RACC’s 2009 “Report to the Community” now available

The Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC) has released its annual report for 2009. The publication, available online at www.racc.org/2009AnnualReport, includes a summary of last year’s activities in service to artists and arts organizations throughout the Portland metropolitan region.

“Despite the many challenges we face as a state and a country, it is reassuring to know that local citizens and elected officials understand the value of arts and culture in our community,” said Carole Morse, RACC’s board chair. “Many people have been working very hard to support the arts in general, and the Regional Arts & Culture Council in particular, and for that we are tremendously grateful.” Among the organization’s highlights in 2009:

• Work for Art, RACC’s workplace giving program, grew by 19%
• A record sum of local government funding was awarded to arts and arts organizations through RACC’s various grants programs
• RACC helped local arts organizations secure more than $402,000 in federal stimulus funds
• Several new public art projects were completed, including 14 new sculptures installed along the Transit Mall in downtown Portland, and 10 older works that were conserved and re-sited
• The Right Brain Initiative began working in 20 schools in January of 2009 and expanded to 23 schools in the fall

These accomplishments and current challenges will be part of a “State of the Arts” presentation delivered to Portland City Council at a date later this spring yet to be determined. Copies of the report can be downloaded at www.racc.org/2009AnnualReport and hardcopies are also available upon request; contact RACC at 503-823-5111 or info@racc.org.