How to Support Phoenix Arts and Culture Nonprofits Impacted By COVID-19

by Phoenix Community Alliance
Arts & Culture Phoenix Community Alliance April 9, 2020

Clyde works on his “Timeless” mural on the ground-floor of the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel in January 2020. He was selected through a call to artists by the Renaissance Hotel, Artlink Inc. and Downtown Phoenix Partnership. Artlink Inc. and a collaborative of funders set up an emergency grant program for local artists impacted by COVID-19 – donation link below. (Photo courtesy of: Clyde)

Local artists, arts and culture nonprofits, and the thousands of staff members and volunteers working in these organizations, help enhance community well-being and quality of life. But this sector also greatly contributes to the city’s economic vitality.

Phoenix’s nonprofit arts and culture sector helped generate $401.8 million in total economic impact in 2015 — according to a study by Americans for the Arts — and downtown is very much at the epicenter of that activity. 

Due to canceled programming, concerts, shows and fundraising events, many Phoenix Community Alliance arts and culture members have been hit hard by the COVID-19 crisis.

Here’s how you can help:

Arizona Opera 

If you have tickets to a canceled performance of Ariande auf Naxos, consider donating the value to the opera as a tax-deductible gift by calling the box office. Continue arts education at home with the Arizona Opera’s virtual learning tools that explore the history, music and story line of classic operas. 

To make a financial contribution: donate online.  

Arizona Science Center 

Located in the picturesque setting of Heritage and Science Park, the Arizona Science Center is known for its hands-on exhibits and educational events. Although the Arizona Science Center is temporarily closed, the museum is offering online resources to support at-home learning 

To make a financial contribution: donate online or become a member. 

Artlink Inc. 

Artlink supports a variety of community-based art events and initiatives, including First Friday Art Walk and one of Phoenix’s longest running art events of the year — Art Detour. Although the opening night of Art Detour — the Art d’Core Gala on March 19 — was canceled, the art exhibition still went up with a “show must go on” spirit. For those that missed it in person, you’re invited to experience the exhibition on YouTube.

In response to the broader COVID-19 crisis, and its impact on artists, Artlink and a coalition of arts funders and service organizations set up a fund to provide emergency relief grants of $500-$1,500 to artists and arts professionals. To make a financial contribution to the Emergency Relief Fund for Arizona Artists and Arts Professionals: donate here.

To make a financial contribution to Artlink: donate online.

Ballet Arizona 

Ballet Arizona is a professional ballet company that creates, performs, and teaches classical and contemporary ballet. Performances through June are canceled, and Ballet Arizona could use donations to support future shows and educational programming. 

To make a financial contribution: donate online 

Children’s Museum of Phoenix 

During the museum’s closure, you can get a jump on future fun and learning by becoming a member. Use code SpringBreak20 for 20 percent off a year of unlimited access to the museum.   

To become a member: visit the Children’s Museum website.  

To make a financial contribution: donate online.  

Friends of the Orpheum Theatre 

Photo: Lauren Potter

The Friends of the Orpheum Theatre is a volunteer organization providing educational and fundraising support for the Orpheum Theatre – a fully-restored historic theater built in 1928. 

To take a virtual tour of the Orpheum: visit the Friends of the Orpheum Theatre website. 

To make a financial contribution: donate online. 

Hance Park Conservancy 

The conservancy promotes Margaret T. Hance Park in Downtown Phoenix, and was instrumental in developing the Hance Park Revitalization Project, which is currently underway. Donations to the conservancy help activate this iconic public space, and support vital arts and culture programming.  

To make a financial contribution: donate online 

Heard Museum 

The Heard Museum collaborates with American Indian artists and tribal communities to provide visitors with a distinctive perspective about the art of Native people, especially those from the Southwest. 

To purchase handmade jewelry, pottery and other one-of-a-kind items: visit the Museum Shop. 

Keep you kids busy with: online teacher resources and educational videos. 

To make a financial contribution: donate online 

Herberger Theater Center 

In its 30th season, the Herberger Theater Center needs your support now more than ever. The Herberger Theater Center relies on donations to support its arts education and outreach programs. Your contribution makes a difference in the lives of children who may never have the opportunity to experience the magic of the theater. 

