After one year, Michael Oleskow is turning over his seat as chair of the Phoenix Arts and Culture Commission.

In its monthly meeting Sept. 14, the Phoenix arts board not only chose new leadership but also discussed advocating for the Arizona Commission of the Arts so that it receives reauthorization and funding.

The meeting’s agenda carried a common theme including looking toward to the future, new leadership, new ideas, and possible new funding.

The meeting started with recognizing that it was Oleskow’s last meeting as chairman.

Oleskow became chair in October 2020, taking over from Regina Nixon, who had been in the position for seven years. During this meeting they also nominated Oleskow’s successor, Jack Schwimmer. Schwimmer who is currently the advocacy chair, will start his term in October.

Schwimmer has been part of the Arts and Culture Commission since 2016. The commission members also nominated Crys Waddell to remain in her position as vice chair of the commission.

Waddell became vice chair in October 2020 alongside Oleskow. Waddell took over the position from Rachel Johnson, who had been a part of the commission since 2014. Oleskow, although stepping down as chair, is not leaving the commission. 

“Thank you all, it’s been great year, I have really enjoyed working with everyone and will continue working with you in the new year just in a different capacity,” said Oleskow. “I’ll be a commissioner; I will be able to help the new president and vice president and still be a part of it all.”

Schwimmer later on in the meeting voiced his gratitude to not only the committee but Oleskow as well.

“Thank for your votes just now, I am looking forward to the year ahead starting in October and thank you Mike for all your leadership and support,” said Schwimmer.

Waddell also shared her appreciation at being voted in again as vice chair and gave some parting words to Oleskow. 

“Mike, just know that you will be missed, you’ve done an amazing job in leading us especially through the changing time that changed the world,” said Waddell. “I felt like you did an amazing job and thank you for your service.”

Throughout the meeting the commission discussed different events that will take place in the future and their progress as well as information involving the state’s art commission. One of the projects being the civil rights memorial set to be unveiled in January.

The task force has sent in its national and local nominees to the city and is waiting to hear back, the commission explained during the meeting. They are also waiting to move forward because they need to know if the verbiage will fit on the memorial.

Further, the commission discussed the state art commission’s future as its status of remaining an agency is reportedly in question. Oleskow said during the meeting he is confident the commission will be re-authorized; however, it reportedly has not received general appropriation from the Legislature for the past two years.  

Oleskow said the state arts commission did receive funds from the federal CARES Act last year and they are receiving American Rescue Plan Act funds this year, however those funds end as of next year. Because of this, commission member Robert Booker emphasized advocacy so the state commission gets reauthorized and into the fiscal year 2022 budget.

The state’s art commission did have to make their request for funds on Sept. 1, and it reportedly requested $5 million.

Kylie Werner is a student at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communications at Arizona State University.