A Day of Advocacy, Recognition & Presence
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​at the State CapitoL

Arizona Citizens for the Arts Members Receive Complimentary Admission.  If you are a current AZCA Member, contact [email protected] to learn more about your member benefits.
March 31, 2026

A partnership led by Art State Arizona and Arizona Citizens for the Arts in collaboration with the Arizona Department of Education and the Arizona Youth Art Month (YAM) Festival at the Capitol

Arizona Creative Economy Day serves as a collaborative day of advocacy and celebration, designed to make the full creative ecosystem visible — from students and educators to artists, nonprofits, businesses, and policymakers.
Throughout the day:
  • Coordinated legislator meetings and policy conversations take place
  • A unified statewide call to action is delivered
  • Original, regionally representative artworks are shared with lawmakers

At the same time, the Arizona Youth Art Month (YAM) Festival transforms Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza into a vibrant showcase of student performances, visual art, and hands-on activities — centering youth voice, arts education, and the next generation of Arizona’s creative workforce directly alongside advocacy efforts.

This is advocacy that is public, joyful, intergenerational, and community-powered.

The Day in Motion
Morning | Rose Garden Gathering
8:30–10:00 AM | Capitol Rose Garden
A ceremonial and celebratory opening honoring leadership across Arizona’s creative sector.
  • Light breakfast for attendees
  • Remarks from:
    • Legislative leaders
    • Arts Champion Award Recipients Announced
    • Artists and creative sector leaders
This gathering sets the tone for the day — grounding advocacy in recognition, gratitude, and momentum.

Midday | Legislative Floor Recognition
Approximately 10:00 AM | Arizona House & Senate Chambers
Arts, Culture and Creative Economy Sector recognized on both legislative floors for their contributions to Arizona’s cultural and economic vitality.
  • Student artist performances
  • Public acknowledgment of the creative sector as a statewide economic and civic asset
This moment places artists, educators, and culture-bearers directly at the heart of state government.


Afternoon | Legislator Meetings & Advocacy
11:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Capitol Offices
The core advocacy work of the day.
  • Coordinated, face-to-face meetings with legislators
  • Relationship building and policy dialogue
  • Distribution of original, regionally representative artworks
  • A unified statewide call to action in support of the creative economy
  • Food Trucks onsite with food for purchase
Participants speak with one voice while representing the full diversity of Arizona’s urban, rural, and tribal communities.

​Evening Celebration Reception
5:00–7:00 PM | Flinn Foundation

The official closing reception, including an announcement of winners and finalists in the Arizona Creative Excellence Awards. The reception will honoring nominees, honorees, advocates, and creative leaders from across the state — featuring performances, remarks, and viewing of the Arizona 250 | Five C’s Art Gallery Exhibition. The celebration will feature food from local chefs, libations, live performances, painting, interactive activations, and immersive arts experiences.

Arizona Youth Art Month Festival (9:00–5:00 PM)


Held at Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza by the Arizona Department of Education on Tuesday March 31, the Youth Art Month festival invites participants and legislators to experience the creativity of students statewide through performances, visual art exhibitions, and hands-on activities. The Momentum Summit is partnering with the Department of Education to engage participants in celebrating youth arts.
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This public event will feature performances and artwork by hundreds of students from across the state. ADE YAM Fest aims to highlight the positive impact of arts education, showcasing the creativity and skill of Arizona’s young artists. 

Conference Registrants and Arizona Creative Excellence Congress Participants are invited to enjoy the performances, volunteer in the student resource fair, and engage with directors and legislators throughout the day at YAM Fest. 

This is advocacy done the Arizona way: joyful, public, collaborative, visible, and community-powered.