For Immediate Release
July 14, 2026

Contact:
Steve Wilcox
602‑771‑6536
swilcox@azarts.gov

State Seeks Creative Young People for Arizona Youth Arts Council

Each year, the State of Arizona assembles a super‑team of exceptional young people—one from each of the state’s 15 counties—to advise on public policy and programs relevant to young Arizona artists and creatives: the AZ Youth Arts Council.

The Arizona Commission on the Arts, an agency of the State of Arizona, has issued the call for applicants to serve on the 2026‑27 AZ Youth Arts Council. Young Arizonans, ages 14‑19, with superpowers like creativity, passion, and commitment to public service are encouraged to apply by August 13, 2026. One young person from each Arizona county will be selected to serve on the council.

The AZ Youth Arts Council will convene online once a month, from September 2026 through April 2027. During their seven‑month term, council members will:
• Learn about policy to advocate for equal access to the arts for all young people in Arizona
• Serve as peer‑review panelists for the Arts Commission’s Creative Youth Grant
• Review issues related to arts and culture programs and services for young people
• Create a collaborative arts and media project highlighting the arts in their communities
• Connect with their peers across the state
• Engage with professionals in the arts, culture, and education fields

To support their service on the council, each member will receive a stipend of up to $800. Interested youth can learn more and apply at https://azarts.gov/programs/azyac/. Applications must be submitted by August 13, 2026.

About the Arizona Commission on the Arts

Established in 1967 to encourage public interest in Arizona’s cultural resources, the Arizona Commission on the Arts has spent more than half a century advancing the role of arts and culture in civic life. Through strategic grantmaking, programs, research, and partnerships, the Arts Commission strengthens communities, supports the creative workforce, and enhances quality of life across Arizona.

The Arizona Commission on the Arts strengthens arts and culture by investing in artists, organizations, and creative workforce development to enrich communities and quality of life for all Arizonans.

For more information on the Arizona Commission on the Arts, visit www.azarts.gov or contact Steve Wilcox, Communications Director, Arizona Commission on the Arts, at 602‑771‑6536 or swilcox@azarts.gov. To request this or any other agency publication in an alternative format, contact the Arts Commission offices at 602‑771‑6502. Images available upon request.