Seattle U Professor Appointed to Washington State Arts Commission

Jasmine Mahmoud, PhD, assistant professor of Performing Arts & Arts Leadership in the College of Arts and Sciences, has been appointed a Washington State Arts Commissioner by Gov. Jay Inslee.

In her career as a performance historian, Mahmoud focuses on the intersection of racial equity and cultural policy in the Pacific Northwest arts sector. Mahmoud is an active member of the Seattle arts community, working both as a TeenTix mentor and teaching artist, as well as sitting on the boards of the Intiman Theatre and On the Boards. Additionally, she also serves on the 2020-2021 4Culture COVID-19 Relief Taskforce.

“I am very honored to be appointed by Gov. Inslee as a Washington State Arts Commissioner,” says Mahmoud. “At Seattle University, I research and teach about contemporary arts, racial equity and public policy. I am excited to bring this expertise to the commission, which does needed work around arts education, cultural districts, public art and—especially now amid this pandemic—grants for arts organizations.”

Dr. Kelvin Frank of Pacific Northwest Tribal Governments and Catherine Nueva España, executive director of Velocity Dance Center in Seattle, were also appointed by the governor to the commission in an announcement on Sept. 30.

“These three Washingtonians have proven track records of dedication to preserving arts and culture in the state and nurturing diverse artistic voices, helping them to flourish,” Inslee said. "I have no doubt their experiences will add tremendous value to the commission and I look forward to working with them to continue supporting Washington’s artistic community.”

“Jasmine, Catherine and Kelvin bring a wealth of experience and passion for the arts,” said Karen Hanan, executive director of the Commission. “Their expertise will add much to an already strong board as we work to nurture our state’s important creative economy.”

All three were appointed to terms ending in July 2023.