Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona announces the appointment of Matt Sandoval as its new Executive Director effective November 6, 2023, taking the reins from the current Free Arts Executive Director Alicia Sutton Campbell after 11 years of service.

“I am honored to have worked for Free Arts during this exciting time in its history – expanding services to children and families, and securing a permanent home at The Bob & Renee Parsons Place for Art and Transformation,” said Sutton Campbell, who shared her belief that leadership change is beneficial to keep an organization growing to meet future needs. “I look forward to seeing the next phase of growth that Matt and the talented staff will usher in.”

Sutton Campbell joined Free Arts as the Director of Programs in June 2012 before becoming Executive Director in July 2014. Under her direction, the organization grew from 10 to 29 employees, which allowed it to expand services to foster care and kinship families as well as young adult program alumni. The organization utilizes more than 800 volunteer mentors who work together to serve nearly 7,000 children statewide each year.

“The Free Arts mission and vision is a passion for me and many others that I am honored serve to alongside,” said Sandoval. “I am excited to continue the great work of Free Arts by expanding our program statewide, creating new partnerships and developing our conference learning opportunities to impact others providing mentoring and programming in the arts.”

Matt Sandoval, M.Ed., MSW has served as the Free Arts Vice President of Programs since October 2022, overseeing intentional art-based mentorship for program recipients. In his new role, he will work with staff and the Board of Directors to strengthen the Free Arts mission, forge new relationships with community partners, and expand the organization’s programming to reach and provide more Arizona children with a trauma-informed approach that will help them build resilience, connection, and creativity.

He brings more than 20 years of experience to the position, having worked previously in a variety of human services and non-profit organizations including serving on several boards for groups that support youth and community development with a special emphasis on serving multicultural, multilingual, and first-generation college attendees.

About Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona
Founded in 1993, Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona is a nonprofit organization that works to transform children’s trauma to resilience through the arts. Free Arts programs include creative elements that promote safety, self-expression and a sense of belonging. Free Arts programs are delivered by 800 volunteer mentors and artists who serve more than 7,000 children annually through partnerships with 40 social service child welfare agencies at 100+ sites across Maricopa County. For more information on Free Arts, visit: FreeArtsAZ.org