By Manny Cawaling / Inspire Washington
Winter in the Pacific Northwest has a way of slowing us down. The days are short, the rain feels endless, and it’s easy to convince yourself that staying home is the best option. I feel that pull too. Even after years of working in arts and culture, there are evenings when going out feels like more effort than it’s worth. But time and again, when I do step out to see a performance, walk into a gallery, or spend time in a cultural space, here’s what I’ve learned: once I’ve left the house, I’m always glad I did.
That’s exactly why Inspire Washington and Amazon came together to launch “Discover What Moves You.” This initiative didn’t come together overnight. It’s been shaped by years of conversation and listening to artists, cultural organizations, and community members across our region. We heard similar things repeatedly: incredible work is happening year-round, but winter can make it harder for people to take that first step. Discover grew out of a desire to offer a gentle invitation to reconnect with the science, heritage, arts opportunities that already surround us, from Seattle to Bellevue and beyond. Our region’s exceptional cultural programming is a launching pad for your curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking while connecting you to community.
One of the most important aspects of Discover is the way it centers Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) cultural organizations and artists. These organizations are essential to our region’s cultural fabric; they preserve language, history, and traditions while creating space for new stories and contemporary expression. They’re places where multiple generations come together, where people see themselves reflected, and where community is actively built. My personal understanding of being Filipino American wasn’t just shaped by my family but also by the incredible cultural work of our local cultural organizations.
Yet too often, this work remains under-recognized. When AANHPI cultural organizations are highlighted and celebrated, it sends a powerful message about belonging and value. Discover helps lift up that work, not by defining it, but by amplifying what has already been created and inviting more people to experience it firsthand.
There are many exciting programs coming up. You deserve a day off from troubling news articles, the burdens of work, household chores, and your addiction to streaming. But perhaps you’ll be more energized after experiencing some cultural inspiration. Get off your phone, out of your house and discover what moves you!
In the Chinese zodiac, 2026 is the year of the fire horse. I was really excited about Wing Luke’s annual Lunar New Year Family Fair over the weekend on January 31st. I started the day with a special Lion Dance Blessing performed by Mak Fai Kung Fu Dragon & Lion Dance Association.
Then I checked out their refreshed KidPLACE exhibit, New Years All Year Round followed by games and fun activities in their community hall. While there, I took a stroll through their many galleries to catch up on recent exhibits before wrapping up with a delicious meal and shopping. If you missed the kickoff event, don’t worry. Most of this will be up through the rest of winter.
At its core, Discover What Moves You is about access. This initiative wouldn’t be possible without our partnership with Amazon. Through a thoughtful investment in 18 organizations across the greater Seattle area, Amazon is helping to celebrate and strengthen our region’s entire cultural ecosystem — from neighborhood galleries and community theaters to the hundreds of artists and cultural centers that make our region culturally rich. Community partnerships like this help remove practical barriers that might otherwise keep people from engaging, whether that means reducing costs, increasing visibility, or simply making a cultural experience feel more accessible and welcoming.
When we started discussing this project with Amazon, their questions went beyond one-time events or short-term visibility—they wanted to understand how to support these organizations year-round. That’s when I knew we had the right partner.
As Taylor Hoang, Senior Manager for Community Engagement at Amazon, shared, “When we started talking with Inspire Washington about the winter attendance slump many arts organizations face, it became clear there was an opportunity to help people stay connected to arts and culture. Working together, we shaped this initiative to make it easier for people to connect with what’s in their own backyard, from free events to family-friendly programs and beyond. At Amazon, we know that being a good neighbor means supporting the organizations that make the Puget Sound a great place to live, work, and build community, and this collaboration is one way we’re proud to do that.”
Discovery might mean attending a performance after work, bringing your kids to an interactive exhibit or visiting that museum you’ve been meaning to check out. Each experience is different, but they help strengthen our sense of place and connection. At Inspire Washington, our mission is to nurture the human spirit and strengthen communities by increasing access to arts, science, and heritage experiences. “Discover What Moves You” is one expression of that work.
As winter continues, my hope is that people follow that small spark of curiosity that tells them to step outside and reconnect with what moves them. Visit Discoverwhatmovesyou.com to explore what’s happening in the Seattle and Eastside areas. Our region’s cultural community is vibrant, welcoming, and full of possibilities. I promise you this: once you’ve left the house, you’ll be glad you did.
