State of the Arts*
 Until the 1960's Phoenix was mostly known for the state's "four C's" - copper, cattle, cotton, and climate. "Culture" was almost unheard of. Today in Arizona the scene is much different. The Valley's rapid growth spawns new art and culture venues as fast as the population expands. Recently it seems like almost every area within the Phoenix metropolitan area has built new performing venues. Both Mesa and Tempe have new performing arts centers, as examples. In Phoenix, there is a symphony orchestra, ballet troupes, many theaters, museums and a world-class opera company with its own dedicated orchestra. To top this off, we have a governor who is an avid supporter of the arts.
Kudos All political leanings aside, every artist and aficionado owes Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano thanks for her strong support of the arts in Arizona. Without her support the arts scene might be vastly different than it is today. In the "Message from the Governor" published in the Arizona Opera program book, Governor Napolitano expresses support for Arizona Opera:
"...Arizona Opera is demonstrating its commitment to presenting operas that have broad audience appeal with world-class singing actors, a first rate orchestra, visually compelling sets ... giving us an opera experience second to none."
Governor Napolitano was a high school musician, is an avid opera fan and is reported to have an Apple iPod filled with opera. She supports the arts not only in words and policy, but also in her deeds. She is a regular attendee.
Walking the walk
Governor Napolitano has been seen at many public opera events. At a recent "sister city" event featuring Italian singers at the Orpheum Theater in Phoenix, she narrated program notes for staged excerpts of Bellini's Norma. The orchestra for this event incidentally was comprised of musicians from Sicily and the Arizona Opera.
Every year Governor Napolitano hosts the Governor’s Arts Awards Dinner, which celebrates individuals, organizations, and corporations for their outstanding contributions to the arts in the state.
"We cannot allow ourselves to forget the important role that art and especially arts education plays in the lives of Arizonans,” said Governor Napolitano at the 2006 event.
National recognition
Recently, the governor received the
2007 National Award for State Arts Leadership for her ambitious and committed support for the arts. During her first year as governor, Governor Napolitano issued three politically risky line item vetoes that saved public funding for the arts in Arizona.
In politics there can be many opposing views, but for the current thriving arts scene in Arizona we all have Governor Janet Napolitano to thank.
For this she deserves much praise and recognition.
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*originally published at:
http://azooma.blogspot.com/2007/12/state-of-arts.html
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