SE Valley Times

Mesa, Dec 5 2023 - Mesa has announced the appointment of Richard M. Parison, Jr. as the City's new Arts and Culture Director. With over 30 years of experience in arts and culture leadership, Mr. Parison will be responsible for overseeing Mesa's prestigious institutions, including the 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.

City Manager Chris Brady expressed his excitement about Mr. Parison's appointment, stating, "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. 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."

Throughout his career, Mr. Parison has shown a strong dedication 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. He also served as CEO and Executive Director of Richmond CenterStage, where he led the development and implementation of new programming, strategic fundraising, institutional marketing, and regional educational initiatives.

Expressing his enthusiasm for his new role, Mr. Parison said, "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. 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's extensive experience also includes theater operations, artistic direction, and stage production. He holds degrees from Miami University in Ohio. His official start date will be Feb. 6, 2024.

With the appointment of Richard M. Parison, Jr., Mesa is poised to further strengthen its position as a hub for arts and culture. The City's commitment to championing cultural arts and making it accessible to all in the community is set to thrive under Mr. Parison's leadership.