RACC Blog

ADDITIONAL Community Arts Engagement and Listening Sessions to be held in March

Written by

The Regional Arts & Culture Council is one of the many partners who are participating in the  Our Creative Future project. We want to ensure your participation and encourage you to sign up to attend any community arts engagement and listening sessions. We are sending this message on behalf of the partners.  If you have suggestions regarding these events please reach out to Our Creative Future’s primary organizers. Below you will find a message from the organizers at Our Creative Future.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Thanks for your interest in taking part in the Our Creative Future arts and cultural planning process. I am sure it was frustrating to attempt to register for an event only to find that it was already at capacity.

Our initial community meetings with arts organizations and artists are intended to be held in person, and as such, we are working within the venue capacities of our generous hosts. These meetings filled up much, much faster than we anticipated. As a result we are now looking into options to host additional in-person events to hear from arts organizations and artists in the coming weeks and months. We will share any updates about this through our email list and at ourcreativefuture.org.

We are planning two virtual engagement sessions with arts organizations and artists to take place over Zoom in March. You can RSVP at the links below.

VIRTUAL:  Friday, March 24 from 1030-12:00pm (PST) arts and culture organizations: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/arts-and-cultural-organizations-engagement-session-onlinemarch-tickets-541868311707

VIRTUAL: Friday, March 24 from 3:00-4:30pm (PST) artists and creatives: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/artists-and-creatives-engagement-session-onlinemarch-tickets-541870819207

We will also soon be launching an online community survey so that anyone who can’t attend one of our conversations can still lend their voice to the arts and cultural plan, as well as a Community Conversations toolkit to share highlights from discussions around the region. All of our community engagement opportunities are free to participate in.

Thank you again for your interest. We truly hope to hear from you as a part of this effort!

__________________________________________________________________________________________

For more information regarding RACC’s participation please reach out to Mario Mesquita, Manager of Advocacy and Engagement.

RACC Celebrates the First Six Artists Selected for the Multnomah County Library Capital Bond Projects

Written by

RACC is excited to announce the first six artists who have been selected as part of the on-going Multnomah County Library (MCL) Capital Bond Projects. Passed by voters in 2020, the bond includes renovations and expansions to seven local libraries, upgrades at eleven more libraries within the MCL network, the development of a new destination library in East County, the creation of a materials-handling facility, and high-speed internet system-wide.

The new MCL Operations Center launched the first phase of the bond projects in summer 2022. The expansions and renovations to Holgate and Midland libraries are also underway and will be some of the first locations to reopen to the public in spring/summer 2024, with Albina and North Portland libraries closely following. All bond projects are anticipated to be completed by winter 2025-2026.

RACC, in partnership with MCL, is overseeing the public art opportunities in these new and refreshed community spaces. The artist selection process is being conducted in a phased approach to align with the MCL project sequence. The artists selected so far will be creating large-scale permanent artworks at the first three building projects in the sequence: the Operations Center, Holgate Library, and Midland Library.

Community engagement is a core value within the bond projects, and artists with demonstrated experience and express interest in embedding community into their practice and work have been prioritized. Most artists selected for these projects are expected to create and host community engagement opportunities as part of their design phase in order to involve the community in the creation process. Some of these arts-focused events have already taken place and more are on the way, so stay tuned for further details on how to participate in the coming months.

For now, RACC would like to honor the artists who have been selected so far and who are working behind the scenes on these initial projects. RACC is proud to announce that all of those selected are local to Portland, BIPOC/BIPGM, and identify as women, transgender, non-binary and/or gender non-conforming. Please join us in congratulating these very talented and deserving artists, and follow and support them when and where you can!

Please contact Public Art Project Manager, Sophie, at shook@racc.org if you have any questions. For information on future calls to artists please follow us on Instagram.

Midland Library Exterior Canopy: Paola De La Cruz and Lillyanne Pham. Photo Credit: Keanu Narciso.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operations Center Exterior Entrance: Tenya Rogriguez. Photo Credit: Tenya Rodriguez.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Holgate Library Exterior Site Enclosure: Crystal Meneses. Photo Credit: Alberta Akins.

 

Holgate Library Interior/Exterior Wall: Salomée Souag. Photo Credit: Haley Busch.

Midland Library Gathering Circle: Kanani Miyamoto. Photo Credit: Kayla Wiley.

 

AFTA Issues Statement about FY23 Omnibus Appropriations Bill

Written by

Americans for the Arts (AFTA) and the Americans for the Arts Action Fund issue joint statement on the FY23 Omnibus Appropriations bill.

The Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC) would like to share with you a recent press release from our partner, Americans for the Arts (AFTA). We would like to extend our gratitude to Senator Jeff Merkley (OR) for his leadership, persistence, and support of arts and culture in Oregon. We know that many organizations and individuals advocated their support for the arts and culture sector throughout our nation and wish to honor their work and time spent on this this important legislation. Read the full press release here or below.

###

Tuesday, December 20, 2022

Nolen Bivens, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts, and Nina Ozlu Tunceli, executive director of the Americans for the Arts Action Fund, released this statement in response to Congress’ FY 2023 Omnibus Appropriations bill:

“We are very pleased that Congress has recommended a $27 million funding increase each for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), bringing them to an all-time budget high of $207 million. This action moves these agencies closer to indexing their funding at $1 per person. Of equal importance is the Congressional report language accompanying this year’s NEA and NEH funding, recommending grantmaking policies to be more equitable and diverse. This report language includes many components of Rep. Barbara Lee’s (D-CA) inspiring legislation on Advancing Equity Through the Arts and Humanities.

“We are also happy that Congress directed first-time funding of $10 million to the U.S. Department of Defense’s National Intrepid Center of Excellence to support clinical creative arts therapies for those serving in the military. An additional $5 million will go to the Department of Veteran Affairs for its Whole Health Initiative.

“Congress also approved over 68 cultural organizations across the country to receive more than $66 million in direct project funding, also known as congressional earmarks. These projects include arts education programs for youth, support for museums, theaters, and performing arts centers, and creative workforce apprenticeship programs. Additional funding increases of $26.8 million were also recommended to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and $10 million for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.”

“Local and state arts agencies, arts organizations, arts unions, and artists played a significant role, as constituents, in contributing towards making this legislation possible. It cannot be overemphasized that the artists, creative workers, and culture bearers they support are the heartbeat of communities across the country. The social power of the arts has the power to unite us. The recommendation of funding at this level enables that.

“We are deeply grateful to the bipartisan and bicameral efforts of members of Congress to support and recognize the value of the arts as a national asset—particularly Interior Appropriations Subcommittee Chairs Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME) in the House and Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) in the Senate.”

For tools, resources, and information on how to make the case for the arts and arts education, visit the Americans for the Arts’ Arts Mobilization Center. 

 

Regional Arts & Culture Council urges Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley to support Arts & Culture funding in Congress

Written by

Join Us! SIGN BY FRIDAY, NOV. 25, 2022

The final FY23 Interior Appropriations budget, which includes annual funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) will be negotiated by current members of both the United States Senate and the House of Representatives. Currently the House version sets allocations at an all-time high of $207 million each for the NEA and NEH, whereas the Senate Appropriations Committee (chaired by Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley) has allocated only $195 million each. 

RACC, the City of Portland, and Oregon arts and cultural organizations ask you to join us in respectfully urging Senator Jeff Merkley, Chair of the Interior Appropriations Committee, to accept the House-approved level of $207 million for both the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).

View the letter, written by Americans for the Arts here.

Add your organization’s signature here. Please share with others and be sure to sign up by November 25th for the impact to be felt in Washington, DC.

As part of the arts and cultural sector, we know that investment strengthens our economy and the social fabric of our communities. Please join in advocating your support of this measure to Senator Jeff Merkley for increased funding!

Thank you! 

RACC shares update on the Thompson Elk restoration plan from the Portland Parks Foundation

Written by

Released to media on 10/3/22 from the Portland Parks Foundation

CONTACT: Randy Gragg,

503-799-2655; rgragg@portlandpf.org

Thompson Elk Fountain Restoration Feasibility Study Update

Portland Parks Foundation’s team completes study and preliminary cost estimate

The Portland Parks Foundation has completed its feasibility study and preliminary cost estimates for the restoration and reinstallation of the Thompson Elk Fountain. PPF and its consultants, Architectural Resources Group (ARG) and the landscape/urban design firm MIG have submitted its restoration plan to the Portland’s Office of Management and Finance (OMF). In turn, OMF has submitted it to the Bureau of Development Services for an anticipated November “Design Advice Request” with the Portland Historic Landmarks Commission. That hearing, in which the team will get feedback from the Landmarks Commissioners, is open to the public for listening and testimony. For updates on the hearing, go to portland.gov/bds/landmarks.

“We are honored to present to the city this restoration design, which restores and returns the elk and fountain to their original location,” said Randy Gragg, executive director of PPF. “We’ve also developed potential street improvements to make the fountain a safer, universally accessible, and more welcoming place to visit.”

The study determined that 18 of the fountain’s 50 pieces will have to be remade. They include some of the most complex. All four of the fountain’s five-foot-long troughs and some of the most intricately carved ornaments will have to be refabricated. “But the good news,” according to ARG project lead Maya Foty, “stone from the original stone quarry is still available.”

