Erin Hut, Communications Director, ehut@spokanecity.org
Monday, April 27, 2026 at 1:12 p.m.
Mayor Brown today announced the reestablishment of the City of Spokane’s arts office, restoring a key resource for local artists, cultural organizations, and creative businesses that had been shuttered under a previous administration.
The move underscores Mayor Brown’s commitment to the creative economy and fulfills a key recommendation made by the mayor’s Enriching Families and Communities transition committee.
“Arts and culture are essential to who we are as a city,” Mayor Lisa Brown said. “Reopening the arts office has been a priority of mine and ensures that the City of Spokane supports the people and organizations that make our community more vibrant and economically resilient.”
The new office will be housed under the City’s Community and Economic Development Division, in the newly renamed Arts, Culture and Historic Preservation Department.
Megan Duvall, who has been with the Historic Preservation Office for 12 years, will step into a new role as director of the office.
Elisabet Edwards has been named the new Community Arts Manager and will lead the office’s arts and culture-related work, including liaising to the Arts Commission, updating Spokane’s municipal arts plan, and working alongside community arts organizations and City contractors to support programming and coordination of public art.
Edwards has served as Mayor Brown’s Arts Liaison for two years and brings 17 years of experience in arts development and administration to the role. Prior to moving to Spokane, Edwards led theater programs across western Washington and has since brought that experience with her to the Lilac City. She has acted, directed, and served as Board President of Stage Left Theater, been involved in various capacities at the Civic Theatre, and currently serves on the board of My Turn Theater, a local theater starring performers with special needs.
“I am honored to take on this role at such an exciting moment for our city. From public art installations to the new creative district, Spokane is celebrating how the arts connect community” Edwards said. “I look forward to working with artists and organizations across Spokane to build something meaningful together.”
“With this appointment of a new Community Arts Manager, Mayor Brown has taken another big step to embrace arts and culture as a tool for driving Spokane's economic growth, quality of life, equity and vibrancy,” said Arts Commission Chair Audrey Overstreet. “Lisa Edwards has experience as both a local arts advocate and a dedicated artist. From her board service, acting and directing at leading award-winning community theaters, to her volunteerism on school parent associations and dance groups, Edwards’ background indicates she is invested and ready to roll up her sleeves on behalf of local creatives and our greater Spokane community.”
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