Dianne Funk Enterprises

The Indian Wells Arts Festival is founded upon, and driven by, a commitment to promoting the crucial role art plays in a thriving society, whether it be in education, business or quality of life. The architect of that vision is Dianne Funk Enterprises, Inc. led by its namesake.

Dianne Funk began producing art festivals in the Coachella Valley in 1987, with Faire a La Quinta, followed by Southwest Arts Festival in Indio in 1989, which has since grown into an acclaimed regional attraction. Building upon that success, Dianne Funk created the Indian Wells Arts Festival in 2002, and it has since developed into the headlining event of the Coachella Valley’s arts festival season and has achieved an international scope, with artists from more than 30 countries participating.

Dianne’s commitment to integrating artistic endeavors into everyday thinking has been lifelong. She followed an A.A. in Business Administration from Fullerton Jr. College, with B.A. in Theatre Arts and Elementary Education from California State University, Fullerton.

Dianne has participated in many arts, dance and theatre productions. From the top of Mt. Tamalpias in Marin County as associate producer of the annual pageant “Rough N Ready” to associate producer of three televised specials: America’s Hope Award, Tributes to Elizabeth Taylor and Oprah Winfrey and America’s Dance Honors with Willenborg Productions , she also coordinated the local Arthritis Telethon, assisted with children’s theatre, worked as accounting manager of the McCallum Theatre for the Performing Arts, and a past director of Marywood Country Day School in La Quinta.

Dianne has been a Palm Desert resident since 1976, and served for 10 years on the City of Palm Desert’s Civic Arts and also its Arts in Public Places Committees; with the first public art placement under her chairwomanship. Dianne was also an appointed Gaming Commissioner for the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians. She has served on the board of Making of Music, Inc.; on the advisory board of the Braille Institute of Rancho Mirage; and on the board of directors of The Ophelia Project Coachella Valley.

Dianne’s two adult daughters Shay and Caroline, are DFE board members and integral participants managing ongoing production operations.