Discover the Vibrant Arts & Culture of Greater Phoenix
As a Greater Phoenix resident, you don’t just experience arts and culture — you’re a part of it.
The sprawling art hub of Greater Phoenix includes a world-class symphony, concert stadiums that fit tens of thousands of people, prestigious museums and more. From galleries to hands-on experiences, there are programs for adults and children alike.
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Arts & Culture Fuel Regional Growth
A thriving arts and culture scene is about more than beautiful paintings and captivating performances. It’s a powerful economic engine that fuels growth and inspires innovation. The sector employs tens of thousands of people in Arizona and contributes billions of dollars to the state’s economy.
Photo credit: VisitPhoenix.com
Arizona's Arts & Culture Economic Impact
84479
jobs in Arizona
Source: Arts and Cultural Production Satellite Account, U.S. and States, 2022
$14.2B
value added to the state's economy
Source: Arts and Cultural Production Satellite Account, U.S. and States, 2022
3%
of Arizona’s GDP
Source: Arts and Cultural Production Satellite Account, U.S. and States, 2022
Key Museums
- Phoenix Art Museum
- Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
- Heard Museum
- Musical Instrument Museum (MIM)
Image: @leahxhope
The Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) in Scottsdale is the largest musical instrument museum in the world, with 6,800+ instruments on display.
Image: MIM
Numerous Art Markets & Festivals
- Phoenix Festival of the Arts
- Scottsdale Arts Festival
- 6th Street Market, Tempe
- Downtown Mesa Festival Of The Arts
Diverse Cultural Attractions
- Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West
- Arcosanti and Cosanti
- Roosevelt Row First Fridays
- Desert Botanical Gardens
Live Performances
15000+
Seven local venues host crowds of over 15,000 for concerts
10+
Destination music festivals each year
9
Major music colleges + numerous niche training schools across the region
Prominent Performance Art Companies
Music Venues
Phoenix has a variety of venues that allows the region to host concerts ranging from small audiences to crowds of 15,000-plus.
- Crescent Ballroom
- The Van Buren
- Valley Bar
- The Nash
- Marquee Theater
- Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre
Image: @m3ffest
Music Festivals
Music festivals held in the area bring in crowds of thousands, many of whom come from out-of-state to experience the shows.
- M3F
- FORM Arcosanti
- Phoenix Lights
- Decadance
- Innings
Image: @m3ffest
Local & Niche Experiences
Phoenix also offers niche, unique experiences in intimate settings for music-lovers and musicians.
- MIM Concerts
- Nile Theater
- Rebel Lounge
- Yucca Taproom
Image: @sgremy
Arts
230+
Art Galleries
50+
Performing Arts Theaters
40+
Museums
Supporting Local Arts & Culture
Rotating Local Art Exhibit
GPEC hosts a rotating local art exhibit to celebrate and showcase the vibrant creativity of our community, fostering connections between artists and businesses while enhancing the workplace environment with engaging and inspiring visuals.
Arts Advocacy
Advocacy for equitable state-level funding for the arts ensures Arizona remains competitive on the national stage, recognizing that robust investment in art and cultural initiatives not only enriches communities but also attracts talent, drives tourism, and bolsters economic growth.
Partnerships with Local Groups
GPEC collaborates closely with local organizations such as Artlink and the Arizona Commission on the Arts to leverage collective resources, share expertise and co-create initiatives that enrich cultural vibrancy, drive economic growth and enhance quality of life throughout the region.