Funding from Multnomah County enables RACC to empower local creativity in our county, creating entry points for underserved communities when other resources aren’t available. As a tri-county arts economy, the proposed cuts to Multnomah County’s funding to the Regional Arts & Culture Council will deeply impact artists and arts and culture organizations that reside in and across the borders Multnomah, Clackamas, and Washington Counties. When one county weakens its support, the ripple effects are felt throughout the entire region.
Sign up today to give in-person or virtual oral testimony for Multnomah County’s upcoming budget meeting. The meeting will take place on Thursday, June 12th from 9:30 am to 12:00 pm PT. Select “Agenda Item” and “R5” on the form.
The deadline to sign up for oral testimony is Wednesday, June 11th at 4 pm PT. If slots fill up for oral testimony, please join us in person! Multnomah County Board meetings take place in the Multnomah Building at 501 Southeast Hawthorne Blvd., Portland, Oregon, in Boardroom 100.
Can’t attend or testify on Thursday morning? Submit written testimony here. Select “Agenda Item” and “R5” on the form. Meetings are live-streamed and archived here.
Show up in person if you can. Signage, apparel, or anything visual that shows your reason for attending makes a difference. Even without public comment, presence is power.
If you live in Clackamas, Washington, Clark, or elsewhere but:
- Rely on commissions, shows, or grants that come through Multnomah County,
- Contract artists or rely on talent who live in Multnomah County,
- Collaborate with artists, organizations, or clients in Portland or elsewhere in the county,
- Had to move out of Multnomah due to the cost of living but still work here,
- Or you’re an arts supporter who knows your neighbors, employees, or collaborators benefit from RACC…
You can still help by doing the above actions! Your voice is powerful.
Cuts to arts and culture in one county create instability for all of us. Public testimony from community leaders and employers will underscore the real economic and cultural loss these cuts would bring.