SE Valley Times

Following a highly competitive national search, Mesa has appointed Richard M. Parison, Jr. as the City’s new Arts and Culture Director. An arts and culture leader for over 30 years, Mr. Parison will oversee Mesa’s prestigious institutions, including the City’s three owned-and-operated museums: i.d.e.a. Museum, Arizona Museum of Natural History and Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum. He will also serve as the Executive Director of the internationally acclaimed Mesa Arts Center.

“Mr. Parison is a dynamic cultural arts administrator with demonstrated experience leading renowned and beloved municipal institutions. His career accomplishments demonstrate a professional commitment to mission-based work that entertains audiences and engages communities,” said City Manager Chris Brady. “We are thrilled to bring someone of Mr. Parison’s caliber and background to Mesa. We can’t wait to see Mesa Arts grow and thrive under his tenure.”

For over 30 years – half of it at municipal arts institutions – Mr. Parison has demonstrated his commitment to cultural arts, education and community engagement. As the Director of Arts and Culture and Artistic Director for the City of Hampton, Virginia, he curated all presenting and producing operations and managed the unique public/private partnership between the City and the Hampton Arts Foundation. Prior to that, Mr. Parison served as CEO and Executive Director of Richmond CenterStage (Richmond Performing Arts Center), where he led the development and implementation of new programming, strategic fundraising, institutional marketing and regional educational initiatives.

“Exciting opportunities such as this come along so rarely. It’s an honor to be selected to lead a world-class arts and culture institution such as Mesa museums and the Mesa Arts Center and to work with talented and passionate staff who are transforming the arts landscape in Mesa and the Valley,” said Richard Parison, Jr. “It is through a variety of performing, science and visual arts offerings that a city enhances the cultural, leisure and intellectual growth of its community. I’m inspired by Mesa’s commitment to champion cultural arts and to make it accessible to all in the community.”

Mr. Parison has an innovative record of presenting, producing and performing arts. In addition to municipal arts administration, Mr. Parison has extensive experience in theater operations, artistic direction and stage production. He holds degrees from Miami University (Ohio). His official start date will be Feb. 6, 2024.

Original source can be found here.