WHO WE ARE

Our history: In 1983, ArtsEd Washington began its work as the Washington Alliance for Arts Education, led by the John F. Kennedy Center as part of a nati program called the Kennedy Center Alliances for Arts Education. For many years, these organizations were advocating in almost every US state, but in the early 2000s when the Kennedy Center was no longer able to fund the nationwide network, many of our sister organizations were forced to fold or reinvent themselves. Fortunately, ArtsEd Washington has persisted. Today, ArtsEd Washington is the coordinating backbone of the state’s arts education ecosystem—linking local practice with
statewide policy to ensure every student has access to high-quality arts learning.

Our grassroots, behind-the-scenes network transforms individual efforts into a cohesive statewide movement for equitable, sustainable arts learning. By collaborating with school leaders, providing professional development, and leading advocacy efforts, we are creating a future where all K-12 students experience the academic and lifelong benefits of arts education.

Our invitation: We hope you’ll join us— as a Board Member, Community Ambassador, Project-based Volunteer, or financial supporter!
These roles
all include remote and/or hybrid opportunities, and are all critical to supporting students throughout the state.

2024-2025 Board of Directors


Top row: Board President Courtney D. Clark, Seattle; Board Vice President Ei Souza, Vancouver; Board Member Ellicia Elliott, Richland
Middle row: Board Treasurer Amanda Jackson-Mott, Twisp; Board Member Nicole O'Connor, Yakima; Board Member Chris Berry, Bothell
Bottom row: Board Member Amberlee Joers, Seattle; Executive Director Miranda Leigh Hein, Spokane (ex-officio)

2025-2026 Board of Directors


Board President Courtney D. Clark, Seattle; Board Vice President Ellicia Elliott, Richland; Board Treasurer Amanda Jackson-Mott, Twisp; 
 Board Secretary May Morgan, Buckley; Board Member Chris Berry, Bothell; Board Member Ryan Lancaster, Spokane;
Board Member Alex Knight, Edmonds; Executive Director Miranda Leigh Hein, Spokane (ex-officio)

AEW STAFF & Contractors

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Miranda Leigh Hein

OPERATIONS MANAGER
Mel Clark

ACCOUNTANT—Rosie Minier, Briarlocke Accounting, LLC
DEVELOPMENT—Tonya Winski, Collaborative Partners Initiative
PROGRAM CONTRACTORS—Seasonal by program

Thank you to our Longtime sponsors!