Scottsdale City Council has approved a new three-year agreement with Scottsdale Arts, continuing a partnership that manages the city’s arts programs, public art, and major cultural events. The agreement is set to run from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029, and includes two possible one-year extensions. Funding of $6,297,114 for fiscal year 2026/27 was also approved to support these services.
The collaboration between Scottsdale and Scottsdale Arts dates back to 1987. Over the years, Scottsdale Arts has operated city-owned venues such as the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts and the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. It also oversees public art initiatives, arts education programs, community grants, and large-scale events like Canal Convergence.
This new agreement updates the structure of the partnership in response to recommendations from a 2024 city audit that called for clearer expectations and stronger financial oversight.
Judy Doyle, deputy city manager, said: “This agreement sets clear performance expectations and strengthens financial transparency. It keeps our arts programs strong while making sure taxpayer dollars are managed responsibly.”
Under this arrangement, City Council will continue to vote annually on funding amounts. For fiscal year 2026/27, most funding will go toward general operating support with additional funds allocated for arts education, public art conservation, community grants, and destination events.
The agreement also introduces changes in how city support is provided over time. The General Fund contribution from the city will be reduced by $250,000 each year until it reaches a $1 million annual reduction by year four. If extended for two more years beyond 2029, this reduced level of support will remain in place. A cost-of-business adjustment of 3% begins in year two but does not alter the planned step-down in General Fund contributions.
The goal is to allow for modest increases due to costs while gradually reducing reliance on General Fund resources. This approach aims to encourage greater earned revenue as well as sponsorships and tourism-based funding.
Tourism Development Funds will continue supporting key events with $750,000 dedicated annually to Canal Convergence and $250,000 set aside for Dreamy Draw or another qualifying event.
City Manager Greg Caton commented: “Arts and culture are part of what makes Scottsdale special. This agreement keeps those programs strong while building in clear oversight and a responsible plan for long-term funding.”
The Tourism and Events Department will administer the agreement going forward.
Scottsdale’s history reflects its ongoing commitment to culture; since its early years it has attracted artists and writers alongside health seekers seeking its Western heritage and cultural activities (https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/about/scottsdale-history). Today it operates under a council-manager government structure where elected officials legislate policy decisions (https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/council/city-charter). The city is recognized among America’s safest large cities (https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/about/recognition) and remains known as “The West’s Most Western Town” due to its ranching legacy (https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/about/scottsdale-history).
