Scottsdale Arts

To develop, advance and deliver high-quality arts, cultural experiences, and opportunities in Scottsdale to residents, cultural institutions, artists, and visitors from around the world.

Founded in 1987 in the heart of Old Town, Scottsdale Arts is an artist and audience-centered organization that brings communities together under the shared philosophy that art has the power to engage our imaginations, challenge our perceptions, and inspire change.

Scottsdale Arts is one of the largest multidisciplinary arts organizations in Arizona, being comprised of six dynamic operating branches: Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts; Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA); Scottsdale Public Art; Scottsdale Art Learning & Innovation, Canal Convergence, and Civic Center Live!. Through dynamic performing arts experiences, award winning festivals, thought provoking exhibitions, and immersive education and outreach programs year-round, we strive to provide diverse, impactful arts experiences for all in Scottsdale and beyond!

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DID YOU KNOW? As a donor to Scottsdale Arts,

- You engage 30,000+ students in Scottsdale Arts Learning & Innovation program - serving ages 3-103!
- You employ 1,600+ local and international artists and musicians, advancing careers and inspiring creativity.
- You generously provide 900+ free and reduced-price tickets at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts to veterans, students, and teachers.
- You expand accessibility to the arts, which is proven to improve student engagement, retention, and success in school.
- You promote our nonprofit's mission: To develop, advance and deliver high-quality arts, cultural experiences, and opportunities in Scottsdale to residents, cultural institutions, artists, and visitors from around the world through performances, exhibitions, and iconic community-enriching events including the Scottsdale Arts Festival and Canal Convergence!

Thank you for making a donation this Arizona Gives Day!

Testimonials

"I have never been more eager to create art! I love having the opportunity to work with local artists and to learn about what they do and how to do it. I love that my school is mixed in with other schools. Visions has changed my view of my art. Making art is a journey of struggles and learning, using emotions to help shape art, instead of letting emotions, such as frustration, build up when you make an error." Visions program participant

"I have used the arts to teach my curriculum for many years thanks to Scottsdale Arts. The creativity, upper-level thinking, and problem solving that takes place during these lessons is tremendous. My students slow down and concentrate on their work. Arts-integrated teaching makes a lasting impact. Students enjoy learning in this way and recall what they have learned for years to come." - high school teacher, CCTTA partner

"One of my students, a 9-year-old, was absolutely terrified to attend [the performance] last week. In the lobby, he was nearly in tears saying he did not belong here because 'kids like me just don't go to places like this.' Once the performance began, he seemed to change his mood, his fear dissolving and excitement bubbling. At one point in the show, I was shocked to see him volunteer to participate on stage! Back at his seat, he was absolutely beaming and telling his friends how amazing his experience was. The rest of the day, I heard him talking about how he wants to find more opportunities to go to the theatre and asking the teachers how he can be involved in dance. The experience transformed him! Thank you so much for doing what you do!" - 4th grade teacher at Crockett Elementary School

"Thank you for opening my mind to respect and tolerance. I didn't realize the importance of those two words! I will practice and incorporate these concepts into my daily life!" - Middle School student, Hope Chest participant (immersive curriculum centered around messages of hope and perseverance from Oskar Knoblauch's personal experience as a Holocaust survivor)

"We come from NYC so it's not easy to impress us with a performing arts center. The Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts does impress. Not only is the venue beautiful, but it also offers top notch performers. The sight lines are good everywhere - not a bad seat in the house - and the acoustics are terrific." - TripAdvisor reviewer

"I highly recommend to subscribe to the Scottsdale Arts newsletter if you are a local. The Center for the Performing Arts offers great performances for a very good price. The diversity of the performers is amazing, great venues, staff is friendly, alcoholic and no alcoholic beverages are offer for a fee. Is close to restaurants and parking. Dinner date and a performance, what else can you ask for?" - TripAdvisor reviewer

"Wow. My vocabulary escapes me. The venue is perfect for visual performances as every seat affords an eye-filling view...