Ballet Arizona gets $600K in federal COVID-19 relief funds from state

PHOENIX — Ballet Arizona announced it was awarded $600,000 in COVID-19 relief funding by the state.

The grant for the nonprofit ballet company that has operated in the Valley for more than 37 years comes from the American Rescue Plan Act, the $1.9 trillion national economic stimulus bill signed in 2021.

Ballet Arizona transitioned to a digital performing platform, virtual book clubs and Zoom workshops to remain diligent during its 2020-21 season.

“We still have yet to recover fully to 2019 numbers in terms of attendance and revenue, so this funding could not come at a more critical time as it truly gives us the runway we need to recover, rebuild and position ourselves for growth,” Ballet Arizona Executive Director Jami Kozemczak said in a press release.

The performing arts center said it lost millions of dollars in revenue during its 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons but maintained its staff. In-person performances started back up during the 36th season in 2021-22.

The funding will go towards filling the company’s revenue gap and toward strategies to recover audiences, Ballet Arizona said.

“This funding is a testament to the belief that arts organizations are a crucial component of our community,” Artistic Director Ib Andersen said in the release. The arts provide joy and inspiration and are a necessary part of healthy and vibrant communities. We are deeply grateful to Governor’s Office and the state of Arizona.”

On the stage, Ballet Arizona will next show performances of “Giselle” from Feb. 9-12.

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