Founded in 1999, 5 Arts Circle 501(c)(3) supports five visual and performing arts organizations vital to the social and economic life of our community. The membership organization is an advocate for the arts in metro-Phoenix and has raised more than $3.7 million to date for the Arizona Opera, Ballet Arizona, Phoenix Art Museum, Scottsdale Cultural Council and The Phoenix Symphony. History The organization started from humble beginnings, and has grown to be a source of support that continues to significantly broaden and strengthen the financial base of each of our five arts group benefactors. Like many good ideas, 5 Arts Circle was conceived on a golf course. It was December 1999 – a time when Arizona’s population was booming, but donations to the arts were down. So, retired businessman Howard Hirsch issued a challenge to his foursome to secure private donations for the arts to enhance cultural offerings in the Valley. From that challenge emerged 5 Arts Circle. Our Mission The mission of 5 Arts Circle is to serve and enrich the community by encouraging new, seasonal and lifelong Valley residents to financially support five of Arizona’s premier arts organizations. For more information, visit www.fiveartscircle.org.