RACC Blog

Second RACC supported BiPOC Community Conversation on Tuesday, May 30th 2023

As part of the Our Creative Future we invite community members in Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington Counties to connect to the process and shape the future of arts and culture in our region – celebrating successes, identifying gaps, and developing strategies to meet those needs. Led by steering committee member, Sushmita Poddar with support from the Regional Arts & Culture Council, hosted an all BiPOC creatives engagement  in early May. The Tri-County BiPOC Creatives Engagement was well attended and full of important questions and discussions we felt the participants were only able to scratch the surface of what a representational regional cultural plan could be.

We are hosting a second session for those that were unable to attend and for those who attended to return to continue the discussion, be more involved, and contribute their voice to co-create an arts and cultural plan for all.

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

5:30-7:30 pm

Reser Center for the Arts

12625 SW CRESCENT ST

BEAVERTON, OR 97005

SIGN UP

Please let us know if you that you are planning to attend: https://forms.gle/mxB1HZ38At3WqdQF7 

There will be food, community, and discussion. Come and share your ideas. Come by yourself, bring your kids, neighbors, friends,  and family. All are welcome. If you are need of language interpretation, please let us know through the sign-up form.

DISCUSSION

We will be delving into questions about your definition of area and culture, your connection to them; what is a cultural plan, what is your vision for a regional cultural plan, and what should it include. If you are unable to attend or would like to submit your thoughts beforehand you can participate by sharing your ideas: https://forms.gle/d7NaWXMYKo77EGNU6 

 

For more information please contact us at advocacy@racc.org 


From the Capital to the Community: Highlighting culture in arts Advocacy Day 2023

 

‍As an advocate for the arts, I firmly believe that art and culture has the power to change lives and transform communities. Art is not only a means of self-expression of culture, but is a tool for learning, connecting, and social change. However, despite its immense benefits, arts and culture often struggle to receive the support and funding they require.

This year, the Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC) as part of the Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon (CACO) had the opportunity to attend the in-person Advocacy Day 2023 on April 19th in Salem, Oregon. Organized through CACO, arts and culture leaders from across Oregon had the opportunity to meet and discuss the importance for continued support and funding of arts and culture in Oregon; the impact of art in civic life and economic recovery; challenges, strategies, building a community, collaborating with local government.

Introduction to advocating for support and funding of arts and culture

Advocating for the arts is crucial as it helps to raise awareness of the importance of the arts in our communities. The arts play a significant role in shaping our cultural identity, providing a means of self-expression, and promoting social change. However, the arts often struggle to receive the support and funding they need, leading to a decline in access to quality arts programs for many communities. Therefore, advocating for support and funding of arts and culture is essential to ensure that everyone in the community has access to the arts.

RACC team members, Mario Mesquita, Manager of Advocacy & Engagement, Carol Tatch, Co-Executive Director Chief of External Operations, and Phil Barber, Philanthropic Engagement Specialist, visited Senator Elizabeth Steiner (District 17), Representative Rob Nosse (District 42), Senator James Manning Jr. (District 7), Senator Michael Dembrow (District 23), and Representative Maxine Dexter (District 33). We raised up and asked for their support on initiatives identified by our partner, the Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon (CACO):

  1. We note that recovery for our sector is expected to be a 3- to 5-year process because of the prolonged nature of Oregon’s shutdown. We appreciate the legislature’s investment in the sector. We encourage your support of HB 2459, which would infuse $50M in recovery funding into revenues that threaten the viability of organizations across Oregon.
  2. Our organization supports HB 2498, which complements recovery efforts by addressing long -term funding of the sector. HB 2498 seeks to honor the original promise the Oregon legislature made to fund the Oregon Cultural Trust (OCT) with a one-time infusion of $200M in lottery bond funds.
  3. We also support an increase of $10M for grant making of the Oregon Arts Commission (OAC). Oregon is currently ranked 38th in the nation for per capita general fund support for the arts. This represents $0.49 per person. We urge policymakers to recognize the importance of our sector and move it into the top half of states at a minimum.
  4. Along with CACO, RACC also supports HB3532, which would replace the cap on OCT’s administrative costs with a percentage that will create the ability to apply up to 5% of the OCT’s permanent fund to staffing. This will better support the sector through additional technical assistance, OCT operations support, and other activities that encourage cultural activity. We are a fiscal sponsor for the Multnomah County Cultural Coalition, so we are aware of the struggles this organization has due to the limits on tis administrative funds and inability to support any staff. We continue to support their efforts to be responsible equitable funders to cultural programming.