The study also incorporates seismic stabilization and a recirculating pump for the fountain. The team developed preferred street upgrades that would create better access and a “viewing area” for the statue and fountain. Building on PBOT’s recently implemented separation of bikes and motorists around the fountain area on Southwest Main Street, ARG and MIG’s design provides two wheelchair accessible access points to a viewing area protected from passing traffic by elegant granite domed bollards.

“The design provides a refuge for people and it better protects the fountain from vehicles,” said Rachel Edmonds of MIG, “and also creates a sense of place around the fountain using historically compatible materials.” Based on 30-percent schematic design, the cost for the fountain restoration, new pump mechanism and reinstallation is estimated to be $1.2- $1.3 million. The street improvements would add approximately $670,000.

“We anxiously await what the city’s insurance settlement will yield and what the City Council determines the city can afford,” said Gragg. “We at PPF believe there is wide community support to pitch in if the final gap is not too large.”

PPF continues to accept contributions to restore the Thompson Elk Fountain. Donate here.

The Thompson Elk Fountain was badly damaged during the civil unrest of summer, 2020 that followed the murder of George Floyd. The city quickly moved the elk and the fountain pieces into storage. PPF’s study was overseen by a seven-member Project Advisory Committee of preservation and street design experts and informed by a technical advisory committee of city bureau representatives with oversight of the parks, street, and infrastructure, along with the Regional Arts & Culture Council who oversees the bronze elk.

Besides looking comprehensively at the restoration and streetscape, PPF hired two historians, Keith Eggener, a professor at the University of Oregon’s School of Architecture and Milo Reed, a freelance historian who works with Oregon Black Pioneers and Vanport Mosaic and currently chairs the Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries. They researched both the history of the elk fountain’s making and the social history of the fountain and its surrounding parks since its installation in 1900.

Former Mayor David P. Thompson commissioned the sculpture to honor the Humane Society which he cofounded. In the decades since, the historians found, the elk has stood at the center of protests over such perennial issues as free speech, workers’ rights, deportation of immigrants, and police shootings.

“For 120 years, people have gathered at the fountain to enjoy it as a thing of beauty and a symbol of nature, but also to give voice to their convictions,” noted Gragg. “Our goal is to renew it, reinstall it, and make it a safer, more inviting public space.”

PPF will release the full feasibility study and the findings of its historians in advance of the Design Advice Request hearing.

####

Regional Arts & Culture Council receives bequest from the estate of Harriet Beal Cormack

Written by

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RACC is honored by the support of the long-time arts philanthropist and social justice pioneer to further its mission to enrich our communities through arts and culture.

Portland, OR —

The Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC) is extremely grateful for the philanthropic support of the late Harriet Beal Cormack. Shortly after her passing in June 2022, RACC was notified that we would be one of five nonprofits receiving a sizeable disbursement from the estate of Mrs. Cormack. RACC recognizes Mrs. Cormack’s considerable gift of over $400,000 in support of our vision of a just and equitable arts-aligned organization. These funds will greatly help us fulfill our mission to enrich communities through arts and culture. 

Born in 1942 in Butte, MT, Harriet lived her life elevating civic engagement through social justice, women’s rights, and the arts. She began her career on the east coast, and, upon her return to the west, landed in Seattle to begin a distinguished career in real estate development, finance, and management in public, private, and nonprofit settings. She took on and asserted her professional knowledge through challenging and civically invigorating projects for the City of Seattle and, as the Vice President of the Cornerstone Columbia Development Company, led the development of the Waterfront Urban Renewal area along the Willamette River in Portland, creating RiverPlace—a mix of housing and retail space, a hotel, marina, and floating restaurant. RiverPlace reshaped how the community interacted with the natural environment of the river. Harriet grew to be an integral leader in the development and growth of private-public partnerships that have enormously benefitted the communities in which they reside. Harriet completed her professional career by serving as the Director of the Portland Centers for the Performing Arts (Keller Auditorium, Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, and Portland5). 

Harriet embodied a spirit of generosity reflected in her personal values of truth, integrity, and commitment to hard work. Her own personal determination to succeed and live a meaningful life was bound by the thread of dedication to friends, family, and the community with which she surrounded herself. Harriet was a staunch patron of the performing, visual, and literary arts and received numerous awards and accolades for her service to community, both in Oregon and Washington. Harriet was an agent of change in both her life and in her death. 

The RACC Team and Board of Directors are excited by the opportunity to mesh Harriet’s vision for community, social justice, and civic engagement with the vision and values of our organization. Created to support our region’s artists and creatives, RACC continues to instill the values of equity and inclusion in our community-focused activities. For nearly 50 years, RACC has led the region in supporting our creative culture. Harriet’s contribution will strengthen our efforts to ensure an abundance of arts and culture in every community. 

