ABOUT US
Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance
Southern Arizona’s leading arts and cultural organization embracing our region’s multicultural diversity and the arts in all of Southern Arizona through advocacy, education, collaboration and civic engagement.
BACKGROUND
Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) is the only organization of its kind in Southern Arizona. Essentially, SAACA provides opportunities and support structures to artists and our community through education and advocacy as well as offering multi-cultural arts engagement connections to the public at large.
Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance was established in 1997 as the Greater Oro Valley Arts Council (GOVAC), an organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in all of the Greater Oro Valley region by promoting and sustaining the arts and culture of our community. Over the years, GOVAC blossomed to become one of the largest art opportunity and community engagement organizations in the entire greater Oro Valley region. In 2009, after several years of community surveys and artist feedback, GOVAC grew into a more relevant and streamlined organization dedicated to partnering with each of the Southern Arizona governments, organizations, with our local business community and individuals establishing a solid and sustainable multicultural arts foundation for many years to come.
Today, under its new name, the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance consistently supports artists and communities in the region and maintains a strong history of quality programming and encouragement of innovation and creative cultural expression in the arts. SAACA also provides support for established and emerging artists and partnering organizations through the identification of local resources and providing artistic outlets. We focus our efforts on all ages by cultivating an audience and future for the arts for many years to come through arts education and cultural acceptance for many years to come.
SAACA’s VISION
The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance is a dynamic not-for-profit organization serving a colorful and multicultural community. We exist because we know that the arts are a powerful vehicle for communication, a way to express ideas that are beyond the capacity of words and a medium for cultural enlightenment. The arts can change a mood, a reality and an existence when experienced.
We support the arts because we know that they change lives and bring the community together. We know that arts matter because every day we hear the stories from people of all ages about how our efforts have affected their lives in a positive manner. We will continue to fight for the preservation of the arts because we know that they can turn each of us into stronger, more inspired and conscious individuals.
The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance is a group of individuals, businesses, governments and artists dedicated to promoting, sustaining and advancing the arts everywhere around us.
WE ARE
PRESENTERS…of large scale and mission based community cultural events, festivals and programs
SUPPORTERS…of students, artists, arts organizations and cultural acceptance and advancement in our lives and community
EDUCATORS…through programs and partnerships which offer arts experience and Cultural Diversity education for both the young and old
COMMUNITY FESTIVALS
- 4th of July Independence Day Celebration
- Oro Valley Classic Car Show, BBQ & Blues Family Festival
- Oro Valley Arts in the Park, fine arts festival
- Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Festival at Pima Community College NW Campus
- Oro Valley Festival of the Arts, arts and crafts festival in Oro Valley
MUSIC
- Jazz Legends in concert LIVE!
- MasterWorks Concert Series in Oro Valley with the TSO
- Holiday FIESTA Concert
- Chamber Music Light
- Riverfront Park Performances & Cultural Concert Series in Oro Valley
- Summer Concert Series at La Encantada
- Concert of All Ages, an intergenerational concert with over 200 voices ages 2-100
VISUAL ARTS
- ArtsFest at La Encantada, fine arts and crafts two day festival. Our visual arts festivals provide avenues for professional and emerging artists to exhibit their artwork to the community and heighten awareness for their craft
- Art in Oro Valley Competition and Exhibition, a Visual Arts competition to support established and emerging visual arts advancement
- Ventana Medical Systems Gallery in Oro Valley
PERFORMING ARTS
- Opera 101 – an introductory lecture and concert series
- Musical Magic for Kids: an innovative program melding dance, theatre and storytelling with music in an interactive and up close forum. These free sessions explore areas of the arts for 2 to 12 year-old children and start them on the road to appreciation and delight in the world of the arts.
