Dr. Percival Appointed Executive Director of ArtsWA

Every factual claim below was checked against the original public record. Source: original document ↗

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  Governor Bob Ferguson announced the appointment of Dr. Rebekah Tabah Percival as executive director of the Washington State Arts Commission (ArtsWA) on July 7, 2026“July 07, 2026 Story Body 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.”
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  Dr. Percival began her new role this week“She started her new position this week.”
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  Dr. Percival previously served as Assistant Director and Vice President of Library, Archives, Collections, Exhibits, & Education at the Arizona Historical Society“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.”
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  She holds a bachelor’s in photography from Northern Arizona University“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.”
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  She holds a master’s in photographic preservation from Ryerson University“She 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.”
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  She holds a Ph. D. in public history from Arizona State University“She 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.”
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  The ArtsWA mission is to promote the public value of arts and advance their role in communities“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.”
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  Governor Ferguson praised Dr. Percival’s commitment to equitable access to the arts““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.”
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  Former Executive Director Karen Hanan retired after 12 years“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.”
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  During her 12 years, Karen Hanan expanded programs like Tribal Cultural Affairs and Wellness, Arts, and the Military“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.”