The Daily World
Moclips resident Dr. Kelvin Frank was appointed to the Washington State Arts Commission by Gov. Jay Inslee on Wednesday.
Frank has 25 years of experience working on community development and planning for Pacific Northwest tribal governments, according to the Governor’s Office announcement.
“Frank is a member of the Chippewa Cree Tribe in Montana and has dedicated the majority of his professional career to the preservation and celebration of Native American art and traditions,” read the announcement. He has served as professor and researcher at Eastern Washington University.
Frank was one of three commissioners appointed Wednesday. Their terms will end July 2023.
Also appointed to the commission was Jasmine Mahmoud, an assistant professor in the Department of Performing Arts and Arts Leadership at Seattle University. In her career as a performance historian, Mahmoud focuses on the intersection of racial equity and cultural policy in the Pacific Northwest arts sector, read the announcement. Mahmoud works both as a TeenTix mentor and teaching artist and is on the boards of the Intiman Theatre and On the Boards.
Catherine Nueva España, the third appointment to the commission, is executive director of Velocity Dance Center in Seattle. España serves as a grants panelist for ArtsWA and facilitator for the Seattle Office of Arts and Culture. She also serves on the board of Khambatta Dance Company and is a King Street Station Advisor.
“These three Washingtonians have proven track records of dedication to preserving arts and culture in the state and nurturing diverse artistic voices, helping them to flourish,” Inslee said. “I have no doubt their experiences will add tremendous value to the Commission, and I look forward to working with them to continue supporting Washington’s artistic community.”
“Jasmine, Catherine and Kelvin bring a wealth of experience and passion for the arts,” said Karen Hanan, executive director of the Commission. “Their expertise will add much to an already strong board as we work to nurture our state’s important creative economy.”
