Advocacy is a core value at NCW Arts, and we are proud to once again lead our district’s participation in Arts, Heritage, and Science (AHS) Week in Olympia in February. This annual gathering brings together arts, heritage, and science leaders, along with cultural professionals from across Washington, to collectively champion the role these sectors play in vibrant, healthy communities.

AHS Week is organized by our partners at Inspire Washington, the Washington Museum Association, the Washington State Historical Society, ArtsWA, and ArtsEd Washington. Registration is now open.

Arts, Heritage, and Science Week 2026
Virtual: February 2–6, 2026
In Person (Olympia): February 4, 2026

AHS Week offers a meaningful opportunity to connect directly with state legislators and to thank them for their support, sharing local stories, and elevating the impact of arts, heritage, and science in our communities, schools, and cultural spaces statewide. Showing up matters. When advocates gather from every corner of Washington, legislators better understand who we are and why sustained investment in these sectors is essential.

With newly elected legislators and shifts in committee leadership, 2026 is a particularly important year to participate, whether in Olympia or virtually.

2026 Arts Advocacy Priorities

From ArtsWA:

• Equitable Creative District Funding – Capital Projects: $384,000 annual capital request (not funded in the Governor’s FY27 budget)
• Equitable Creative District Funding – Certification Grants: $30,000 annual operating request (not funded in the Governor’s FY27 budget)
• Maintain CRM with System Administrator: $133,976 annual operating request (fully funded)
• Maintain Administrative and Operational Stability: $83,000 annual operating request (fully funded)
• The Governor’s proposed budget includes $600,000 in cuts to ArtsWA grant funding, which would significantly reduce support for statewide creative programs and partnerships.

From Humanities Washington:

• Prime Time Family Reading Program: A free literacy program for children ages 6–10, delivered in partnership with public libraries and elementary schools.
  • Request: $500,000 to maintain the program statewide.

NCW Arts is honored to advocate alongside our peers and partners. Together, our collective voices help ensure that arts continue to thrive across Washington State.

If you would like more information about specific bills that are being considered this legislative session as well as the status of previous legislation please visit: www.inspirationleague.org.  While you’re there, you can also sign up for Advocacy Action Alerts which provide you with real-time information when your voice is needed the most.