PUBLIC ART
- Public Art Tours
- Public Art Administration, for Developers, 1% for Public Art Programs and Public Works projects in the Northern Pima County Region. Our services walk developers through the process of identifying a mission and theme for their art, possible art locations, interpreting Public Art code requirements, writing a Call to Artists, interviewing and selecting artist proposals and implementing art into the final project through installation
CULINARY ARTS
- Food & Wine Festival at Rillito Park
- Culinary demonstrations at Oro Valley art festivals
OTHER SERVICES & ACTIVITIES
- ART with heART Ball – Reflections at the Buttes
- Passion for Fashion, a charity fashion show for all ages
- Golf Tournament at the Ritz Carlton – SWING for the ARTS
- Oro Valley Holiday Parade co-sponsors
- TPAC Open Studio Tours partner
- Grant writing to support programs ensuring the equal and permanent access to the arts for everyone
- SAACA works with local arts-based groups to advance their mission by aiding in promotions and visibility to help them remain sustainable and strong
- Independent Film Competitions
- SAACA works tirelessly to advocate and advance the arts … whether it’s speaking engagements, public policy initiatives or partnering at local and state level, SAACA is committed to keeping the arts an important and permanent factor in each individual’s life for years to come
IN THE CLASSROOM
- Musical Gold in the Morning - an exciting listening and learning initiative provides a classical music excerpt (2-4 minutes long) repeated for each of the five weekdays. Using carefully selected music of master composers, this program opens the door for young people to the genius and craftsmanship of classical music. Students learn the importance of creativity which then affects all of their studies. This program is currently implemented in many of the Amphi Schools
- Musicians in the Classroom brings seasoned and well-known professional musicians in to the classroom to teach students in a hands on manner, tips and techniques to help them better understand how to position their instrument, hand and body, how to improve breath, tone and ensemble playing and steps they must take today, if they have dreams of becoming a professional musician or teacher. This program is currently supported with funding from the Town of Oro Valley in many local schools
- SAACA locates and refurbishes used instruments back into the schools to be utilized by students who may not have the means to purchase instruments for themselves
- Endowing Master Classes by renowned Jazz & Classical musicians at the University of Arizona
YOUTH
- Building sustainable youth arts scholarship funds
- Offering free vouchers to local youth to experience many of our annual ticketed concerts and programs
ADULTS
- Concerts and Social Events geared for adults to interact with the arts in positive and exciting ways
FAMILIES
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At each of our annual events and programs SAACA goes to great lengths to offer family and youth arts experiences with focused and hand on activities, art projects and family integration through the avenue of the arts.
MATURE ADULTS
- SAACA provides resources and opportunities in our local retirement communities and active living groups for individuals to experience the arts in therapeutic, life changing and enhancing ways
VOLUNTEER
- SAACA’s essential component to success is embodied within over 400 volunteers each year that give of their time willingly and openly, who stand with us together in our pursuit to bring the arts experience to every individual, and to change their life through their exposure to the arts, and the multicultural acceptance that embodies art on every continent and in every town, city and community worldwide
A CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF OUR EFFORTS
January 1997- June 30, 1998:
1) GOVAC was incorporated in December 1997 as a not-for-profit, 501 (c) (3). The event marked the culmination of a long-range plan by the Oro Valley Arts Advisory Board with support of Mayor and Council;
2) Assumed responsibility from Oro Valley Advisory Board to plan and implement the Oro Valley Jazz Festival, Arts & Music Festival, and Concert of All Ages Choral Festival.
July 1, 1998-June 30, 1999:
1) Entered into an agreement with the Town of Oro Valley designating GOVAC as the official arts agency for the Town of Oro Valley;
2) Hired first paid employee, Executive Director, Carmen Feriend;
3) Conducted several board retreats with facilitators to create a vision and mission statement; created a five-year plan; instituted a Cultural Diversity Plan, Revised Bylaws to structure the organization;
4) Presented the TSO's MasterWorks Series in Oro Valley for the first year.
July 1, 1999-June 30, 2000:
1) Presented the TSO "Just for Kids" Family Concerts in Oro Valley, making this program accessible to the rural communities in our area;
2) Presented the complete TSO MasterWorks Series in Oro Valley;
3) Presented a music appreciation series entitled "Exploring Music;"
4) Appointed a development committee and instituted a corporate giving campaign;
5) Responsible for the administering the Summer Youth Public Art Transportation Project for the Town of Oro Valley which employs 10 youths, ages 15-18 for eight weeks to create public art;
6) Published the first GOV AC Newsletter & Calendar of Events.
July 1, 2000-June 30, 2001:
1) Presented the 1st Annual Oro Valley Independence Day Concert-more than 5000 people were in attendance;
2) Added 1-FTE to paid staff (administrative assistant);
3) Provided "Musicians-in-Residence" at Wilson and Cross Middle Schools;
4) Presented for the first time a free "COO Riverfront Park Outdoor Concert Series;"
5) Added .5 FTE to paid staff (program supervisor);
6) Presented the 1st Annual "'Art in Oro Valley" Art Contest, Exhibition and Reception.
7) First annual Jazz Party Fundraiser in partnership with University of Arizona Master Classes
July 1, 2001-June 30, 2002:
1) Program Supervisor promoted to full-time;
2) Increased services for "Musicians-in-the-Classroom" to include new Ironwood Ridge High School;
3) Administered six public art projects for the Town of Oro Valley;
4) Board of Directors re-structuring for equal representation for programs and development;
5) Planned and implemented two successful mini-gala fundraisers; and
6) Kicked-off a Major Gifts Campaign.
July 1, 2002-June 30, 2003:
1) Produced & presented the 1st Annual Comcast Community Celebration: A Tapestry of Holiday Traditions (sold-out performance); and
2) Increased Musicians-in-the-Classroom services at Ironwood Ridge High School.
