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About the Arts Council of Hillsborough County

Igniting our culture, community, and economy

What we do, why we matter

As the designated local arts agency by the State of Florida, the Arts Council of Hillsborough County provides a unified voice for all cultural organizations and activities in the Tampa and Hillsborough County region. We promote the good news about the cultural vitality of our community to a national audience while providing grants, unified marketing efforts, research, and advocacy to help our entire cultural community thrive.

Our Vision

We’re committed to lead the charge to ensure a healthy environment for arts and culture in this community for generations to come.

Read our strategic plan
City of Tampa mural

Our economic difference

Our efforts play a vital role in making our area more appealing to new residents, tourists, and employers looking for a new home. Arts and culture also provide direct economic impact by creating jobs, attracting investments, generating tax revenue, and more.

Economic development

Arts Council of Hillsborough County Advisory Committee

The Purpose of the Arts Council of Hillsborough County is to serve as an advisory body to the Board of County Commissioners to provide advice regarding developing, coordinating, and promoting the performing and visual arts in Hillsborough County and contracting for artistic services, performances, and exhibits, all for the enjoyment, education, cultural enrichment, and benefit of the citizens of Hillsborough County.

    • REPRESENTATIVE OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
      CHRISTOPHER BOLES, Hillsborough County Commissioner

    • THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF TAMPA (or Designee)
      MEG HEIMSTEAD, City of Tampa Parks and Recreation Site Supervisor

    • THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF TEMPLE TERRACE (or Designee)
      ALISON FERNANDEZ, Council Member

    • THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF PLANT CITY (or Designee)
      MERCEDES PEREZ, Assistant City Manager, City of Plant City

    • C. VANESSA OATMAN (Chair)
      Owner, EVOZ Agency

    • GARY SATTERFIELD (Vice-Chair)
      The Florida Orchestra

    • TAD DENHAM
      Recycled Tunes Ambassador
      Gasparilla Music Foundation

    • MARY DILLON
      Director of Grants and Government Relations
      Straz Center for the Performing Arts

    • HAIG MARDIROSIAN
      Professor of Music and Dean Emeritus of the College of Arts and Letters

      The University of Tampa

    • MICHELE SMITH
      Executive Director

      Tampa Arts Alliance

    • JANE SIMON
      Assistant Director of Grants and Strategic Management

      WUSF

    • MARTINE MEREDITH COLLIER
      CFRE, Division Director

    • EILEEN BLAKE
      Manager, Industry Strategic Initiatives 

    • KATHY COLLINS
      Program Manager

    • LISA HILL
      Coordinator, Arts & Cultural Affairs