
The S’edav Va’aki Museum officially reopened to the public on October 17th, 2024, with a refreshed lobby and two newly appointed exhibit galleries. Along with these changes, the reopening also features the implementation of the museum’s new hours of operation and new admission rates.
4619 E. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85034 (602) 495-0900 phoenix.gov/parks/arts-culture-history/sedav-vaaki
Shemer Art Center
The Shemer Art Center is a true “home for the arts.” It is also one of the City of Phoenix’s Points of Pride. In 1992, the Phoenix Pride Commission asked Phoenix residents to name places that make Phoenix unique. More than 10,000 postcards, listing approximately 150 locations, were received during the initial campaign. From the 40 sites receiving the most votes, the first 25 Points of Pride, including the Shemer Art Center, were selected.
5005 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85018 (602) 262-4727 • shemerartcenter.org
Western Spirit:
Scottsdale’s Museum of the West
Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West is a premier cultural institution situated in Old Town Scottsdale. Established in January 2015, the museum resides on the historic grounds of the Loloma Transit Station (N. Marshall Way and E. First St.). With a sprawling two-story layout encompassing 43,000 square feet, the museum showcases the art, culture and rich history spanning 19 states in the American West, Western Canada and Mexico. Former Scottsdale mayor Herb Drinkwater (1936–97), who served from 1980 to 1996, envisioned the museum, which became a reality through the City of Scottsdale’s ownership and the dedicated operation by The Scottsdale Museum of the West, a nonprofit organization established in 2007.
3830 N. Marshall Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 (480) 686-9539 • westernspirit.org
Taliesin West
Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation
Having purchased several hundred acres of land in the then rural foothills of northeast Scottsdale, Wright began to conceive of a desert utopia comprised of low-slung buildings designed to reflect the sweeping expansiveness of the desert. Always in favor of local materials, Wright would construct Taliesin West largely of “desert masonry”: local rock set in wooden forms and bound by a mixture of cement and desert sand.
12621 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd. Scottsdale, AZ 85259 (888) 516-0811 • franklloydwright.org/taliesin-west
Arizona Theatre Company
Recognized as the Of cial State Theatre, Arizona Theatre Company is the state’s leading professional regional theatre, producing high-caliber productions for nearly 60 years. With a steadfast commitment to artistic excellence, statewide accessibility and meaningful community engagement, ATC brings the transformative power of live storytelling to audiences in both Tucson and Metropolitan Phoenix. Audiences can expect a wide range of shows at ATC, from beloved classics to new and exciting plays and musicals. The company’s dedication to producing high-quality theatre is clear in every production. Each play is chosen to engage, entertain and inspire audiences.
Performing in Metropolitan Phoenix at Tempe Center for the Arts, ATC brings the best regional theatre to patrons, promising exceptional experiences for both locals and tourists.
The 2025/2026 season offers action-packed sequences, toe-tapping music and moments that will leave audiences rolling on the oor with
At-a-Glance
Organization Name: Arizona Theatre Company
Arts & Cultural Category: Theatre
Name& Position of Org Leader: Matt August, Kasser Family Artistic Director
No. of Years Leader has Been Onboard: 3
Number of employees: 75-100
Main Local Office/Address: 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, AZ 85281
Phone: (833) ATC-SEAT [(833) 282-7328]
Website/Tickets: atc.org
laughter. Adapted from Patrick Hamilton’s Gaslight, Deceived (10/25/2025–11/09/2025) opens the season with a tense psychological thriller that follows a young woman who struggles to decipher fact from ction within the walls of her own home. Next up, ATC audiences will be thrust into the adrenalinepumping world of Heist (1/10/2026–1/25/2026). Inspired by caper classics like Ocean’s Eleven, The Italian Job and The Sting, audiences can expect a delicious display of daring escapes, disguises and doublecrosses. Audiences looking to get into a new rhythm for 2026 will love Ain’t Misbehavin’ (2/21/2026–3/08/2026), an upbeat musical revue honoring the greatest hits of Fats Waller. The season continues with The Roommate (4/11/2026–4/26/2026), a fresh new Broadway comedy about two women navigating life as empty nesters. Finally, ATC will close the season with a hilarious twist on one of literature’s most iconic characters in Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors (5/23/2026–6/07/2025).
