Strengthening Arts & Culture for a Thriving Region

At RACC, we believe in the power of arts and culture to unite communities, spark innovation, and drive economic vitality. As the central arts organization for the Portland metro region, we bridge creatives with opportunities, advocate for a thriving cultural ecosystem, and foster deep connections between artists, organizations, and public and private partners.

Our Work

Learn more about our work in

  • Creative Opportunities & Support
  • Public Art & Placemaking
  • Cultural Advocacy
  • Regional Leadership & Collaboration

AEP6

The Multnomah County nonprofit arts and culture industry generated $400,700,004 in economic activity in 2022, according to the newly released Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6), an economic and social impact study conducted by Americans for the Arts.

That economic activity–$400,700,004 in spending by nonprofit arts and culture organizations and $4,495,889 in event-related spending by their audiences supported 5,841 jobs and generated a total of $72,062,487 in local, state, and federal government revenue in Multnomah County.

Arts for All

Arts For All envisions a community where everyone—regardless of financial resources—can experience and enjoy arts and culture.

Over a decade ago, Arts For All was founded by dedicated arts leaders to ensure Oregon Trail Card/SNAP recipients could access specific arts events for just $5 per ticket. While the program has flourished and grown steadily, RACC aims to expand awareness through broader outreach and deeper community engagement.

Advocacy Hub

Find resources for advocacy including:

  • What Can I Do Today?
  • Why Students Need Arts Education
  • What Do You Ask a Candidate?
  • Working with Public Officials

And more

We're Here to Help!

Mario Mesquita

Director of Advocacy and Engagement

mmesquita@racc.org

News

What $300,000 Less for in Arts Funding Means for Multnomah County — And What’s Next

On Thursday, June 12th, Multnomah County adopted a budget that included a $300,000 cut to the Regional Arts & Culture Council’s (RACC) core county community program funding. These cuts are the result of Amendment #11 to the Chair’s proposed FY26 budget, reallocating funds from Program 10200—RACC’s primary County-based funding source—to other County services. While we […]

Make your voice heard to protect $300k in arts funding!

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 […]

RACC Statement on Federal Arts Funding and the Importance of Local Voices

The Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC) stands in deep solidarity with our national and local partners as the arts and culture sector faces yet another wave of uncertainty—this time at the federal level. We have learned that DOGE has made its way to the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), and a reduction in […]

Re: Cultural Framework

As a pivotal player in the regional arts and culture landscape across greater Portland for the past 28 years, the Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC) is proud to reaffirm our mission, impact, and resonance with the Our Creative Future regional framework released on Monday, March 25th. As a regionally formed  independent 501(c)(3) organization, RACC […]

Arts and Culture Drive the Economy

Thoughts by Laura Strieb, AEP6 Coordinator On Monday, November 6th, local arts leaders, and city and county officials gathered for a fabulous night where we were joined by Randy Cohen, Vice President of Research at Americans for the Arts along with representatives from the Oregon Arts Commission to learn and hear the results of a […]

Arts Education for All Act Announcement

Immediate Release September 27, 2023 The Regional Arts & Culture Council Re-Endorses The Arts Education for All Act (HR 5463) Co-Sponsored by Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR1) Portland, OR – The Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC) is pleased to announce our endorsement and support of the reintroduction of the Arts Education for All Act in 2023, […]

Arts for All Program Increases Access and Outreach in Community

The Regional Arts & Culture Council Announces a Relaunch of the Arts for All Program to Increase Engagement and Outreach in Our Community, and Beyond, Ensuring Arts & Culture Are Accessible for All We envision a community that supports, engages with, and finds joy in arts and culture being accessible by all–not just those who […]

Advocacy in Arts Education

What do we want? Arts Education! When do we want it? Now! This seems like the mantra every new school year, every budget season, and perennially from youth across our communities. They love art. They love the paint, the sticky glue on their fingers, the seasonal pumpkin sketches, and the field trips to performances and […]