Our Story
Four Decades in the Making
Four decades of building relationships, fostering collaboration, and championing the performing arts across the Pacific Northwest
A Brief History of Arts Northwest
From a small Oregon booking conference in 1983 to a seven-state regional network — here is the story of Arts Northwest.
The Founding: Arts Northwest began in 1983 when the Oregon Arts Commission organized the Northwest’s first booking conference. What started as a small Oregon-only event quickly grew as Washington’s State Arts Presenters (SWAP) joined forces, and Idaho came on board as a full partner. The conference became a true regional collaboration, rotating between cities across three states.
Becoming Arts Northwest: In 1994 the organization took a landmark step — voting to bring artists into full membership alongside presenters and agents. The name changed to Arts Northwest to reflect that evolution, mirroring a national trend toward inclusivity across the performing arts field. For the first time, artists, presenters, and managers from all three states sat together on the board of directors.
Today: Today Arts Northwest serves presenters, artists, and agents across seven western states — Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Through our annual conference, professional development opportunities, and the Booking Connection roster, we continue to strengthen the cultural landscape of the Pacific Northwest.
KEY MILESTONES
1983
Oregon Arts Commission launches first Northwest booking conference
1986
SWAP joins Oregon, Idaho added as third partner state
1994
Artists gain full voting membership, name changes to Arts Northwest
2014
Booking Connection launches, replacing Northwest on Tour
Today
Seven states served, growing membership across the West
Executive Directors
Marlene Moore
Jack Aiello
Peter McCracken
Karen Hanen
Sam Calhoun
Kyle LeMaire (Current)
Board Presidents
Tom Tomlinson · Lynne Waring · Eli Ashley · Michael Davidson · Barry Boniface · Steve Coffey · Tom Iovannie · Marilyn Sabella · Tom Olbrich · Rochelle Weas · Ronda Billetbeck · Bill Stephan · Jan Eastman · Brian Johnson · Brad Burdick · Dyni Wahl · Kristine Bretall · Jill Barnes · Laura Forbes · Michelle Fuji · Carey Rayburn (current)
The Story Continues
When you join Arts Northwest, you join four decades of collaboration, advocacy, and artistic vitality. Whether you’re a presenter, artist, or arts organization, membership connects you to the people and opportunities that move the industry forward.