Average ticket price/costs? Starting at $33
Annual subscriptions? Yes
Top 3 events/attractions/seasonal performances: ATC’s 2025/2026 Season includes “Deceived,” “Heist,” “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” “The Roommate,” and “Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors”
Donations link: atc.org/donate
Darryl Reuben Hall & Roz White in ATC’s “Blues in the Night”; Photo by Tim Fuller
Arizona Opera
Arizona Opera’s 2025/26 season features three unforgettable productions in Phoenix and Tucson, each leaping from the page to the stage with beautiful music, riveting characters and drama, and everything you’d expect from the incredible world of opera. The season also features a recital in March from operatic sensation Jamie Barton, “Opera’s Nose-Studded Rock Star” (The New York Times).
This fall, the legendary masked vigilante, Zorro, makes a thrilling appearance in a new opera by Héctor Armienta, marking the production’s Arizona premiere. Follow the return of Diego de la Vega to his native pueblo in Los Angeles, encountering old ames and tyrannical rulers as he ghts to right the plight of the oppressed. Performed in both Spanish and English alongside Puccini-esque melodies with a Latin air, Zorro is guaranteed to be a “swashbuckling’ly good time” (Opera San José).
This winter, Puccini’s masterpiece, Madama Butterfly, returns to the stage with a story of hope, ultimate sacri ce and some of the most gorgeous melodies
At-a-Glance
Organization Name: Arizona Opera
Arts & Cultural Category: Opera
Name& Position of Org Leader: Brian DeMaris
No. of Years Leader has Been Onboard: Joined in June, 2025
Number of employees: 10–25
Main Local Office/Address: 1636 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85004
Phone: (602) 266-7464 (Phoenix), (520) 293-4336 (Tucson)
in opera. Follow the young geisha Cio Cio San as she dreams of a life of love with Pinkerton, an American naval of cer. Betrayal and heartbreak cast their shadow, leading to an unforgettable climax. For generations, Madama Butterfly has captivated audiences and will once again in Arizona this winter.
In the spring, step into the magic of Rossini’s Cinderella (La Cenerentola), a delightful semi-staged production brimming with humor, charm, and enchanting melodies. Angelina — mistreated by her stepfather, Don Magni co, and his scheming daughters — dares to dream of a brighter future. With help from Prince Ramiro’s clever valet and a sparkling twist involving a pair of bracelets, Angelina must navigate royal intrigue to capture the prince’s heart. This vibrant retelling of the beloved fairytale promises laughter, romance and soaring arias to adore.
Information and tickets, including for Jamie Barton’s recitals, are available at azopera.org. Subscribe today to save off regular prices and more.
Website/Tickets: azopera.org
Average ticket price/costs? Varies – typically from $30 to $175 for Main Stage Productions
Annual subscriptions? Yes, available at azopera.org or by calling Patron Services at the phone numbers listed above
Top 3 events/attractions/seasonal performances: For 2025/26 Season: Zorro, Madama Butterfly, Cinderella (La Cenerentola)
Donations link: tickets.azopera.org/donate/contribute1
Children’s Museum of Phoenix
The Children’s Museum of Phoenix fosters a joy of learning through play. With exhibits and programs designed for children ages birth to 10, our mission is to engage the minds, muscles and imaginations of children and the grownups who care about them.
The Children’s Museum of Phoenix stands out in many unique ways — it’s not just a museum, it’s a joyful, imaginative play space designed to support learning through open-ended, hands-on play. Built around the principle that play is how young children learn, the Museum houses more than 300 interactive experiences across three oors in the historic Monroe School building in downtown Phoenix. Each of the Museum’s exhibits supports multiple developmental levels –— so a toddler and an older child can enjoy the same space in different ways. Here children can: scale The Climber, a three-story climbing structure encouraging safe perceived-risk play and gross motor skill development; navigate the Noodle Forest, a “forest” of pool noodles suspended from above, offering sensory immersion in a unique and engaging environment; role play in The
Organization Name: Children’s Museum of Phoenix
Arts & Cultural Category: Children’s Museum
Name& Position of Org Leader: Kate Wells, Chief Executive Officer
No. of Years Leader has Been Onboard: 12 years
Number of employees: 90
Main Local Office/Address: 215 N. 7th St., Phoenix, AZ 85034
Phone: (602) 648-2746
Market as children exercise their physical, cognitive and social skills while providing opportunities to engage in group play, measuring, weighing, reading and counting; and build and engineer in BlockMania!, to name just a few of the Museum’s exciting exhibits.
