Washington state has incredible organizations statewide that help bolster the creative economy by helping creatives thrive. The team at Whipsmart reached out to these organizations to better understand their particular programs and perspective on the creative economy.
ArtsWA is the Washington State Arts Commission. We are a state agency, formed by the Washington State Legislature in 1961.
We are, to a person, inspired by the passion and creativity of the constituents we serve. While our focus areas are as diverse as the arts themselves, we are united in a shared belief about how the arts positively transform individuals, communities, and the economy. We work to make the arts accessible to every Washingtonian.
All our programs support the creative economy, but there are programs with a “direct” focus: our granting programs inject funding where it is most needed, and our Creative Districts program supports communities who invest in their local creative economy.
In 2017, ArtsWA launched a program with the NEA Creative Forces Military Healing Arts Network to bring arts-based therapies to military-connected populations. Under the leadership of ArtsWA’s Executive Director, Karen Hanan and key staff, and Art Therapist Brenda Maltz, the program expanded its reach and deepened its impact through an ever-widening cohort or partner organizations. Then, in 2022, the Washington Legislature approved ArtsWA’s request for a $1.5 million, annual program budget to establish the Wellness, Arts, and the Military program (WAM). This program will the first of its kind in the nation. ArtsWA is proud and excited to positively transform the lives of military families and communities across the state.
Washington’s creative economy – over 10% of its total GDP – generates world-class ideas, products, and experiences that consistently draw visitors, attract talent, and enrich the lives of all Washingtonians.
Be in touch with ArtsWA as a key resource for advice, services and networking
We keep Washington up to date with our work primarily through our website, monthly newsletters, outreach emails, and social media. Several of our ongoing projects, such as the Circle of Light restoration and the Billy Frank Jr. Statuary Hall project, have dedicated pages that feature regular updates. We also regularly partner with other agencies and nonprofits expand our network.
Website
Social Media Handles
Facebook: @washingtonarts
Twitter: @artswa
Instagram: @artswa
LinkedIn: @artswa
