House recognizes Arizona Creative Economy Day, welcomes artists and cultural advocates

During the March 31 session the House recognized Arizona Creative Economy Day and several members introduced artists, museum representatives and arts-education leaders who were present in the gallery.

Representative Gutierrez said the event drew more than 200 advocates representing over 80 organizations and 31 communities and noted the creative sector supports more than 95,000 jobs and generates, in her remarks, 15,000,000,000 in annual economic activity for the state. Members introduced local artists including Martin Moreno and Lucretia Tovar and invited colleagues to attend a mural dedication planned for the following morning.

Representative Carbone introduced the board of Arizona Citizens for the Arts and highlighted Russ Jones for his leadership; other members introduced guests from the Museum Association of Arizona, the Phoenix Conservatory of Music and arts foundations from Tucson. The floor recognized the contributions of arts organizations to education, workforce development and local economies.

The recognitions took place during the opening portion of the House session and did not include formal legislative action on the floor related to arts funding or statutory changes during the recorded segments.