###

 

Holiday Cheer at RACC, an evening with ARTist coleREED, Dec 1st from 6-8pm

Written by

“unCoveR(ed)” an ARTist Showing at Regional Arts & Culture Council

Please join us on December 1st from 6-8pm to spend an evening with coleREED

We will have for light appetizers and wine. Masks are optional. Please register, since space is limited.

coleREED is a recent recipient of a Make|Learn|Build grant in 21-22 for a multi-disciplinary makers grant. RACC is delighted to present this first in a series of events featuring RACC grantees.

Statement from the artist:

“I AM an ARTist.

coleREED. is a neuroFABulous miX(ed) media ARTist that works with elements of fiRe, eaRth, and the the wRitten woRd.

Mixed Media Sculptural pieces. They were created by the process of pyrography, the use of fire to burn wood. Metal frames support the sculptural pieces. The focus of the collection is vulnerability and healing around racial inequalities. The artist asks the audience to come with open hearts and positivity.”

Follow on Instagram- @coleblackbird

To view a recent article from Portland Monthly on the October 2022 Portland Open Studios click here

REGISTER here

 

RACC announces public art collaboration with Port of Portland at the Portland International Airport

Written by

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  November 14 2022

Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC) announces the launch of new

public art projects in collaboration with the

Port of Portland (Port) at the Portland International Airport (PDX)

Portland, OR –

The Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC) is pleased to announce a unique collaboration with the Port of Portland (Port) to install original public artworks for the $2B terminal redevelopment project at Portland International Airport (PDX).  RACC is in the process of inviting artists to submit their qualifications for the design and installation of permanent public art displays that will be a part of this redevelopment. RACC’s values of equity, access, and inclusion are embedded in this process through intentional outreach and engagement with communities that have been historically marginalized. This project will involve requests for proposals (RFQ) for artists in the upcoming months, with completion of the entire project slated for five years from now. Check out PDXNext.com for updates, resources, and images

“The Port of Portland is thrilled to officially launch two open calls for the first permanent public works of art to adorn PDX’s new main terminal,” says Wendy Given, Port of Portland Art Program Manager. “Our Art Program’s mission is to provide equitable access to art and to commission and exhibit captivating work that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We believe everyone’s voice and history should be celebrated. So, together with RACC, we intentionally created opportunities for historically marginalized artists to apply, and we have developed a selection process that ensures equitable outcomes. We’re making a commitment to bring diverse voices and perspectives to life — all while enriching the experience of everyone who travels through PDX.”

Mack McFarland, RACC’s Public Art Project Manager, wholeheartedly agrees with Wendy Given, adding, “It’s really an honor to play a role in this massive project. The partnership between the Port and RACC has already resulted in several stunning artworks and unique ways to engage the artists within the architecture of PDX. The vison ZGF Architects is implementing for Terminal Core (TCORE) is presenting artists with a wonderful site for projects, while the forethought and care of the Art Selection Committee provides integrity and distinctiveness to the process. There are opportunities within the TCORE art plan for seasoned public artists as well as artists who may be new to creating artwork for such a public setting.”

The second RFQ launches within the next two weeks, with five more to be announced in 2023. The first RFQ, for Art Glass Walls located between the concourse connector and the security queuing area, closes on November 16, 2022.  More information can be found here. The proposed art exhibits are available for download here.

The Regional Arts & Culture Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides grants for artists and nonprofit organizations in Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington Counties; manages an internationally acclaimed public art program; convenes forums, networking events and other community gatherings; and provides workshops and other forms of technical assistance. RACC advocates for equity, inclusion and access, working to build a community in which everyone can participate in culture, creativity and the arts. For more information visit racc.org. 

“With its three airports, four marine terminals, five business parks, and hundreds of employees, the Port of Portland connects people and businesses in the region to powerful opportunities. Using its resources, expertise, and influence, the Port is striving to pull down barriers and unlock new opportunities for those who have been left out of the region’s economic growth, including people of color, low-income workers, and people with disabilities. The Port is leading major initiatives to drive positive change in the region, including: expanding and modernizing PDX; investing in Oregon’s mass timber industry and mass timber housing; and providing more options for small businesses to get their goods to markets around the world. For more information, visit PortofPortland.com.”

 

MEDIA CONTACT

Kristen Calhoun, Director of Public Art

kcalhoun@racc.org

Mack McFarland, Public Art Project Manager

mmcfarland@racc.org

Wendy Given, Port of Portland, Art Program Manager

Wendy.Given@portofportland.com