Our commitment to racial equity demands that we say this clearly: the status quo is intolerable. The violence perpetrated against George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, Charleena Lyles here in King County, and countless others by law enforcement and the white supremacist systems that disregard Black life cannot stand. As an agency that exists to support creativity in King County, we’re ready to play our role in imagining and building a new reality.

We recognize, too, that we are funded by a government body that also funds law enforcement—we are complicit in this system. We commit to using the power and privilege of our position within King County to push beyond dialogue and towards substantial action and accountability. Our work with the cultural sector is vital to the health of our communities and it is incumbent upon us to center anti-racism in policy and practice. This moment calls us to do more, listen better, and make meaningful impact so that our communities can thrive without fear.

We do not have all the answers—we will only find them together, centering Black voices and committing to long-term change.

In solidarity,
Brian J. Carter, Executive Director