Arizona Commission On The Arts Director: Funding A 'Welcome Surprise,' But Challenges Remain
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Alonso Parra
Jaime Dempsey
When the Arizona Legislature passed its so-called “skinny budget” back in March, a lot was left unfunded — including the Arizona Commission on the Arts.
The agency, which provides grants and programs in support of the arts and arts learning, was looking at major cuts. But July 3, Gov. Doug Ducey announced he was pulling $2 million from the state’s Crisis Contingency and Safety Net Fund to fund the agency.
The Show spoke with the Jaime Dempsey, the commission's executive director, about it — and about just how bad the situation for the arts has been in Arizona since the pandemic hit.
