We’re thrilled to welcome new staff member Claire Miccio into a brand new position here at 4Culture—Government and Community Relations Manager.

The role is designed to strengthen our relationships with policymakers at the local, state, and national levels and help ensure that the communities we serve have a voice in how those policies impact arts and culture. Claire brings broad experience and a fresh perspective: before joining us she worked in public policy, consulting on issues like housing, education, public health, and more. She has a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the Evans School of Public Policy and Governance and a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Smith College. At the heart of this impressive background is her love of the legislative process—most of the time!—and her belief that government can and should play a positive role in people’s lives. Claire steps into this new position with an invitation: “Are you a government or community leader looking to connect with 4Culture? Let’s get coffee.”

A note about the photo above: Claire stands in the Third Avenue lobby of the King County Courthouse in Seattle, a building she’ll be spending a lot of time visiting as she collaborates with the King County Executive and Council. On the lobby floor, you can see Truth Crushed to the Earth Will Rise Again, a marble artwork by artist Linda Beaumont. The terrazzo floor is etched with a photo of the March on Washington, celebrating the renaming of King County for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and, quite literally, grounding those entering the courthouse in Dr. King’s ideals. The piece is part of the King County Public Art Collection, which we are proud to steward—this integration of arts, culture, government, and community is a perfect illustration of Claire’s approach to this new position at 4Culture. Let’s get to work!