press release
Press Contact: (206) 263-1588
Afua Kouyaté and Alina Santillán join 4Culture’s Board of Directors
Summary
The 4Culture staff and board are proud to welcome Afua Kouyaté and Santillán to the Board of Directors. 4Culture is King County’s cultural funding and commissioning agency supported by Lodging Taxes and the 1% for Art ordinance. A 15-member Board of Directors is the governing body of 4Culture, with individuals representing the cultural, geographic, and ethnic diversity of King County. Santillán was appointed on February 15, 2002. And Kouyaté was appointed on February 22, 2022.Afua Kouyaté
Afua Kouyaté is a teaching and performing artist specializing in cultural arts leadership, emphasizing therapeutic engagement. As the Executive Director of Adefua Cultural Education Workshop, she is viewed as one of Seattle’s treasures, a leader in the cultural arts sector, and dedicated to the community. Afua is renowned for building educational pathways for youth and families for African cultural experiences. Afua presents a full year of programming in the of study of arts, history, and culture.
“Afua is such a bright light, she has made a deep and vital commitment to the arts over the years, especially in South King County. I am excited to have her as 4Culture’s District 2 representative.” King County Councilmember Girmay Sahilay
Alina Santillan
Alina Santillán currently serves as the Director of Seattle Arts & Culture for Anti-Racism, a coalition of arts and culture organizations engaged in racial equity and anti-racism work. With more than a decade of work in the non-profit sector, Alina understands the complexities of non-profit structures, especially within the arts and culture world. He brings critical analysis and understanding of anti-racism, intersectionality, privilege, power and transformative culture change work. He works as an independent consultant with women of color who offer equity and community-focused strategic fundraising expertise. He is also a Commissioner for the Seattle Community Police Commission, a Board member for Seattle Works and a member of the King County Equity Cabinet. Santillán represents King County District 4.
“Alina’s understanding of the cultural sector and background in collaborative anti-racist work will be a valuable resource to 4Culture as the agency continues to address inequities in cultural funding practices. Alina brings important experience and knowledge to the 4Culture board that will benefit King County, and I am pleased to see him in this role.” King County Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles