Governor Ferguson appoints Dr. Rebekah Tabah Percival to serve as ArtsWA Executive Director

OLYMPIA - Today Governor Bob Ferguson announced the appointment of Dr. Rebekah Tabah Percival as executive director of the Washington State Arts Commission (ArtsWA). She started her new position this week.

ArtsWA promotes and documents the public value of the arts. Its mission is to be a catalyst for the arts, advancing the role of the arts in the lives of individuals and communities throughout the state.

Dr. Percival comes to ArtsWA from leadership positions at the Arizona Historical Society, where she served as Assistant Director and Vice President of Library, Archives, Collections, Exhibits, & Education.

"Art is for everyone - our thriving creative community is part of what makes Washington such a great place to live," Governor Ferguson said. "ArtsWA plays an important role in supporting Washington's artists and bringing art to schools and public spaces across our state. Dr. Percival's dedication to equitable access to the arts and fostering cultural understanding will make her a strong leader for ArtsWA."

"I am honored and excited to join ArtsWA and support the artists, cultural organizations, Tribal partners, and communities that make Washington such a vibrant and creative state," said Dr. Percival. "I look forward to working alongside the Commission and staff to strengthen access to the arts, build meaningful partnerships, and continue growing public trust in the agency's important work."

Dr. Percival received a bachelor's in photography from Northern Arizona University, a master's in photographic preservation and collections management from Ryerson University in Toronto and a Ph.D. in public history at Arizona State University. She has worked at various museums, archives, libraries, and galleries in the United States, Canada, and Europe. Outside of work, she enjoys photography, visiting museums and historic places, and exploring nature with her family.

Former Executive Director Karen Hanan recently retired from the agency. Her tenure began in 2014 and was marked by significant growth, including the addition of programs such as Tribal Cultural Affairs and Wellness, Arts, and the Military.

"Leading ArtsWA for the past 12 years has been the greatest honor of my professional life," said Hanan. "Together, we have built a foundation that recognizes the arts as an essential public good - from our tribal and community partnerships to the healing power of art in public places. This success is a testament to the talent of our dedicated staff and the unwavering commitment of our board, who have been vital partners in this journey. As I step away, I am filled with optimism. Dr. Percival's expertise in cultural stewardship and her commitment to community-centered leadership make her the ideal person to champion our creative economy and guide the agency into its next exciting chapter."