Gilbert, Higley arts groups receive state grant funding

Arts organizations in Gilbert and Higley have received state grant funding through a $2.66 million program supporting nonprofit arts, cultural and educational organizations across Arizona.

The Arizona Commission on the Arts announced 409 grant awards totaling nearly $2.66 million for fiscal year 2027. Among the recipients were three organizations serving the Gilbert area, which collectively received $6,720 in funding.

In Gilbert, Arizona Youth Ballet received a $3,920 grant, while the Gilbert Visual Art League was awarded $1,200.

In Higley, East Valley Youth Symphony received a $1,600 grant.

The grants are part of a statewide initiative supporting arts organizations, festivals and arts-learning programs.

Funding was distributed through several grant categories, including operational support for arts organizations, arts festival programming and community-based arts education programs for youth and adults.

Across the East Valley, organizations received more than $300,000 in grant funding. Recipients included arts groups, theaters, museums, music organizations and youth arts programs in Chandler, Mesa, Tempe and other communities.

State officials said the funding is intended to strengthen Arizona's arts and cultural sector while supporting programs that provide educational and cultural opportunities for local residents.

The grant awards were funded through a combination of state and federal arts funding sources, including a one-time legislative appropriation for fiscal year 2027.