During an interview with William Russo, executive director of the Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures, he told me, “I’m glad there are still journalists covering the arts in Tucson.”
This wasn’t the first or last time I’ve heard someone express the sentiment. But the Sentinel’s commitment to reporting on arts and culture makes our newsroom stand out in our community.
Moments like this one remind me how my work as a Sentinel reporter is larger than myself. I’m reminded often of the importance of covering local arts, and it is a genuine privilege to be able to do so. Over the last year, I’ve witnessed and written about the local arts scene. There’s no scarcity of creative culture in Tucson, but there is a scarcity of people who cover it.
As the Sentinel’s Culture Expression & Community Values reporter, I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing theatre leaders, dance directors, library writers-in-residence, scientists, makers, chefs, musicians, museum directors, the United States poet laureate — you name it.
And it has all been possible because of the readership and monetary support from the members of this community who appreciate our work at the Sentinel. News isn’t always about war or loss and devastation, it is also about the local businesses that sprout from passion, the community events that give people something to do together on the weekend, it is the way people unite for causes, it is dreams coming true for those who have worked for them.
I am in constant awe of the richness of culture that surrounds me. Stories are all around, and it’s a shame when they go untold due to lack of staffing in shrinking local newsrooms.
The financial support you give the Tucson Sentinel doesn’t disappear into thin air. It goes to paying our staff and contributors, and expanding our reach and ability to dig into the stories of this place. I am grateful for the opportunity to do this work alongside reporters who care and make themselves present to witness.
As a reader, you are not present in our morning staff meetings. You’re not able to see a sleepy motley crew of journalists become increasingly awake and excited as the story ideas and updates begin to flow. You don’t see the laughter and the care and concern I see daily, and I assure you, when you make a donation to our newsroom, it goes to people who take journalism seriously. It supports Paul Ingram’s masterful coverage of border issues, Natalie Robbins’ solution-driven projects, Jim Nintzel’s efforts to bring politics to the readers with clarity and no fillers, Blake Morlock’s razor-edged opinion pieces and to those who make sure the stories make it through to you — Dylan Smith, Maria Coxon-Smith and Gene Moreland. It also helps support our work mentoring the budding journalists from around the world who come to Tucson to intern with us.
Since I hardly ever get to write in the first person, I’d like to take this opportunity to say, “Thank you.” Thank you for a 2024 full of stories, of gratitude and conversation. Here’s to much more in the new year.
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