Cultural Bond Program
In 1999, 2001, 2006, and 2023, the city partnered with the arts and culture community, other city departments, and community stakeholders to implement a variety of capital projects, including significant renovations, expansions of existing cultural properties or the creation of new cultural centers to be operated by established nonprofit cultural organizations.
On June 7, 2022, the Mayor and City Council approved moving forward with a proposed General Obligation (GO) Bond program of $500 million. GO Bond programs help to fund critical infrastructure and rehabilitation needs of City facilities such as parks, libraries, fire and police stations, affordable housing, streets and cultural facilities. During the Special Election in November 2023, voters adopted the GO Bond Program., including over $50 million for Arts and Culture projects. Learn more about the 2023 bond project.
The 2006 bond recommended projects totaling $58 million, which included the following:
Arizona Opera
New construction of a Rehearsal Hall and renovation of an existing building to house administrative and production offices, box office and education pavilion.
Arizona Science Center
Renovations to address code deficiencies, and to improve patron access and queuing comfort.
Ballet Arizona
Renovation of a 40,000 square foot warehouse to house Ballet Arizona's administrative and production offices, the Arizona Ballet School, 7 dance studios, warehouse, and a 299-seat performance space.
Black Theatre Troupe
Acquisition of property for a cultural center, with administrative offices, rehearsal and performance space operated and programmed by the troupe.
George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center
Renovations to the Center's historic 33,000-square-foot main building are being made as a community cultural center showcasing African American cultural and historical heritage.
Herberger Theater Center
Renovations and refurbishment of back and front-of-house spaces and upgrades to mechanical and electrical systems. HTC is the home venue for Arizona Theatre Company, Actors Theater of Phoenix, Center Dance, iTheatre Collaborative, and many emerging theater groups.
Phoenix Indian School Memorial Hall
Renovation of the historic Memorial Hall in Steele Indian School Park into a multi-purpose space for performances, exhibits, meetings, receptions and other community uses.
Phoenix Theatre
Expansion of the theatre, including a new black box theatre, lobby renovations, and guest service amenities.
The 2001 Arts and Culture Bond Subcommittee recommended a program of $60 million, which included the following projects:
Children's Museum of Phoenix
Acquisition and renovation of a historic school to create a children's museum.
Latino Cultural Center
Funding was made available to Museo Chicano to promote knowledge and appreciation of the cultures of Latinos in Phoenix.
Phoenix Art Museum
Expansion of gallery space and museum entrance lobby to fully realize the original facility design.
Phoenix Symphony Hall
Replacement and refurbishment of systems and finishes including expansion/remodeling of the lobby and correction of code deficiencies. Operated by Phoenix Convention Center, the Hall is home to the Phoenix Symphony, Ballet Arizona and Arizona Opera.
Valley Youth Theatre
Purchase and develop a property to provide performance/rehearsal space for small productions and children's theatre workshops.