August 6, 2026

Announcing new Arts and Culture Director Phillip Dunlap

Photo of Phillip Dunlap, Arts and Culture Director, Left image of "Another Planets" by Kenaim Al-Shatti on January 15, 2026, at the Audubon Rio Salado Center. Right image of "A Time Machine Called Tinaja" by Bobby Zokaites, at former municipal well site in Maryvale, Arizona.

Following a national recruitment process, Phillip Dunlap has been selected to be the Arts and Culture Director for the City of Phoenix. Currently serving as the Director of the the Broward County Cultural Division (Florida), Dunlap will begin in Phoenix on Monday, August 10, 2026.

“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,” said Phillip Dunlap.“Together, we will continue to champion the arts as a vital force for economic growth, civic pride, and quality of life.”

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.

Thank you note to Carrie Brown from the team at City of Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture!

The Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture staff would like to thank Carrie Brown for stepping up to the role of Interim Arts and Culture Director. During Brown's tenure, she diligently held the leadership role and continued the work of previous Arts and Culture Director Mitch Menchaca with care and commitment. With Dunlap's arrival, she will continue to serve as Deputy Arts and Culture Director overseeing the award-winning public art program!

Carrie Brown, Interim Arts and Culture Director, receiving Arizona Environmental Excellence Award for ¡Sombra! Experiments in Shade on March 21, 2026. Photo Provided by Arizona Forward.

The Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture is the city's designated local arts agency. It supports, champions, and promotes the local arts, culture, and educational community to make Phoenix a great place to live, work, and visit.​​​​​ In addition to the department’s flagship programs, the agency oversees and supports the City's Youth and Education Office​, Archaeology Office​, and the S'edav Va'aki Museum​.​