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April 2022


Creative State: the ArtsWA podcast
Interviews with creative Washingtonians across the state
ArtsWA is thrilled to announce Creative State. Creative State is a new podcast about arts, culture, and creativity throughout Washington. Listen each month for exclusive conversations with people who make our state a creative place to live, work, and explore.

In the inaugural Creative State, we speak with Gallery One Executive Director Monica Miller, ArtsWA’s Poetry Out Loud Program Coordinator Judy Cullen, and Washington State Poet Laureate Rena Priest. For the final segment, you’ll hear Gabriella Smith, our Vet Corps Navigator for the Wellness, Arts, and the Military Program, speak with Olympia Poet Laureate Ashly McBunch.
Each episode features:

An interview with a Governor’s Arts & Heritage Award honoree
An interview with an ArtsWA Program Manager
A segment from Gabriella Smith, the Vet Corps Navigator for our Wellness, Arts, and the Military Program
Grant opportunities: now open
ReNew Washington grant

In partnership with Shunpike, ArtsWA is offering ReNew Washington grants. These grants fund groups wishing to start new organizations, or to strengthen organizations created in the last three years.

Applicants may request up to $5,000. Matching funds are not required.
Watch a new webinar to learn more about the grant and how to apply.
Applications due by
May 3, 2022, at 5:00 p.m.
Join our team: openings at ArtsWA
Program Manager for the Wellness, Arts, and the Military Program

Our Wellness, Arts, and the Military (WAM) Program Manager will set the foundation for this new program, with a focus on growing and strengthening WAM arts engagement programs across the state.
MusicWorks4Veterans vet jam
Conservation Lead for 3-D and Integrated Artwork

Our 3-Dimensional and Integrated Artwork Conservation Lead will focus will on outdoor and integrated sculpture located in Western Washington. 
James Madison’s Family (2021) was recently installed at Edmonds College. It is among the artworks that will be cared for by our 3D and Integrated Artwork Conservation Lead. Photo courtesy of ArtsWA, by Dale Lang.
Conservation Lead for Central & Eastern Washington

Our Central and Eastern Washington Conservation Lead will focus on the care of diverse artworks that range from small works on paper to large-scale sculpture, with a focus on those in Central and Eastern Washington.
Secondhand Geology is a 2017 artwork by Ball-Nogues Studio at Central Washington University. It is among those that will be cared for by our Central and Eastern Washington Conservation Lead. Photo courtesy of the artists.
Top: MusicWorks4Veterans is a member of the WAM cohort. Veteran and MW4V project manager John Selzer has been using the power of music to bring music to veterans being treated at VA locations and veteran residential facilities in the state of Washington.

Middle: James Madison’s Family (2021) was recently installed at Edmonds College. It is among the artworks that will be cared for by our 3-D and Integrated Artwork Conservation Lead. Photo courtesy of ArtsWA, by Dale Lang.

Bottom: Secondhand Geology is a 2017 artwork by Ball-Nogues Studio at Central Washington University. It is among those that will be cared for by our Central and Eastern Washington Conservation Lead. Photo courtesy of the artists.
News and Updates
Creative Districts: Moses Lake certified, capital grants approved

Washington’s newest Creative District is Moses Lake. Following the unanimous vote by the ArtsWA Board of Commissioners on April 13, Moses Lake became the twelfth city in the state to earn this coveted designation.

Nestled in the heart of Grant County, the city of Moses Lake is home to over 25,000 residents. It is a multicultural recreation destination with an historic and vibrant downtown. Its creatives draw inspiration from the unique landscape of Eastern Washington. The Creative District will highlight their work and will give residents and visitors the opportunity to experience Moses Lake’s rich culture.

On April 13, the Board approved capital project grants for eleven Creative Districts, totaling $174,527.28. The grants will be used by the districts on projects such as signage, murals, and streetscape improvements that will highlight and beautify their districts. Projects are to be completed by June 30, 2023.
Arts in Education: Washington Youth Arts Leadership Program launches

The Washington Youth Arts Leadership (WAYAL) Program is a yearly cohort of youth and young adults (ages 16-19) from across Washington State. WAYAL leaders work with the Arts in Education (AIE) team at ArtsWA to communicate the important role of arts education in their communities. Young artists in the program explore arts and arts administration careers with mentors in the field.

Applications to the WAYAL Program must be submitted through the online application platform, Submittable. ArtsWA will accept applications in Submittable through May 31, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. Click here to learn more and apply.
Welcome: meet ArtsWA's newest teammates
Fiscal Analyst: Kristy Keely

Kristy Keely has a variety of experience in private and non-profit fiscal operations and has been a co-founder of multiple cooperative businesses around the South Sound. Before discovering her love of finances, she spent her free time organizing community events and performing as an aerial artist and a musician. She is excited to join her love of the arts with her love of numbers.
Kristy Keely, Fiscal Analyst
Program Coordinator, Art in Public Places: Michelle Avitia

Michelle Avitia joined ArtsWA in April as the Arts in Public Places Program Coordinator. Her work requires close attention to detail and clear communication skills, two strengths she attributes to her background as a writer and editor. She holds a B.A. from San Jose State University in English and Professional Technical Writing.
Michelle Aviata, Art in Public Places Program Coordinator
Mark your calendar
April 30: Lacey Vet Con
Join ArtsWA at the Lacey Vet Con on April 30 from 3:00 p.m. -6:00 p.m. for a day of comics for Veterans. Military families and community members are welcome. Learn more here.
May 2: Applications due for Heritage Arts Apprenticeship Program
The Heritage Arts Apprenticeship Program (HAAP) helps artisans to learn a traditional trade, craft, or skill. Learn more and apply here.
May 2: Nominations open for 2022 Governor's Arts & Heritage Awards
Nominations for the 2022 Governor's Arts & Heritage Awards will open on May 2. Watch last year's presentation here.
In case you missed it
National Poetry Month

April is National Poetry Month, a celebration of poetry introduced in 1996.

Throughout April, we've featured works from Washington's State Art Collection that highlight their special relationships to poetry and words.
Untitled for Sor Juana, 2000. By Rupert García
Rites of Green: Foodways

The Spring 2022 issue of Rites of Green is dedicated to foodways. Explore the stories and flavors at the link below.

Rites of Green is curated by the Center for Washington Cultural Traditions' director Langston Collin Wilkins.
Kings Donuts welcome sign by Kelli Faryar
New video: Arts Integration

Looking to understand arts integration? Dive into this new video for an animated tour!
Pictured (top): Untitled for Sor Juana (2000) by Rupert García