Scottsdale Arts reports record season, new partnership to manage historic Cattle Track compound

Scottsdale Arts presented a summary of recent accomplishments and upcoming programs to Scottsdale City Council on April 8, reporting broad audience growth, new collection acquisitions, grant awards and a newly announced partnership to manage the historic Cattle Track Arts and Preservation compound.

Gerd Westerman, chief executive officer of Scottsdale Arts, told council the organization will produce hundreds of events this season and highlighted metrics: Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts presented a season that reached about 80,000 attendees across more than 226 events; SMoCA (Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art) received federal and national grants totaling nearly $500,000 and added 15 works to the city‑owned collection with an estimated $3.7 million in value; and Canal Convergence drew about 30,000 unique visitors and an estimated $27 million local economic impact for hotels, restaurants and other businesses. Westerman said Scottsdale Arts provided more than $150,000 in free or reduced admissions and more than $178,000 in grants or in‑kind support to other arts nonprofits, and distributed more than 4,000 free tickets to veterans and senior citizens.

Westerman also announced a new privately funded, multi‑year partnership through which Scottsdale Arts will manage and develop programming at the Cattle Track Arts and Preservation complex. He emphasized no city funds would be used for the Cattle Track initiative and described plans for creative residencies and program development on the historic site. The presentation also noted an overall earned/contributed revenue target (67%) that Scottsdale Arts meets, with a multi‑year average of 73% being achieved in recent years.

Several council members praised the reported accomplishments and the Cattle Track partnership. Councilmembers noted expanded outreach to students (Westerman said 37,000 students were served via in‑school programs), partnerships with other nonprofits and significant volunteer contributions. Westerman said the organization relies on a large board and volunteer base and stressed ongoing goals for presentation, education and community access.

No formal council action was taken on the Scottsdale Arts presentation; the report was informational and Westerman invited the public to upcoming events including the Ability Awards and the 50th anniversary gala at the Center for Performing Arts.