Episode 3

full
Published on:

29th Jun 2022

Arts, Community, and Wellbeing

In this episode, we look at community from three different perspectives: keeping communities strong during the pandemic, forging healthy communities by preserving cultural traditions, and creating community for Veterans through music-making. We speak with Governor's Arts & Heritage Award honoree Akuyea Karen Vargas and incoming Center for Washington Cultural Traditions Director Thomas Richardson. For the final segment, you’ll hear Gabriella Smith, our Vet Corps Navigator for the Wellness, Arts, and the Military Program, speak with John Selzler, founder of MusicWorks4Veterans.

Note on content: in our conversation with Akuyea, she shares a story in which she quotes a racial slur that was directed at a member of her family.

Akuyea Karen Vargas: Akuyea Karen Vargas is a 2021 Governor's Arts & Heritage Luminary Award honoree based on Bainbridge Island. Click here to learn about ERACE (and here to learn about the Kitsap ERACE Coalition) and click here to learn about the Living Arts Cultural Heritage project. Contact Kitsap ERACE at KitsapERACEcoalition@gmail.com.

Thomas Richardson: Thomas is the incoming director of the Center for Washington Cultural Traditions (CWCT). Click here to learn more about the CWCT.

John Selzler: John is an Army and Air Force Veteran, a musician and songwriter, and the founder of MusicWorks4Veterans. Click here to learn more about MusicWorks4Veterans.

Music: Icelandic Arpeggios – DivKid / Beyond – Patrick Patrikios

Next Episode All Episodes Previous Episode

Listen for free

Show artwork for Creative State

About the Podcast

Creative State
The official podcast of the Washington State Arts Commission
Creative State is the official podcast of ArtsWA, the Washington State Arts Commission. Episodes feature interviews with voices from arts, culture, and heritage from across the state.

About your host

Profile picture for ArtsWA the Washington State Arts Commission

ArtsWA the Washington State Arts Commission

ArtsWA is the Washington State Arts Commission. We are a state agency, formed by the Washington State Legislature in 1961. Our mission is to nurture and support the role of the arts in the lives of all Washingtonians.

ArtsWA values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe in diverse forms of artistic expression. The arts amplify voices across all populations. Access to arts and arts education should be available for everyone. The arts can and should address inequities, model inclusion, and teach empathy.