Who We Are
ArtsWA is the Washington State Arts Commission. We are a state agency, formed by the Washington State Legislature in 1961. The Legislature recognized that the arts enrich our communities. Our mission is to nurture and support the role of the arts in the lives of all Washingtonians.
ArtsWA values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe in diverse forms of artistic expression. The arts amplify voices across all populations. Access to arts and arts education should be available for everyone. The arts can and should address inequities, model inclusion, and teach empathy.
What We Do
ArtsWA promotes and documents the public value of the arts. We are dedicated to accountability and accessibility. Our commissioners and staff work together to support the following main programs:
Public Art. We manage and protect the State Art Collection, a shared cultural resource.
Grants. We provide grant opportunities to expand art participation statewide.
Creative Districts. We support communities that connect arts and culture to economic development.
Arts in Education. We support high quality, standards-based arts education as a part of K-12 basic education.
Read our current Annual Report.
See how our agency is organized.
View an interactive map of our program activities (2018).
Why Are The Arts Important?
The arts contribute to our quality of life.
They encourage civic discourse and collective problem-solving. Public Art is a vital part of our built environment.
The arts are vital to our identity.
They preserve our unique cultural heritage. By supporting the arts, we support our traditions for future generations.
The arts foster our children’s success in school.
They stimulate imaginations. They promote critical thinking, communication, and innovation.
The arts drive our economy.
They create jobs and revenue. They attract business and tourism.
Learn more about Washington’s vibrant arts and culture
