WHO WE ARE

Our history: Since 1983, ArtsEd Washington has been advocating for equitable arts education in Washington’s education system. The organization was formed as part of a national program led by the John F. Kennedy Center called the Kennedy Center Alliances for Arts Education. Originally there were organizations like AEW in almost every US state, but in the '90s when the Kennedy Center was no longer able to fund the nationwide network, many of our sister organizations in other states were not able to continue. Fortunately, AEW persisted. In addition to advocating directly with decision makers, our team now also utilizes a combination of digital communications and statewide travel to connect with school programs throughout the state!

As a grassroots non-profit organization, we are dedicated to making arts education a meaningful part of the K-12 educational experience for every student in Washington State. Although we have experienced many organizational and societal changes over the last 40 years, our overarching mission remains the same. We work to ensure all students Washington State have an equitable arts education regardless of socio-economic status, school location, race, gender, disability, or any protected class. Equitable, high-quality, sequential arts learning keeps students engaged in school, improves academic success, and ignites the creativity that develops them into leaders in work and in life.

Our invitation: You are invited to join us— as a Board Member, Community Ambassador, Project-based Volunteer, or financial supporter! All these roles are critical to ensuring our ongoing advocacy. To encourage representation throughout Washington, these roles all include remote and/or hybrid opportunities.