At its August 5 meeting, the ArtsWA Board of Commissioners unanimously certified two new Creative Districts: Hillyard in Spokane and Woodinville.
Hillyard Creative District is rooted in Spokane tribal ancestral lands and transformed by the arrival of the Great Northern Railroad in 1892. Known for its deep immigrant heritage and resilient spirit, Hillyard has preserved its historic character while embracing new industries and communities. Today, it is home to around 7,000 residents, including vibrant Ukrainian, Marshallese, Vietnamese, and Russian populations, and serves as the eastern terminus of the Children of the Sun Trail.
Woodinville Creative District blends rural charm with a growing, walkable downtown. Once a logging and agricultural hub, it now thrives with farm stands, wine tasting rooms, outdoor concerts, and a strong creative sector. With nearly 24% of residents foreign-born and 30% speaking a language other than English at home, Woodinville’s diversity fuels its cultural vibrancy. The Woodinville Arts Alliance will serve as the district’s administrative organization.
Read more:
- Inlander: Hillyard is poised for investment, as its new creative district designation and a major planning effort coincide
- KREM: Boomtown: Hillyard named Spokane’s first-ever ‘Certified Creative District’ by WA Arts Commission
- Spokane Journal of Business: Hillyard gets creative: Spokane’s first designated arts district emerges
- KXLY: “You can really feel the momentum”: Hillyard becomes Spokane County’s first creative district, opening door to grants and growth