News

Curious what’s happening in arts and culture? Read all about it. Here you’ll find announcements of new calls for artists, grant awards, photos of public art installations, links to local media coverage of creatives and the creative economy, plus relevant regional and national news related to arts and culture.

SA Official
News
Installation underway on new Spokane Arts programs for aspiring muralists!

Spokane Arts created three new mural programs this year to increase opportunities for less experienced
artists to connect with public art projects, learn from experienced muralists, and gain valuable skills.
Installation is underway now on a variety of these projects, putting local artists to work on murals large
and small. Mural apprentices are working alongside experienced muralists on large scale court mural
projects, and a mural workshop and mini-mural projects are creating first mural opportunities for a wide
range of artists.
SA Official
News
Spokane Public Library selects art for permanent collection

The Library commissioned three sculptures and purchased portable artwork for new libraries in accordance with the City of Spokane’s public art policy, requiring one percent of the construction budget be dedicated to public art. The artwork is one component of a much larger project, a $77 million, voter-approved bond to remodel four existing libraries and build three new ones. In commissioning artwork, Spokane Public Library aims to create a friendly, engaging atmosphere for visitors of all ages and backgrounds. Each sculpture is site-specific, meaning it was designed specifically for the Library location where it will be installed, using input from the Library staff and board members, building architects, construction team, city arts commissioners, and more.
SA Official
News
In the Neighborhood poetry film

Celebrating National Poetry Month through poetry from local community members! In honor of National Poetry Month (happening now), Spokane Arts commissioned a short video featuring eight community members reading their poems from the “In the Neighborhood” project. “In the Neighborhood” is a community-based project created by Spokane Poet Laureate Chris Cook and Spokane Arts to collect and share poetry exploring Spokane neighborhoods. Written by area residents past and present, of all ages and experience levels, the poems here each showcase unique perspectives on our city. Together they do one magical thing: share the many stories of our neighborhoods! All the poems shared by community members to date can be found at www.spokanepoetry.com, and for those who haven’t had a chance to participate yet, there’s a link on the website to share a poem.
SA Official
News
Spokane Arts grants Operational Support Grants to local cultural organizations

Spokane Arts was able to fund five cultural organizations with a dispensation from the City of Spokane earmarked for the support of cultural groups. This set of grants was awarded by a separate selection panel, composed of Spokane Arts Commissioners, who made their choices independently from the SAGA process. These five organizations have received grants to support their general operations and events in 2021-22.
SA Official
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Artist Jiemei Lin beginning work on new mural downtown!

Spokane Arts is excited to announce the installation of a new mural by artist Jiemei Lin as part of the Alleyways Mural project in downtown Spokane! The mural will be located on the 100 North block alley between Howard and Wall Streets in downtown Spokane. Pullman, Washington-based artist Jiemei Lin was selected following an open call for artists this spring by a selection panel consisting of Arts Commissioners, and community and project representatives. The mural design, which features two panels each with a child swimming in a pool, is meant to celebrate our shared global connections.
SA Official
News
Outdoor court mural artists announced

Tiffany Patterson, Joshua Martel, and Nick Goettling have been selected as the three individual artists to install outdoor basketball court murals on Spokane Parks basketball courts in Peaceful Valley, Chief Garry Park, and Thornton Murphy Park. The murals are part of a Hooptown USA project revitalizing courts throughout the region, made possible with support from MultiCare Regional Health System and Spokane Arts. The court murals are a celebration of the strength of both our local arts and sports communities. Together the mission is to establish a mosaic of art and basketball throughout the region to inspire and encourage inclusivity, ultimately building healthier communities.