The impact of arts and culture in advocacy

Art has the power to bring people together, create awareness, and inspire change. Through art, individuals can express their emotions, experiences, and beliefs, which can help to create a sense of community and foster empathy. Art can also be used to advocate for social change by fostering learning, raising awareness of critical issues such as social justice, environmentalism, and mental health.

The Oregon Coast Art Bus ready in Salem to welcome everyone in person at Wilson Park next to the capital building. Image by Cultural Advocacy Coalition

 

The Oregon Coast Art Bus made an appearance in Salem during Advocacy Day accompanying live performances by the Portland Opera in their mobile stage, and even a live performance by Representative Nosse playing the guitar.

The Art Bus rolled into the event – wrapped in the vibrant and colorful Celebrate Oregon! artwork developed by the Oregon Cultural Trust. The artwork on the wrap, developed by artist Liza Mana Burns, explores the vibrant arts and culture of the state. The Oregon Coast Art Bus, a program of the Oregon Coast Council, launched in August 2022, is an example of art as learning-opportunity that eliminates transportation and cost barriers for youth. The hope is now to share the experience throughout the state, with youth who do not have regular access to hands-on art activities.

The gathered advocates explored the activities available on the bus which ranged from printmaking, rubbings, and stamping, all while learning about flora and fauna in and around Oregon. A prime example of putting the “A” back into “STEAM” curricula: science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.

The challenges of advocating for support and funding of arts and culture

Advocating for the arts can be challenging especially when we face budget cuts from our local cities and counties; communities facing recovery and access, and inadequate services. Many legislators  have a hard time recognizing the value of the arts or understanding how they can benefit from them if they have not experienced first hand the impact of the arts and culture in their lives. Therefore, it is crucial to raise our voices, create platforms, and educate others on the importance of the arts and their impact on our communities and our economies.

You can check out more on RACCs Advocacy Hub.

Strategies for advocating for support and funding of arts and culture

There are several strategies that individuals and organizations can use to advocate for support and funding of arts and culture. One effective strategy is to collaborate with local government officials and organizations to ensure that the arts are included in community planning and development. Another strategy is to showcase the impact of the arts by highlighting success stories and the positive outcomes of arts programs.

Currently, RACC serves as lead in partnership with Americans for the Arts (AFTA) in Multnomah county the Arts & Economic Prosperity 6th study (AEP6). The study documents the economic contributions of the arts in over 250 diverse communities and regions across the country, representing all 50 states and the District of Columbia. During 2015, AEP5 in Oregon found that the nonprofit arts and culture industry generated $687 million of economic activity—$364 million in spending by arts and cultural organizations and an additional $323 million in event-related expenditures by their audiences. This activity supported 22,299 full time equivalent jobs and generated $53 million in revenue to local and state governments.

The study put to rest a misconception that communities supported arts and culture at the expense of local economic development. In fact, what AEP5 showed was that communities were investing in an industry that supports jobs, generates government revenue, and is the cornerstone of tourism. This economic impact study sent a strong signal that when we support the arts, we not only enhance our quality of life, but we also invest in the Greater Portland Area’s economic well-being, including Clackamas and Washington Counties.

Building a community around arts and culture advocacy

Finally, building a strong community around art advocacy can help to create a united front and amplify the message of the importance of the arts. Building a community around art advocacy is crucial to creating a sustainable advocacy movement. This can be achieved by organizing events, such as Advocacy Day, and activities that bring people together, and getting involved with your local and state level organizations, like the newly formed Oregon Arts and Culture Caucus. Membership  stands at 23 and makes this group one of Oregon’s largest bipartisan caucuses.

