Empowering the Arts in Ellensburg
The Ellensburg Arts & Cultural Alliance (EACA) is an alliance of organizations and individuals dedicated to advancing the arts and culture through community collaboration.
We are committed to helping drive a strong creative economy by expanding artistic opportunities for all in the region.
About the Ellensburg Arts & Culture Alliance
The Alliance is dedicated to enriching the lives of Ellensburg residents through the arts.
We collaborate with local artists, non-profit organizations, and community members to foster creativity and cultural expression.
Our vision is to enhance community resilience by uplifting diverse artistic endeavors.
2026-2027 Board of Directors:
- President: Christina Barrigan, CWU Department of Theatre and Film
- Vice President: Jessica Solberg Black, Valley Theatre Company
- Secretary: Teresa Chanes, Ellensburg Downtown Association
- Treasurer: Don Solberg, Laughing Horse Arts Foundation
- Directors: Matt Anderson, Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce; Alexis Andrews, CWU; Alex Eyre, Ellensburg Arts Commission; Rachel Kirk, Assistant Dean, CWU College of Arts and Humanities; Angela Soffe, Glow Box Productions; Andrew Spencer, Musician & Orchestra Conductor
2023
Year Founded as a Non-Profit 501c3 Organization
15+
Community Partners
350+
Individuals have dedicated time, leadership,
and input to our mission
Partner Organizations
The Alliance includes:
- City of Ellensburg
- Ellensburg Arts Commission
- Ellensburg Downtown Association
- Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce
- Laughing Horse Arts Foundation
- Valley Theatre Company
- CWU Theatre & Film Departments
- Ellensburg Music Festival
- Ellensburg Dance Ensemble
- CWU Administration & Small Business Development
- Gallery One
- Nuwave Gallery
- Make Music Ellensburg
- and individual artists in the community
Ellensburg Creative District
In February 2024, Ellensburg received a unanimous vote by the ArtsWA Board of Commissioners, becoming a designated Certified Creative District in Washington state. The road to certification began in 2021 with several community organizations collaborating to develop the Creative Industry Strategic Plan that will support the arts and establish Ellensburg as a place where artists can live, work, and thrive.
The benefits of being a Certified Creative District for Ellensburg will help promote our creative community throughout the state, increase opportunities for living-wage jobs within the creative sector, boost tourism, attract artists, start-ups, and creative businesses, create opportunities for affordable housing within the industry, and enhance the overall quality of life in Ellensburg through the arts.
The Ellensburg Arts & Cultural Alliance is the non-profit advising arm of the the Creative District, and this website will host additional information and activities for Ellensburg's Creative District.
Promoting the Arts
In 2025, Ellensburg Arts & Cultural Alliance hosted “Ignite the Arts” on Independence Day. This a la carte event was an unforgettable day of music, art, film, and fun and offered a lineup designed to bring people together to enjoy the local artistic creativity and celebrate community in Unity Park.
“Ignite the Arts is opportunity to celebrate the community through the arts.” said Kelle Vandenberg, Arts and Economic Development Manager for the City of Ellensburg.
Equipping Artists to Thrive
In April 2025, EACA held it's first grant-writing workshop for local small non-profits and individual artists. With over 20 in attendance it definitely fit a need in our community. In partnership with the Ellensburg Creative District Steering Committee, we are planning additional workshops for grants, and for artist entreprenuers.
Connecting with Local Artists and Fostering Partnerships
In 2026, we are exploring ways that EACA can help facilitate:
- Connecting artists, organizations, and local businesses with college interns from CWU looking for experience in the creative economy.
- Creating a local artist directory - If you are looking for a local band for an event, artists that create commissions, places that offer classes or instruction in the arts, EACA is exploring options to create that hub.
Contact Us
We're a volunteer organization, if you would like to get involved or find out more about the work we do, send us a note below. One of the board members will get back to you!
Get in touch
E-mail: info@artsinellensburg.org
Address: PO Box 44, Ellensburg, WA 98926