July 1, 2003-June 30, 2004:
1) Due to the reaching audience capacity at CDO H. S. Fine Arts Auditorium, the Pops Concert was moved to a larger venue which enabled the serving of a Boston-Pops style dinner;
2) Added part-time, temporary staff to assist pr/advertising efforts;
3) Kicked-off new "Friends" giving levels and benefits;
4) Renewed operating agreement with the Town of Oro Valley; and
5) Provided Musicians-in-the-Classroom services to Coronado Middle School
July 1, 2004-June 30, 2005:
1) Moved to new office facilities, in Oro Valley, more than doubling space to 1,337 square feet;
2) Implemented new budget review criteria;
3) Created new policy for reviewing and approving new project proposals;
4) Added new program Opera 101;
5) Revised Mission Statement;
6) Approved new Strategic Plan;
7) Applied for higher level of GOS (III) funding from Arizona Commission on the Arts;
8) Created "GOVAC Playbill" which included paid advertising and
9) Conducted first annual Gala and Silent Auction with net proceeds of more than $22,000.
10) Annual Jazz Party Fundraiser relocated to the Hilton Tucson El Conquistador pool patio as a result of Hilton corporate sponsorship.
July 1, 2005-June 30, 2006:
1) Received Town of Oro Valley one-time “Investment Funds” to hire full-time Development/Marketing Director; create marketing collaterals and to increase staff compensation;
2) Created 7 min; 3 min; .30 sec. Marketing DVD’s;
3) Added new program: Chamber Music Light;
4) Increased level of financial support from Arizona Commission on the Arts by stepping up to ODP III status;
5) Created Naranja Town Site Community Arts Center Committee;
6) Added employee benefits such as dental; short and long term disability; and retirement;
7) Implemented new organizational structure.
July 1, 2006-June 30, 2007:
1) With pending annual financial shortfalls, the organization began to reevaluate the reach and types of activities and ventures needed as the communities of the Greater Oro Valley regions began to change to a more family based populations.
2) This year brought record breaking strategic partnerships and corporate dollars infused into the organization.
3) The Board of Directors was restructured to include more business minded professionals as well as a broader representation of the community at large.
4) Began plans to present more opportunities and events in new areas to attract new supporters and attendees to all of our annual events and programs.
July 1, 2007-June 30, 2008:
1) After completing a ten year intensive financial review of the books, the Arts Council decided that the organization must implement new stricter financial policies. The new policies included professional reviews and working with a licensed CPA on a quarterly basis.
2) Extreme growth and expansion added new life and attendance to programs and events.
3) Jazz Legends concert experienced highest attendance in almost 7 years.
4) Revamped Arts Festival at the Riverfront Park in Oro Valley to include Independent Film Expo
5) Forged partnership with the Pima Community College Northwest Campus for first annual non-juried Arts & Crafts Festival in March 2008 – Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Festival
6) Expanded Musical Magic for Kids program to include up to 7 annual performances
7) Forged new partnership with La Encantada Shopping Center for a Summer Concert Series featuring over 6 performances with local musicians.
8) Found funding and implemented a new education component into the Amphi Schools District that included daily music exposure with a listening and learning base of instruction. (Musical Gold in the Morning)
9) The Greater Oro Valley Arts Council was awarded the distinguished LUMIE Award from the Tucson Pima Arts Council for Established Arts Organization of the year, awarded for our creativity and innovation in Southern Arizona for over 10 years.
10) GOVAC’s annual Arts Festivals win national acclaim
11) Established stricter budgeting mechanisms to ensure future accountability and financial sustainability.
July 1, 2008-June 30, 2009:
1) Expanded the exposure of Emerging Artists with competitions and exposure at nearly all annual festivals and events.
2) Presented the first Classic Car Show, BBQ, Blues and Family Festival at Steam Pump Village in Oro Valley with record breaking attendance and participation from around Southern Arizona.
3) Developed relationship with La Encantada further to present first ever Arts Festival at the shopping center. Record breaking crowds proved to ensure long time sustainability of this project.
4) Added the Passion for Fashion: a charity fashion show for all ages in Oro Valley drawing the participation of over 30 local dignitaries, celebrities and Arts supporters.
5) Art with HeART Ball added to raise monies for the Arts with an evening of dancing, dinner and wine
6) Expanded Musical Gold in the Morning program into new Amphi Schools.
7) The economic recession hits all Southern Arizona Arts non-profits the hardest, resulting in record breaking drops in financial contributions as well as state wide Arts organization closures.
8) In response to community feedback and the impending financial recession, the Greater Oro Valley Arts Council partnered with local Arts Organizations Statewide to establish a broader organization dedicated to expanding our programs and reach to all of the Southern Arizona Communities.
9) Board of Directors voted unanimously to change the name to the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance. This new name would allow for longtime sustainability both financially and in exposure to expand our programs and events to attract new support and reach. This expansion would allow the organization to continue our efforts in the most financially sustainable manner possible to ensure the Arts and Culture of the entire Southern Arizona region would remain constant and fully funded.
