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Our Story

OUR STORY

Art State Arizona was born from a bold vision: to weave the arts into the very fabric of everyday life across our state. From festivals and healthcare programs to public art and creative economies, our story is one of audacious collaboration, where creativity powers community, innovation, and growth.

Who Is Art State Arizona?

We envision an Arizona where creativity fuels wellbeing, innovation, and belonging in every community.

Our Guiding Roadmap

Uniting Arizona through one creative voice—collaborating statewide to celebrate the rich diversity of our people, places, and possibilities.

Leadership Team

Meet our staff, board, and collaborative culture.
Services

Services

Art State Arizona connects creativity with impact through programs that integrate the arts into every sector—from public art and wellness to cultural asset mapping and statewide festivals. Explore our services or start a collaborative project with us to make art an essential force for innovation, connection, and community growth in Arizona.

Arts x Everything

Arts advancing nearly every sector of society

Public Art & Mural Administration

Managing statewide temporary and permanent art installations

Cultural Asset Mapping

Identifying, activating and empowering creative assets within your community

Advocating for the Arts in Arizona

Helping transform Arizona’s underfunded eco-system and cultural landscape through collective and collaborative programs

Event, Festival & Program Production

Planning collaborative cultural festivals and community programs

Artist & Creative Opportunities

Explore open calls and creative opportunities statewide

Arts & Wellbeing

Integrating creativity to advance health, healing, and connection
Programs

PROGRAMS

Art State Arizona produces an extraordinary range of artistically diverse programs in partnership with businesses, government, and community organizations—spanning public art, galleries, festivals, creative aging, and cultural storytelling. Explore how tailored collaborations can transform your organization or community through strategic investment in arts-driven programming that inspires connection, creativity, and impact.

Creative Sector Programming

Undercover Arts Magazine

A magazine dedicated to telling the diverse stories of our Creative Sector. Produced annually, this free publication’s current issue is dedicated to telling compelling stories of Arts and Wellbeing, Healing & Renewal

Community Gallery Spaces

Flinn Foundation Gallery

Showcasing scholars, fellows, and community voices

Ventana Gallery at Roche

Showcasing artists from around Arizona for inspiring mission driven exhibitions

Fountains at La Cholla Gallery Space

A gallery set in a special community

Arts, Wellbeing & Health

Creative Aging Programs with Watermark

Ten years of arts-driven senior community programming

Southern Arizona Veterans Administration

An innovative collaboration centered in arts and healing

Public Art Programs

Pima County Public Works Art Program

Year-round public art and sculpture opportunities

Oro Valley Public Art Program

Over 250 privately funded art installations since 1997 community-wide

Sahuarita Public Art Program

Innovative art in parks and shared spaces

Fountain Hills Public Art

Public installations strengthening community identity

Transportation Art by Youth Program

Workforce development through creative youth public art

Placemaking Projects

Fountain Hills Photography Competition

Exploring community through artists and residents’ lenses

Sahuarita Photography Competition

Showcasing natural wonders and community life

Oro Valley Photography Competition

Capturing unique perspectives of Oro Valley life
Events

EVENTS & FESTIVALS

Art State Arizona produces dynamic festivals and events statewide—from fine art and culinary celebrations to music and cultural showcases—that unite people through creativity.

Culinary Arts Events

SAVOR Heritage Foods Festival

Southern Arizona culinary celebration at Botanical Gardens

DEVOUR Culinary Classic

Arizona’s largest local food festival at the Desert Botanical Garden

Salsa, Tequila & Taco Challenge

Arizona’s largest Mexican food competition in Tucson, AZ

Sabores de Tucson: America’s Best Mexican Food

Journey through all the Mexico cultural and culinary regions in Tucson, AZ

World Margarita Championship

Cocktail competition celebrating culinary creativity

Live Music

Tucson Folk Festival

The largest free music festival with over 300 performers

Oro Valley Concert Series

Year-round concerts supporting local artists

Music at Pima County Courthouse Valley Concert Series

Eclectic performances in historic downtown space

Concerts at Westward Look

Foothills concerts featuring regional music talent in Oro Valley, AZ

Each event fuels local economies, uplifts Arizona’s diverse artists, and proves that when we attend, sponsor, or support, the arts strengthen every community they touch.

Arts & Cultural Festivals

Art on the Lake Festival

An immersive arts experience with floating and interactive art in Sahuarita, AZ

Cruise, BBQ & Blues Festival

Celebrating the Art of Automotive with BBQ Competition, Blues Music & Cars!

Downtown Glendale Art & Culture Fest

Celebrating the eclectic Downtown Glendale with art, cars, music & more

La Encantada Fine Art Festival

Prestigious fine art showcase in Tucson Foothills

Oktoberfest

A celebration of German culture, food, and art in Sahuarita, AZ

Oro Valley Fall Foodie & Art Festival

Immersive experience with artisans, culinary arts and Arizona wineries

Oro Valley Holiday Festival & Tree Lighting

The ultimate holiday festival with over 500 performers & artists, Santa & More

Oro Valley Spring Foodie, Art & Wine Festival

Immersive experience with artisans, culinary arts and Arizona wineries

Patagonia Fall Festival

Rural community arts & cultural festival with a 35+ year-long tradition

AZ Statewide Arts Convening

Momentum: Arizona Creative Futures Summit

Statewide gathering shaping Arizona’s creative future and advocacy for the Arts
AZ Creative Sector Directory
Catalyst Creative Collective
Get Involved

Calendar of Events & Programs

Explore the Art State Arizona Calendar—festivals, concerts, and culture statewide.

Discover Tucson’s hub for creativity on the Catalyst Creative Collective Calendar.

Plan your season with the Art State Arizona Calendar of events.

Stay inspired with the Art State Arizona Calendar and Catalyst Calendar.

Your next creative experience starts with the Art State Arizona Calendar.

Browse Art State Arizona Events, Festivals & Programs as well as special events at the Catalyst Creative Collective

Art State Arizona connects communities through bold festivals, concerts, and cultural events statewide, alongside innovative programming at our Catalyst Creative Collective in Tucson. From large-scale celebrations to intimate creative projects, we make the arts essential and accessible for all.

Explore what’s next: browse our statewide calendar of Art State Arizona events, concerts, and festivals, as well as the Catalyst Creative Collective’s calendar of special projects and programs in Tucson. Both calendars are available below—your guide to experiencing Arizona’s vibrant creative future.