Whether you’re encouraging early childhood development, playing together with caregivers or seeking a safe inclusive space, the Children’s Museum of Phoenix offers something meaningful for everyone.
The Children’s Museum of Phoenix is located at 215 N. 7th Street in downtown Phoenix. Tickets are $19 per person. Members and children under the age of 1 are free. Tickets can be purchased onsite or online at ChildrensMuseumOfPhoenix.org. The Museum is open Tuesdays –Sundays and select holiday/school break Mondays, 9am – 4pm. During summer, the Museum is open 7 days a week from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The Children’s Museum of Phoenix is a 501(c)(3) nonpro t organization, EIN #86-0934323.
Website/Tickets: childrensmuseumofphoenix.org
Average ticket price/costs? $19 per person. Children under age 1 are free.
Annual subscriptions? Yes
Top 3 events/attractions/seasonal performances: Happy Noon Year, CARnival, Children’s Museum Gala
Donations link: 19875.blackbaudhosting.com/ 19875/Direct-Public-Giving
The Phoenix Symphony
Every Great City Has a Great Symphony
Since 1947, the Phoenix Symphony has been one of Arizona’s most important cultural institutions, bringing the power of live music to stages, classrooms, hospitals and neighborhoods across the Valley. Performing both timeless classics and innovative new works, the Symphony calls Symphony Hall its home while reaching audiences throughout Greater Phoenix and beyond.
Backed by generous support from individuals, corporations and foundations, the Symphony’s world-class musicians do more than perform; they serve as ambassadors of music’s ability to inspire, unite and heal. At its core, the mission of the Phoenix Symphony is to provide extraordinary musical experiences that enrich the lives of people of all ages and backgrounds.
Learn more: www.phoenixsymphony.org/about-us
A Symphony in Transition and Transformation
This season marks an exciting moment in the Symphony’s evolution as it conducts an international search for its next Virginia G. Piper Music Director. The strong interest from acclaimed conductors re ects both the talent of our orchestra and the vitality of Arizona’s arts community. The next music director will inherit a rich legacy and help shape the Symphony’s bold future.
Symphony for All: Expanding Access to Music
The Phoenix Symphony is committed to ensuring that world-class music is accessible to everyone. Its Symphony for All initiatives remove barriers to attendance and are made possible through philanthropic support:
• KidTix: Free tickets for youth ages 5–17 with a paid adult (for select concerts)
Organization Name: The Phoenix Symphony
Arts & Cultural Category: Symphony / Live Music
Name& Position of Org Leader: Peter Kjome, President and CEO
No. of Years Leader has Been Onboard: 3 years
Number of employees: 109
Main Local Office/Address: One N. First St., Suite 200, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Phone: (602) 495-1999
• Military & Veterans Program
• Student & Senior Discounts
• Culture Pass: Free tickets through local libraries
These programs welcome thousands of new concertgoers each season. With continued support, the Symphony aims to expand this reach across Arizona.
Learn more: www.phoenixsymphony.org/symphony-for-all
Community Engagement & Education: Music with Purpose
The musicians of the Phoenix Symphony don’t just perform — they participate. As Arizona residents, they actively bring music into schools, shelters, libraries and community centers, using it as a tool for learning, healing and connection.
Education is a cornerstone of the Symphony’s mission. Each year, it reaches more than 100,000 students through in-school concerts and music programs. In addition, the Symphony’s Music and Wellness programs provide comfort and connection to adults in hospitals, Alzheimer’s care centers, hospice settings and individuals experiencing homelessness. Phoenix Symphony musicians travel more than 14,000 miles annually to share music’s impact across the state.
Learn more: www.phoenixsymphony.org/education-community
More Than a Concert: A Catalyst for Community
Whether in the concert hall, a classroom or a care facility, The Phoenix Symphony inspires. It is a cultural beacon, a community builder and a force for good. As the Symphony enters its next chapter, it invites all to be part of the journey — because in Phoenix, music is for all.
Learn more: www.phoenixsymphony.org
Website/Tickets: phoenixsymphony.org
Average ticket price/costs? $23 + and up Season Tickets? Yes
Top 3 events/attractions/seasonal performances: More than 100 performances a season: Concerts include Classics, Phoenix Pops, Films & Specials. Musicians perform in classrooms, shelters and hospitals.