As noted in the Oregon Cultural Trusts blog: “The interest in this Caucus, and its rapid growth, just show how much people value the arts and culture organizations in Oregon and how important it is that we support this sector,” said Rep. Nosse (D-Portland), Caucus coordinator.

The Arts and Culture Caucus was formed in recognition of the vital role arts and culture play in the livability and prosperity of Oregon communities – and in enriching the lives of Oregonians. Formation of the Caucus was led by the Oregon Arts Commission.

Inaugural members of the Caucus include Sen. Dick Anderson (R-Lincoln City); Rep. Janelle Bynum (D-Clackamas); Rep. Maxine Dexter (D-Portland); Rep. David Gomberg (D-Otis); Sen. Bill Hansell (R-Athena); Rep. John Lively (D-Springfield); Rep. Pam Marsh (D-Ashland); Caucus Coordinator Rep. Nosse (D-Portland); and Sen. Deb Patterson (D-Salem).

The Caucus serves as a resource to the Oregon Legislature on key issues impacting the arts and culture sector. Its members work closely with stakeholders including the Oregon Arts Commission, the Oregon Cultural Trust (and its Statewide Partners) and the Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon to stay informed on the latest research and issues. It also sets the agenda on priorities for arts and culture legislation, including a sustainable and robust funding mechanism for arts and cultural initiatives.

~Mario Mesquita, Manager of Advocacy and Engagement

 

 

 


Meet the newest Fresh Paint Muralist, Pearlyn Tan, now on display at Open Signal

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Artist Pearlyn Tan Honors the Fight for Women’s Rights with New Mural, Liberate

Liberate is now on view at Open Signal on NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd as part of Fresh Paint, a partnership with the Regional Arts & Culture Council
 
PORTLAND, ORE. – April 12, 2023 – A mother and child charge forward atop a ferocious spirit beast in Pearlyn Tan’s new mural, Liberate. Tan’s work is now on display at Open Signal as the current installment of the temporary mural program Fresh Paint, a partnership with the Regional Arts & Culture Council. The mural is up through September at Open Signal’s wall on NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, between Graham and Knott Streets.

Liberate is bold and colorful, inspired by the energy, courage and momentum women need to fight for their rights in the face of oppression and recent attacks on bodily autonomy. In particular, the mural shines a light on the lack of representation for women of color. The work encourages women to keep up the fight for liberation, to build a world of freedom and opportunity for the next generation.

Originally, from Singapore, Tan is self-taught in fine arts and draws influence from her textured background of varied cultures and careers. She worked as an art director, a designer and a hairstylist before finding her love for printmaking and painting. Her work revolves around themes of motherhood and Mother Nature.

Tan is the fourteenth artist in Fresh Paint, following Jerome Sloan, Munta Mpwo, Limei Lai and others. Fresh Paint began in 2017 as a collaboration between the Regional Arts & Culture Council and Open Signal to support emerging artists of color with their first publicly mural funded commission. The artists are provided space to experiment with techniques and scale to expand their creative skill sets, bringing their visions to the Irvington neighborhood six months at a time.

“We’re so grateful to have partners like Open Signal who are willing to enter into dream space with us to conceive programs such as Fresh Paint. These offerings give artists the opportunity to expand their portfolios, evolve their practice and connect with new audiences through the direct experience of creating within community,” says Sophie May Hook, Public Art Project Manager at the Regional Arts & Council.

See more from the artist at @The_Unordinary_Motherhood.

Muralist Pearlyn Tan, Image by: Daniela Karina Serna

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Contact:

Daniela Karina Serna, Communications Manager
Open Signal
daniela [at] opensignalpdx.org
(503) 288 – 1515 x931

About the Regional Arts & Culture Council

An independent nonprofit organization, we support greater Portland’s creative economy by providing equitable funding and services to artists and art organizations; managing and growing our diverse, nationally acclaimed public art program; and developing long-lasting public and private partnerships. Learn more at racc.org.

