Staff Spotlight: Catie-Reagan King, Marketing Consultant

Catie-Reagan King brings both creative insight and community passion to her work as CultureWorks’ Marketing Consultant. A familiar face in Richmond’s community theatre scene, she blends her background as an actor with her expertise in storytelling and strategy to help amplify the voices of local artists and organizations. Whether she’s crafting content for artoberVA or highlighting the vibrant creativity across the region, Catie-Reagan is dedicated to ensuring the arts remain visible, accessible, and celebrated. In this spotlight, we get to know the person behind the messaging and the artist behind the scenes.

CULTUREWORKS: WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT CULTUREWORKS, AND WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?

Catie-Reagan: I first joined CultureWorks as a contractor to support strategic planning for artoberVA 2024, and I’ve stayed on to continue helping with marketing and communications efforts. Every day looks a little different, but much of my work centers on collaborating with Calie on all things artoberVA and programming (planning content, highlighting upcoming events, and finding meaningful ways to spotlight the incredible arts and culture organizations across the region). It’s a dynamic role that lets me stay connected to the community while helping amplify the creativity happening throughout Richmond and the Tri-Cities.

CULTUREWORKS: WHAT DREW YOU TO THIS POSITION AND TO WORKING IN THE ARTS AND CULTURAL SECTOR?

Catie-Reagan: I was drawn to this position, and to the arts and cultural sector as a whole, because I believe deeply in the power of creativity to shape communities. As someone who has always been connected to the arts, both professionally and personally, I’m inspired by the way artistic expression can open dialogue, foster belonging, and spark meaningful change. CultureWorks’ mission to support a vibrant and accessible arts ecosystem resonated with me immediately. The opportunity to help uplift local artists, amplify community voices, and contribute to a more connected and creative region is exactly the kind of work that motivates me.

CULTUREWORKS: WHAT PART OF CULTUREWORKS’ MISSION RESONATES MOST WITH YOU PERSONALLY?

Catie-Reagan: The part of CultureWorks’ mission that resonates most with me is the commitment to accessibility. I deeply believe that the arts should be available to everyone regardless of background, resources, or experience, and CultureWorks’ focus on removing barriers and expanding access is something I’m truly passionate about. When people can participate in and experience the arts fully, it strengthens communities, sparks new perspectives, and creates space for connection and belonging. That vision of inclusive, community-centered creativity is what inspires me most.

CULTUREWORKS: HOW DO YOU SEE ART AND CULTURE MAKING AN IMPACT IN OUR REGION RIGHT NOW?

Catie-Reagan: Right now, I see art and culture bringing people together and giving our region a real sense of energy and connection. Whether it’s a local festival, a community theatre production, or a pop-up gallery show, creative spaces are helping neighbors meet each other, share stories, and feel proud of where they live. Artists are also helping us make sense of what’s happening in the world and sparking important conversations. There’s a growing momentum in Richmond and the Tri-Cities, and it feels like creativity is at the heart of it, shaping how we connect, how we celebrate, and how we imagine our future.

CULTUREWORKS: WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU WISH MORE PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT THE CREATIVE COMMUNITY HERE?

Catie-Reagan: I wish more people knew just how welcoming and collaborative the creative community here really is. There’s this perception that you have to already “be an artist” to get involved, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. People in Richmond and the Tri-Cities are constantly lifting each other up, sharing resources, cheering on new voices, and creating spaces where anyone can participate. It’s a community that genuinely wants you to show up, explore, and be part of the creativity happening here.

CULTUREWORKS: IF YOU COULD TAKE THE WHOLE TEAM TO ONE LOCAL CULTURAL EVENT OR SPOT, WHERE WOULD YOU CHOOSE AND WHY?

Catie-Reagan: I’d take the team to a community theatre show. Richmond’s community theatre scene is full of heart, talent, and storytelling that brings people together, and there’s something special about experiencing that creativity up close. It’s a great way to support local artists, spark conversation, and share an evening that’s both entertaining and inspiring. Plus, nothing builds connection quite like live theatre.

CULTUREWORKS: IF YOU COULD LEARN ANY NEW CREATIVE SKILL, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Catie-Reagan: If I could learn any new creative skill, I’d choose glassblowing and glasswork. There’s something mesmerizing about the combination of heat, movement, color, and precision. Watching molten glass transform into something beautiful and intentional feels like witnessing magic in real time. I’d love to learn the craft, understand the techniques, and explore how this art form blends creativity with technical skill.