To make a financial contribution: donate online.  

Heritage Square Foundation 

The Rosson House Museum at Heritage Square is one of the most iconic structures in Downtown Phoenix — a fully-restored 1895 Queen Anne Victorian house, which helps translate the history of our city. 

To make a financial contribution: donate online 

Irish Cultural Center & McClelland Library 

Photo courtesy of: Irish Cultural Center and McClelland Library

The Irish Cultural Center provides a comprehensive and interactive learning experience, linking both locals and visitors to the people of Ireland and other Celtic cultures. Youth are encouraged to stay creative by entering the virtual Creative Art Showcase 

Save on an annual membership with the code NEWMEMBER2020 or donate online 

Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix 

The garden is open summer hours for the month of June from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Guests are asked to follow safety guidelines when visiting.

To make a financial contribution: donate online. 

Kids in Focus 

Kids in Focus is dedicated to empowering at-risk youth through the restorative power of photography and mentorship. Corporate sponsorship is critical to maintaining and growing operation, and Kids in Focus is currently seeking corporate partners who share in its mission 

To be become a corporate sponsor: learn more here. 

To purchase beautiful art prints created by kids in the program: visit the online shop.  

To make a financial contribution as an individual: donate online 

The Nash 

The Nash live music venue is home to Jazz in Arizona, a nonprofit organization founded in 1977, with a proud history of encouraging and supporting live jazz performances and education. The Nash is streaming live music and online classes on Facebook, so follow along for more info.  

To make a financial contribution: donate online.

Phoenix Art Museum 

Photo courtesy of: Phoenix Art Museum

The Phoenix Art Museum has increased virtual content across its digital platforms so the community can continue to experience the museum. A series of online videos feature free talks, lectures, virtual tours and more — all in an effort to create new and meaningful ways to experience art. Follow on social media @phxart for more info.  

To purchase unique gifts and merchandise online: visit the Museum Store.  

To make a financial contribution: donate online 

Phoenix Center for the Arts 

Phoenix Center for the Arts provides opportunities to participate in the visual and performing arts through classes and programming. You can support the Phoenix Center for the Arts while the Hance Park campus is closed by buying a gift card or registering early for summer classes.  

To make a financial contribution: donate online.  

Phoenix Chorale 

Phoenix Chorale’s upcoming Birth & Rebirth concerts, originally to be held April 24-26, 2020, are postponed to October 16-18, 2020 and will now be the opening concert series of the 2020/2021 season. To create the music you hear each season, it takes tens of thousands of hours of hard work by brilliantly creative artistic and administrative staff, dedicated volunteers, and incredibly talented and dedicated singers. Donations help the Phoenix Chorale keep the Grammy-winning choir going.  

To make a financial contribution: donate online.  

Phoenix Police Museum 

The Phoenix Police Museum highlights the history of the Phoenix Police Department from 1881 to the present. 

To shop the online gift shop: Check out the Police Museum website.  

To make a financial contribution: donate online.  

The Phoenix Symphony 

While the remainder of the 2019/2020 season is canceled, you can still look forward to the fall for a new season of music, adventure and talent. Keep the music alive by donating the value of your ticket back the symphony from this season, or becoming a subscriber for next season. 

To make a financial contribution: donate online.   

Rosie’s House: A Music Academy for Children 

Rosie’s House is a free after-school music academy for children in central Phoenix, using the power of music education as a catalyst for change. With the cancellation of its largest fundraiser of the year, the Ovation Gala, Rosie’s House is leaning on the community to help overcome this devastating loss. Music educators are still offering virtual classes, and are also in need laptops and tablets. For information about sponsorship or technology donations, contact Alyson Hartsock at alyson@rosieshouse.org 

To make a financial contribution: donate online 

Valley Youth Theatre 

Now in its 31st season, Valley Youth Theatre has made a tremendous impact on hundreds of thousands of children and families through stage productions, classes, camps and community outreach programs. The spring schedule of events may be canceled, but you can stay connected through Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. 

To make a financial contribution: donate online.