The King County Council and Executive Dow Constantine have appointed Brian J. Carter as the new Executive Director of 4Culture, King County’s cultural funding and services agency.
Carter was selected at the culmination of a very competitive search process, led by 4Culture’s Board of Directors. According to a press release, three essential criteria guided the selection: a visionary leader with a passion for 4Culture’s evolving mission and role in the region, excellent public affairs and government relations ability, and a deep appreciation and commitment to advancing racial equity and social justice. The selection process incorporated input from staff, board, advisory committees, elected officials, and representatives from the communities 4Culture serves.
Carter has served as Heritage Lead at 4Culture for the past two years, overseeing funding programs and providing technical support to King County’s heritage community. During his tenure, he has advocated for 4Culture to be a catalyst for change and creativity within the cultural sector and implemented an assessment process to understand and respond to the needs of regional heritage organizations.
“Brian has the visionary leadership and thoughtful approach 4Culture needs at this time of transformation for the agency, along with demonstrated public service to the field and an understanding of the public impact arts, heritage, preservation and public art have for our community,” said Heather Trescases, 4Culture Board President
“Before his arrival at 4Culture, Carter held prominent positions in the arts and heritage field, including Deputy Director/Head Curator of the Northwest African American Museum, Museum Director of the Oregon Historical Society, and Director of Interpretation at the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture. He is currently Board President of the Association of African American Museums and is on the board of the Washington Museums Association.
“Brian’s career-long commitment to small and diverse arts, culture and heritage organizations makes him an exceptionally well qualified candidate to become the next Executive Director of 4Culture,” said King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski. “I congratulate him, and am excited to work with him to shape the future of arts and culture for all communities in King County.”
