The city of Phoenix on Friday announced the appointment of Phil Dunlap as the new Arts & Culture Director, effective Aug. 10.

Dunlap brings a distinguished record of leadership in arts and culture, with a career dedicated to advancing the arts as a catalyst for economic development, community vitality and civic identity

As director of the Broward County Cultural Division, Dunlap led one of the nation’s largest local arts agencies, overseeing strategic initiatives in cultural funding, public art, artist development and creative economy programs.

His tenure was marked by transformational growth, including the launch of signature initiatives such as Arts Launch, the annual State of the Arts address and IGNITE Broward. Under his guidance, Broward County became a national model for innovation and public-sector cultural investment.

Previously, Dunlap served for 12 years as Director of Education and Community Engagement at Jazz St. Louis, developing nationally recognized arts education and community engagement programs. He has also taught jazz history, music business and arts administration at several universities

A respected advocate for cultural policy, Dunlap is a past President of Missouri Citizens for the Arts and has worked throughout his career to strengthen public support for the arts at local, state and national levels. An accomplished jazz pianist, he brings an artist’s perspective to executive leadership, championing the arts as an essential investment in economic prosperity, innovation and quality of life

“We are excited to welcome Phil Dunlap to Phoenix,” stated City Manager Ed Zuercher in a news release. “His visionary leadership and proven track record will help elevate our city’s arts and culture sector, fostering creativity and community engagement for all residents.”

In his new role, Dunlap will direct the Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture by guiding strategic initiatives and developing partnerships that support the city’s vibrant creative community. He will work closely with the Arts and Culture Commission, city leadership and local artists and arts organizations to advance Phoenix’s reputation as a leader in arts and cultural innovation.

“I am honored to join the City of Phoenix and look forward to collaborating with the community to build on the city’s rich cultural legacy,” Dunlap stated in the news release. “Together, we will continue to champion the arts as a vital force for economic growth, civic pride, and quality of life.”

The Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture manages an award-winning public art program, invests annually in grants to nonprofit arts organizations and artists and oversees eleven cultural facilities, including the S’edav Va’aki Museum and Archeological Office, that draw more than 8 million visitors annually. For more information about the Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture and upcoming initiatives, visit Phoenix.gov/arts.

Editor's note: The above was republished from a city of Phoenix news release.