Olympia Mayor Dontae Payne discusses the arts
Originally published on The JOLT News on July 8, 2026
Our vibrant and consistent stream of artistic events taking place in Olympia, including the Vox Olympia concert this Saturday, would not be able to flow as steadily without the support of our local government, which deserves more applause than often given.
What an honor it was to speak with Mayor Dontae Payne, whose support of diversity, arts, culture and heritage shows he is not just leading the community, he is part of it!
Our conversation
Benton: Earlier, you told me that you were a drama student from sixth thru 12th grade. What was something the arts taught you that has remained with you, especially now as a mayor?
Payne: “There is diversity within the arts, not just the different mediums or types of art, but also reflecting diversity in the art itself. That was one of the things that was very clear to me in the performing arts early on, is that it is an opportunity to represent someone or something else.
“Being able to do that in a way that tells the audience different stories about different kinds of people is something that I think is really important about the arts.
"In my role as mayor, I certainly use that lens of what it means to be a diverse community with people with different lived experiences and backgrounds. I definitely see that connection from my time in the performing arts.”
Benton: Thinking about our quirky little corner of the world, I know that there are some people who live here, but do not always jive with that. I’m curious, have you come across any sort of resistance to the arts and how did you respond to it?
Payne: “I can’t say that I recall a particular moment where there was opposition to the arts. I’m sure it might be out there somewhere, but I find that the vast majority of this community, regardless of where they come from or what their beliefs are, appreciate the arts. It’s part of what makes this city beautiful."
Payne described the city’s municipal art plan, which includes projects, such as the Rebecca Howard Park concept plan, the Olympia Armory (which is being renamed the Daley Arts Center), Yashiro Japanese Garden relocation, Percival Plinth Project, Inspire Olympia Grant, and the recent installation “Həʔapus sqʷəbay: Mother of Restoration” monumental cedar wood carved statue by Andrea Wilbur-Sigo.
Benton: Personally, I listen to music consistently and find that it gives me momentum and motivation. What types of music do you enjoy listening to everyday? What music keeps you going?
Payne: “I really enjoy pretty much all types of music, it depends on the day. My playlist crosses genres like you wouldn’t believe! I definitely appreciate Hip-Hop, Pop, R&B because there is always something in those genres that will capture a moment and whatever it is that you are feeling.
“For a Hip-Hop artist, Jay Z is my go to. For Pop or R&B, of course his wife Beyonce. I’m a black man, a gay black man, and so she’s always always reigning Queen for me! I appreciate Gaga, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, orchestral music and film soundtracks, and the occasional country song as well! Oh, and I love horror movies, ‘Halloween’ is my favorite franchise.
“I love dancing! Dancing is my jam! It doesn’t matter what emotion I’m feeling, I can always move! Dancing gets me centered because you can dance through anything and it makes you feel so much better! I know that sounds corny, but it’s really the truth!
“I can recall when my mother passed away dancing with my family after the service. It doesn’t matter what occurs, there's something about moving your body to music that is just really inspiring and helpful!
“I love Michael Jackson. With my daughter, everything is Michael Jackson these days because of the movie. She liked him before, but now that the movie has come out, it is Michael Jackson every day. Speaking of an artist filled with creativity, there you go!”
Benton: Is there anything else you would like to share with JOLT readers?
Payne: “The arts really are what makes Olympia, Olympia. We have so many people that find their way here because of their creative talents and what they can offer to our community. That’s something we really appreciate, I certainly appreciate it. It’s a huge honor getting to lead a community like that. I think it is what makes us a welcoming, inclusive community.
“The arts are also really good for our local economy and it is thanks to all of the local artists and folks who appreciate the art who are actually carrying that. They are responsible for making Olympia as economically viable as it is. I appreciate that about us!”
https://www.thejoltnews.com/stories/olympia-mayor-dontae-payne-discusses-the-arts,29887