Why Momentum, Why Now?
Communities are growing, industries are evolving, and policy decisions made today will shape how Arizonans learn, work, heal, and thrive for years to come. In this moment of transformation, creativity is not optional.
Creativity is infrastructure.
Arts and culture strengthen local economies, stabilize neighborhoods, attract and retain businesses, support mental and physical health, and preserve the stories that define who we are. The creative sector generates jobs, fuels tourism, and drives innovation that cannot be replicated by automation or artificial intelligence.
Yet despite this impact, Arizona continues to rank among the lowest states in public investment in the arts—leaving economic opportunity, workforce potential, and community resilience unrealized.
Creativity is infrastructure.
Arts and culture strengthen local economies, stabilize neighborhoods, attract and retain businesses, support mental and physical health, and preserve the stories that define who we are. The creative sector generates jobs, fuels tourism, and drives innovation that cannot be replicated by automation or artificial intelligence.
Yet despite this impact, Arizona continues to rank among the lowest states in public investment in the arts—leaving economic opportunity, workforce potential, and community resilience unrealized.
What Is Momentum?
Momentum: The Arizona Creative Futures Project advances arts funding and creative economy advocacy through focused, timely engagement with state leadership.
In response to this moment, Momentum is intentionally designed as a focused, advocacy-driven effort during the legislative session.
In 2026, Momentum is centered on a single-day advocacy activation at the Arizona State Capitol—designed to align the creative sector’s voice during a critical legislative window. This approach prioritizes impact, stewardship, and clarity at a moment when unified advocacy matters most.
Momentum is more than a gathering. It is a coordinated, statewide effort that brings artists, arts leaders, educators, and creative sector allies together to engage policymakers, elevate shared priorities, and affirm creativity as essential public infrastructure.
By aligning preparation, presence, and recognition, Momentum ensures that creativity is visible, valued, and represented where public decisions are made.
In response to this moment, Momentum is intentionally designed as a focused, advocacy-driven effort during the legislative session.
In 2026, Momentum is centered on a single-day advocacy activation at the Arizona State Capitol—designed to align the creative sector’s voice during a critical legislative window. This approach prioritizes impact, stewardship, and clarity at a moment when unified advocacy matters most.
Momentum is more than a gathering. It is a coordinated, statewide effort that brings artists, arts leaders, educators, and creative sector allies together to engage policymakers, elevate shared priorities, and affirm creativity as essential public infrastructure.
By aligning preparation, presence, and recognition, Momentum ensures that creativity is visible, valued, and represented where public decisions are made.
How Momentum Works in 2026
How to Participate
- Prepare (February–March | Virtual)
Access optional online advocacy resources, including short briefings, toolkits, and guided conversations to help participants engage confidently and effectively.
- Nominate (February–March)
Statewide nominations open for the Shelley Award, celebrating a lifetime of impact in Arizona arts, and the Oonagh Award, honoring visionary collaboration that strengthens the creative sector. Learn More. - Attend Advocacy Day (March 31 | Arizona State Capitol, 8:30 AM - 4 PM)
Join artists, arts leaders, educators, and creative sector allies for a coordinated day of advocacy and legislative engagement at the Arizona State Capitol. Participants will engage directly with policymakers, elevate shared priorities related to arts funding and the creative economy, and amplify youth voice through Youth Art Month activities in partnership with the Arizona Department of Education. Learn More.
Day Highlights Include:
- Rose Garden opening gathering recognizing Arizona Creative Excellence Award recipients
- Opening performance on the Senate and House floors
- Coordinated meetings with state legislators
- Participation in Youth Art Month events at Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza
- Celebrate Creative Leadership (March 31 | Evening Reception, 5 PM - 7 PM)
Attend an social reception recognizing recipients of the Arizona Creative Excellence Awards, including the Governor’s Award.
- Stay Connected Beyond the Day
Continue advocacy efforts and sector engagement following the legislative session as broader convening opportunities are developed.
2026 Impact Priorities
- Advance public funding and policy support for arts, culture, and the creative economy
- Strengthen advocacy confidence and shared language across the creative sector
- Elevate youth voice and arts education through Youth Art Month
- Build relationships between creatives and state policymakers
- Recognize leadership through the Arizona Creative Excellence Awards
Arizona Citizens for the Arts and Art State Arizona remain committed to broader sector engagement following the legislative session. Momentum represents a focused step forward—advancing what matters now while positioning the field for deeper collaboration ahead.
Presenting partners
Arizona Citizens for the Arts
Arizona Citizens for the Arts is the state’s long-standing advocacy organization for arts, culture, and arts education. AZCA works statewide to advance pro-arts public policy, increase funding, enact strategic legislation, and strengthen the creative ecosystem.
Together, we are building an Arizona where creativity drives prosperity, identity, and innovation.
Art State Arizona
Art State Arizona strengthens Arizona’s cultural and economic fabric by integrating arts into community development, economic growth, health, education, business, and civic life. We unite Arizona’s creative assets and drive statewide impact through collaboration, advocacy, placemaking, artist support, and large-scale programming.
Arizona Citizens for the Arts is the state’s long-standing advocacy organization for arts, culture, and arts education. AZCA works statewide to advance pro-arts public policy, increase funding, enact strategic legislation, and strengthen the creative ecosystem.
Together, we are building an Arizona where creativity drives prosperity, identity, and innovation.
Art State Arizona
Art State Arizona strengthens Arizona’s cultural and economic fabric by integrating arts into community development, economic growth, health, education, business, and civic life. We unite Arizona’s creative assets and drive statewide impact through collaboration, advocacy, placemaking, artist support, and large-scale programming.
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