Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown announces revival of city arts department

Mayor Lisa Brown's announcement to revive Spokane's arts department marks a significant change for the local cultural landscape, which has lacked a dedicated city arts entity for over a decade. The partnership with Spokane Arts aims to bolster the creative economy and support local artists. Skyler Oberst is set to lead the new department, which will absorb some staff from Spokane Arts. The initiative will redistribute existing funds, including a 5% tax on entertainment admissions, to avoid straining the city budget. The next six months will be crucial for determining the specifics of this merger, including impacts on staffing and programming.

Citizens' support may depend on effective management of this transition, especially after a recent tax increase approved by voters for other initiatives. Oberst is optimistic about identifying new funding sources to expand Spokane Arts' mission. This revival reflects a renewed commitment to the arts in Spokane, emphasizing its role in enhancing the local economy and fostering a vibrant cultural community.