The mission of Mesa Arts Center is to create meaningful arts experiences in Mesa for everyone. The non-profit Mesa Arts Center Foundation is a community-driven, volunteer-run fundraising organization for Mesa Arts Center.
Mesa Arts Center Foundation’s mission is to engage with Mesa Arts Center to support the arts through community advocacy, philanthropy and service.
In support of the Mesa Arts Center, Foundation board members:
- Advocate for Mesa Arts Center and the arts through personal contacts, public speaking, letters and calls to newspapers and public officials and agencies and other means
- Ensure that the City of Mesa provides adequate financial support for maintaining Mesa Arts Center as a robust venue and community space for performing and visual arts
- Raise funds for Mesa Arts Center’s youth and adult community engagement and access programs
Foundation Board
The Mesa Arts Center Foundation's Board members are elected and serve voluntarily in various positions. Board members are engaged in fundraising, support and advocacy efforts on behalf of Mesa Arts Center. If you are interested in joining the Board, please contact Jason Davids Scott at jdscott7@asu.edu.
Officers
Effective July 1, 2024
Paula Gibson
Chair
Rose Hanne
Vice Chair
Dr. Nicolle Karrantinos
Secretary
Kathleen Bonzani
Treasurer
Standing Committee Chairs
Effective July 1, 2024
Dawnyce Schutz
Governance and Development
Dr. Jason Davids Scott
Arts at the Center
Jan Newton & Michael Elliot
MAC Store
Mike Hutchinson
Legacy Committee
Jo Wilson
Membership
Bill Schmidt & Rose Hanne
Special Projects
Rose Hanne
Business & Corporate Development
NOTE: All Officers & Standing Committee Chairs are members of the Executive Committee.
Board Members
Effective July 1, 2024
Kathleen Bonzani
Board Member
Michael Elliott*
Board Member
Joanie Flatt
Board Member
Paula Gibson
Board Member
Rose Hanne*
Board Member
Mike Hutchinson*
Board Member
Dr. Nicolle Karantinos
Board Member
Jan Newton*
Board Member
Larry Pobuda
Board Member
Michele Ray-Brethower
Board Member
Bill Schmidt*
Board Member
Dr. Jason Davids Scott*
Board Member
Larry Thompson
Board Member
Patrick Walsh
Board Member
Jo Wilson*
Board Member
Marilyn Wilson
Board Member
* denotes Standing Committee Chair
Liaison
City of Mesa Councilmember Jenn Duff
Arts at the Center
Up to six Arts at the Center grant recipients are chosen each year to present a performance or activity on one of MAC’s stages or in one of its other spaces (studios, outdoor spaces). Theater seating can accommodate from 100 to 1,500 attendees, depending upon the selected space and the type and size of presentation.
An Arts at the Center grant allows presenters to
- have the facilities rental fee waived and
- receive up to $1,000 in financial support to offset Mesa Arts Center labor costs.
Arts at the Center grant applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
There are openings available and application for performance opportunities is strongly encouraged.
Be advised, we have made changes to the application process. We have made it even easier! Complete the Application for Arts at the Center HERE.
KEY DATES FOR THIS CYCLE:
- Applications are now being accepted for performances between JANUARY-JUNE 2025: Applications are due SEPTEMBER 27, 2024
- Conditional award notifications: On or before OCTOBER 18, 2024
- Final award confirmation: On or before NOVEMBER 8 2024
If you have any questions, please email Natalie Booth at azmacfoundation@gmail.com.
2023-24 Grant Recipients
Arizona Opera Company
The Informant Foundation
Metropolitan Youth Symphony
The Phoenix Boys Choir
Arizona Cantilena Chorale
Mesa Arts Academy
2022-23 Grant Recipients
Grey Box Collective
Owlsong Productions
Central Arizona Flute Ensemble
Phoenix Boys Choir
Skeleton Key
2021-2022 Grant Recipients
Ballet Folklorico Quetzalli
Bharathakshetra School of Dance
Grey Box Collective
Phoenix Boys Choir
Places Production
Sounds Academy
2019-2020 Grant Recipients
Alice Cooper’s The Rock Teen Center-Proof is in the Pudding
Dobson Montessori
Mesa Arts Academy-Willy Wonka
2017-2018 Grant Recipients
Arete Preparatory Academy
Arizona School for the Arts
Dobson Montessori School
Harmony Project
Mesa Arts Academy
Montessori International School
2016-2017 Grant Recipients
Arete Preparatory Academy
Arizona School for the Arts
Dobson Montessori School
Harmony Project
Kyrene del Pueblo Middle School
Mesa Arts Academy
2015-2016 Grant Recipients
Arizona School for the Arts
Dobson Montessori School
Mesa Arts Academy
Symphony of the Southwest
Tanner Community Development
