Arts, Heritage & Science Week
Please visit the Washington State Historical Society’s website to register for a day of workshops, tours, and an evening reception for the Kickoff of the 2026 Arts, Heritage and Science Week hosted at the Abigail Stuart House in Olympia.
Location:
Abigail Stuart House
1002 Washington St SE, Olympia WA 98501
February 3rd, 2026
Heritage Capital Projects and Diversity in Local History Grants
10am – 11am
Applications for state grants supporting history work in Washington open in early 2026. In this session, Jay Baersten and Aletheia Wittman will introduce the Heritage Capital Projects and Diversity in Local History programs and share details about updates to the grant guidelines and application process. This session will also provide concrete examples of past successful grant applications to help you develop your own competitive grant project proposal.
Grant Writing 101
11:15am – 12:30pm
Jessica Shaw from the WSHS Philanthropy team will offer tips and tricks for elevating your grant writing game. This session will include specific strategies for organizing information commonly requested in grant applications and crafting compelling narratives to help your applications be more competitive.
New Rules for Collections
1:30pm – 2:15pm
In this workshop the Washington Museum Association will provide an overview of updates to Washington laws pertaining to abandoned property and the transfer of firearms to museum collections. The session will include practical guidance on compliance, timelines, and best practices so staff and volunteers feel confident navigating these new policies.
What’s Next for the New Sales Tax
2:30pm – 3pm
InspireWA and WaMA will share updates about advocacy efforts related to the new sales tax (ESSB 5814). Find out how you can help raise awareness about the impacts this new tax is having on cultural organizations and encourage fixes this legislative session.
Conversation with Representative Steve Tharinger
4:30pm – 5:15pm
For decades, Representative Tharinger (24th District) has championed arts, heritage and science as co-chair of the Heritage Caucus. In conversation with Washington State Historical Society interim director Nick Vann, Rep. Tharinger will reflect on what he sees as the biggest successes for Washington’s cultural sector during his tenure, and share his view of the challenges and opportunities ahead for arts, heritage, and science in our state.
Reception
5:15pm – 7pm
Join the Washington Museum Association, Washington State Historical Society, and InspireWA, for drinks, eats, live music, and mingling with members of the statewide arts and culture sector.
Sip and Chat
7pm – 9pm
ArtsWA staff & Board invites everyone to Uptown Grill to talk arts, culture, and bold visions for the future. No host bar, open to the public.
February 4, 2026
Washington State Capitol
Advocacy Day is a great opportunity to talk with your legislators about statewide arts, heritage, and science issues and local concerns, thank them for their support, and share specific stories and highlights from our work in our communities, schools, and venues statewide.
Visit InspireWA to sign up and participate in the advocacy day.
Find your district
Do you know what district you’re in and who your representatives are? Find out here.