About Open Signal

Open Signal is an equity-driven media arts center located in Northeast Portland, Oregon. The largest community media space in the Pacific Northwest, we offer production studios andequipment, workshops, artist fellowships, a cable and online broadcast platform, and a professional media production team. We focus on telling stories underrepresented in the mainstream media. For more information visit opensignalpdx.org.


Community gathering of Oregon’s first bipartisan Arts & Culture Caucus 

*Antonio Huerata, master Charro rope artists from Springfield, Oregon.

In the midst of freezing rain, unpredictable snow fronts, and the clear but frigid air, Oregonians from across the State gathered at the historic Elsinore Theatre in Salem last evening on February 27th in celebration and launch of the first ever Oregon Legislative Arts and Culture Caucus. 

Legislators echoing many voices across the state, from organizations to creatives and artists, recognize the vital role arts and culture play in the livability and prosperity of Oregon communities – and the importance of advocacy for support and funding for them.

Coordinated by Representative Rob Nosse (D-Portland) the Caucus’ inaugural membership included 9 senators and representatives, but by last night, membership had increased to thirteen. The caucus will serve as a resource to the Oregon Legislature on key issues affecting the arts and culture sector. “Members will work closely with stakeholders including the Oregon Arts Commission, the Oregon Cultural Trust (and its statewide partners), and the Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon (CACO) to stay informed on the latest research and issues. It will also set an agenda on priorities for arts and culture legislation, including a sustainable and robust funding mechanism for arts and cultural initiatives.” (From CACO’s invitation to the launch event.)

*Salem Trumpet Ensemble, Salem, Oregon

Jason Graham, the creative laureate of Bend known as MOsley WOtta, played emcee of the evening. Through his strategic introduction he jived, hyped, and kept the audience of community members, arts organizations, artists, musicians, and advocates informed and masterfully revealed the irony of being asked to write a piece for the evening, with zero budget. The conundrum that many artists face in light of opportunities still managed to appear with the real struggle for compensation of artists.

With over 300 people in attendance, the free event showcased local ice-cream, Mediterranean inspired nosh, jello-shots and performers, from the master Charro rope artist Antonio Huerta of Springfield, to members of the Salem Trumpet Ensemble.  Lead by Jaimie Hall, the ensemble was accepted to compete at the 2023 National Trumpet Competition, which will be held later this month from March 25-27th at the University of Colorado in Boulder. Members of the ensemble include, Kaden Blake, Nicholas Peterson-Hunt, and Nick Telford from West Salem High School (Director Todd Zimbleman); Keegan Arnsmeier from McNary High School (Director Elizabeth Hering); and Ian King from Sprague High School (Director Jennifer Vowels).   

The Arts & Culture Caucus are currently supporting:

  • $50 million in recovery funding for arts and culture organizations and grants to be administered by counties and tribal governments through House Bill 2459.
  • $200 million in lottery funds invested to generate about $10 million in awards that would go to some of the 1,600 arts and culture nonprofits in Oregon through House Bill 2498.
  • $10 million increase in funding for the Oregon Arts Commission.

*2023 Oregon State Legislature Arts & Culture Caucus members (not all present in picture) & other members of the community

The list below reflects some of the people who helped make this event possible, including those instrumental in the  formation of the Arts & Culture Caucus. 