Donations link: phoenixsymphony.org/donate
The Phoenix Theatre Company
Welcome to the 106th season at The Phoenix Theatre Company, where unforgettable moments spark change, bold stories ignite conversation, and the power of human connection takes center stage. Founded in 1920, The Phoenix Theatre Company is Arizona’s rst arts organization and the largest professional regional theatre company in the state. With nearly 600 performances presented annually across multiple stages, it plays a vital role in the cultural fabric of the Valley and is a proud founding member of the Central Arts District.
This season celebrates courage, resilience and reinvention. From the world premiere of The Roads to Loch Lomond and the Arizona premieres of Come From Away and Ever After to beloved classics such as Hairspray and A Christmas Carol, the lineup features stories that move hearts and inspire hope. The season also includes two intimate biographical portraits, Looking Over the President’s Shoulder and Tenderly, The Rosemary Clooney Musical, along with powerful narratives about how the written word can shape lives in Dear Evan Hansen and Daddy Long Legs. Rounding out the season is the electrifying Million Dollar Quartet, an unforgettable night featuring four musical legends.
This year marks the opening of the brand-new Dr. Stacie J. and Richard J. Stephenson Theatre, a state-of-the-art venue designed to elevate every aspect of the theatrical experience. With expanded seating, enhanced acoustics,
Organization Name:
Arts & Cultural Category: Theater
Name& Position of Org Leader: Michael Barnard, Producing Artistic Director Vincent VanVleet, Executive Director
No. of Years Leader has Been Onboard: Barnard is at 27 yrs/seasons
VanVleet has 28 yrs/seasons
Number of employees: 535
upgraded lighting and sound technology, and a more intimate connection between the audience and the stage, this new space enables the company to produce musicals with greater scale, detail and ambition than ever before. The Stephenson Theatre represents a bold step forward in how stories are told, how they connect with audiences and how they shape the future of the arts.
From casting and costumes to set and technical designs, music and more, nearly every element seen and heard is developed in-house and seamlessly integrated into each production. The Phoenix Theatre Company is proud to be the top employer of artists in the State of Arizona, engaging more than 400 individuals annually. This includes professional actors, musicians and technicians, as well as essential support staff such as waiters, bartenders, house managers and administrative personnel. This holistic approach strengthens the local community and ensures an exceptional standard of quality, making every production a celebration of artistic collaboration and excellence.
Join The Phoenix Theatre Company in stepping into this exciting new chapter. Your seat is waiting.
How can corporate get donors involved?
We offer a range of giving opportunities tailored to corporate interests, from customized sponsorships to exclusive event packages and naming opportunities.
Main Local Office/Address: 1825 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85004
Phone: (602) 254-2151
Website/Tickets: phoenixtheatre.com
Average ticket price/costs? $59+
Season Tickets? Yes
Top 3 events/attractions/seasonal performances: Disney’s Frozen, Come From Away, Ever After
Donations link: donate.phoenixtheatre.com/donate
The Phoenix Theatre Company
Art on the Wild Side is a rotating art exhibit program at the Phoenix Zoo dedicated to inspiration, celebration and conservation through art. The Zoo currently hosts two galleries, the Savanna Gallery and the Wild Side Gallery. Both galleries provide our guests the opportunity to connect with the Zoo’s mission - To advance the stewardship and conservation of animals and their habitats while providing experiences that inspire people and motivate them to care for the natural world.
UPCOMING EXHIBITS
My Favorite Wild Thing!
Now – September 28, 2025
Come and celebrate with the children and grandchildren of Zoo staff and volunteers, as we gain a unique perspective from those who love and know it best!
Wild Inspiration
Now – August 24, 2025
This unique show highlights the creativity and passion of the Zoo community through art created by Zoo staff, volunteers and partners!
Comic Conservation
September 4, 2025 – January 25, 2026
The Zoo is proud to announce their first exhibit of comic book art and other forms of graphic illustration featuring each artist’s unique and bold interpretation of wildlife and the natural world.
Thomas D. Mangelsen: A Life in the Wild Tour
January 29 – May 31, 2026
Thomas D. Mangelsen: A Life in the Wild Tour, features forty of Mangelsen’s most iconic images - personally selected by the artist and known as his “legacy photographs.”
Blue Jay at Sunset | Wren West
Desert Hike | Mackenzie Loewen
Catch of the Day, 1988, Thomas D. Mangelsen