Image credit: Simone Tipene Adlam, director of Arizona Museum of Natural History. 

Mesa, AZ — The City of Mesa’s Department of Arts and Culture is excited to announce that the director of Arizona Museum of Natural History, Simon Tipene Adlam, has been appointed by Governor Katie Hobbs to the Arizona Commission on the Arts Governing Commission. Commissioners serve three-year terms, selected for their expertise in arts-related fields, ensuring statewide diversity in geography and ethnicity.

“Simon’s tribal heritage and depth of experience make him uniquely situated to cultivate relationships that foster the arts in Arizona,” said City of Mesa Mayor John Giles. “Through his work in Mesa, it has been wonderful to see his ability to bring people together, generate enthusiasm and find a common purpose among diverse groups of people. His unique blend of business acumen and passion for arts and culture make him the ideal candidate for this appointment.

“I am thrilled to witness Simon Tipene Adlam's appointment to the board of commissioners at Arizona Commission on the Arts,” said City of Mesa’s Director of Arts and Culture Richard M. Parison Jr. “Simon's diverse expertise as the director of the Arizona Museum of Natural History brings invaluable perspectives to the table, enriching our collective understanding and appreciation of culture, science and education.

To read the full announcement and learn more about the Arizona Commission on the Arts, visit azarts.gov.

About Simon Tipene Adlam

Simon Tipene Adlam has over 25 years of experience in arts and culture, having worked on major museum projects all over the world, including the State of Qatar, Germany, Cuba, the United Kingdom and here in the United States. As director of the Arizona Museum of Natural History (AZMNH), Simon has worked tirelessly to bring the museum’s extensive collection and scientific contributions to the forefront and support the growth of the arts in underserved communities.

Simon is an integral part of our community, serving locally in the Rotary Club and working with the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community and the Gila River Indian Community to forge new relationships and garner tribal input on how AZMNH might best present indigenous stories which are so valuable to Arizonans. Simon is also a person of tribal heritage, making these relationships essential to his work as director of AZMNH and near to Simon’s heart and family history.

About City of Mesa Arts and Culture

Mesa’s Department of Arts and Culture includes the Arizona Museum of Natural History, i.d.e.a. Museum and Mesa Arts Center, all located in downtown Mesa, Arizona. The mission of the department is to strengthen the creative, social and economic fabric of our community and region through inspiring, relevant, engaging and transformational experiences.