Eleven members of the Arizona Senate and House of Representatives have been named 2017 Arts Champions for supporting a $1.5 million appropriation to the Arizona Commission on the Arts for grants to nonprofit arts and culture organizations across Arizona.
The nine Republicans and two Democrats were chosen “for ensuring that critical funding for arts and culture will benefit the entire state of Arizona,” said Catherine “Rusty” Foley, executive director of Arizona Citizens for the Arts. “Those vital dollars will be invested in local nonprofit arts and culture organizations which will reinvest the funds in local economies all around the state.”
The 2017 Arts Champions will be recognized at an annual reception and at public events at arts venues in their districts in the fall.
Arts Champions from the Arizona Senate are:
Senate President Steve Yarbrough (R-District 17)
Senator Bob Worsley (R-District 25)
Senator Kate Brophy McGee (R-District 28)
Senator Sean Bowie (D – District 18)
Members of the House of Representatives receiving the award are:
House Speaker J.D. Mesnard (R-District 17)
House Majority Leader John Allen (R-District 15)
House Assistant Minority Leader Randall Friese (D-District 9)
Representative Heather Carter (R- District 15)
Representative Bob Thorpe (R-District 6)
Representative Jay Lawrence (R-District 23)
Representative David Cook (R-District 8).
Thorpe stated, “I’m honored by this recognition of my support of the fine arts. Additionally, I’m thrilled that my district and the vibrant Flagstaff art community in particular will benefit by these dollars. The best part is, that no taxpayers funds were used for this important support of Arizona fine arts.”