Subashini Ganesan-Forbes, Oregon Arts Commissioner

Jason McNeal Graham/MOsley WOtta, Emcee

David Harrelson, Oregon Arts Commissioner

Salem-Keizer School District Trumpet Quintet/Jaimie Hall, Director

Jenny Green, Chair, Oregon Arts Commission

Harlen Springer, Vice Chair, Oregon Arts Commission

Niki Price, Chair, Oregon Cultural Trust

J.S. May, President, Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon

Antonio Huerta, Charro/Mexican Horseman

Rep. Rob Nosse, Arts & Culture Caucus Coordinator

Members of the Arts & Culture Caucus

RACC’s Board Member, Thomas Lauderdale, musician

Hunter Noack, musician

 

The now 13 Caucus Members include:

Rep. Rob Nosse, Portland

Sen. Dick Anderson, Lincoln City

Rep. Janelle Bynum, Clackamas

Rep. Maxine Dexter, Portland

Rep David Gomberg, Otis

Rep Dacia Grayber (New), Tigard

Sen. Bill Hansell, Athena

Rep Annessa Hartman (New), Gladstone

Rep. John Lively, Springfield

Rep. Pam Marsh, Ashland

Sen. Deb Patterson, Salem

Rep. Lisa Reynolds (New), NE Washington County

Rep. Ricki Ruiz (New), Gresham

Please reach out to Mario Mesquita , Manager of Advocacy and Engagement at RACC for more information.

*Photography by Mario Mesquita

 


The Regional Arts & Culture Council Supports Maintaining Current Arts Education Funding Levels & Encourages School Districts to Join Us in Our Support of Arts Education for All

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Portland, OR –

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As our school districts across the state look to their budgets, reorganize, and prioritize in the coming months, we know that teachers’ jobs are in danger once again. When public education loses teachers, we lose educational opportunities for all of our students. This in turn affects our entire region. Arts education funding in particular is once again at risk.

We urge school districts to maintain your support for arts education programs in our K-12 schools. We are not asking for more funding, even though we know this is necessary to ensure equitable access to arts and culture programing in our schools. We ask you to not decrease funding. We know that art engagement provides a skill set that is critical in our creative economy, and also helps us heal, connect, and build relationships. Art has the power to help move us forward out of trauma. We know that having a robust well-rounded education that includes the arts keeps kids in school, exposes us to diverse cultures, teaches empathy and compassion, encourages us to think critically, to be civically engaged, and, most importantly, brings us joy. We know that the arts create a pathway forward, providing hope and giving voice to the community.

We envision an arts education that is rooted in equity, access, and inclusion. A new bipartisan group of 2023 Oregon legislators have formed an Arts and Culture Caucus. Many leaders in arts and culture in Oregon, including the Oregon Arts Commission and the Oregon Cultural Trust, advocate for increased funding for arts education in our schools, and provide grant opportunities to arts organizations that have arts education programming. RACC is such a leader and, through our grant programs, support organizations who include arts education programming. RACC understands the importance of civic engagement and we encourage you to reach out to your elected officials to share with them your concerns.

Please support arts and culture educational programming in your local schools. Join us in supporting arts education for all.

 

MEDIA CONTACTS

Chanda Evans, Arts Education Program Manager

cevans@racc.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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

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.

 


2022-23 RACC Arts3C Grants (Fall 2022 cycle)

The RACC Arts3C Grant Program is for the Creation, Cultivation & Community in the Portland metropolitan tri-county region. Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas County applicants who are creating and sharing arts and culture programming in all disciplines could apply for support for projects or activities in the arts. The following 193 RACC Arts3C Grants were awarded in December 2022 for a total of $745,000.

 

2022-23 RACC Arts3C Grant awards (Sept 2022 cycle):

Individual Artists Working Title Primary Artistic Discipline County Award
Aaron Kahn new, ambient musical work Music Multnomah $4,000
Abbylyn Williams The Next Step Visual Arts Multnomah $3,000
Adrienne Hatkin “Everything is for Sale” Music Video and Community Screening Music Multnomah $2,000
Akela Jaffi BASS After Dark Multi-Discipline Multnomah $2,000
Alberta Poon Hi-Chews & Haikus Media Arts (Film/Video) Multnomah $3,000
Ali Godil Bliss Journal Visual Arts Multnomah $5,000
Alyson Provax Risograph book project Visual Arts Multnomah $4,000
Amanda Harris Whet Studio Expansion Visual Arts Multnomah $5,000
Andre Buenacosa Instead of Loneliness, I Feel Loveliness Visual Arts Multnomah $3,000
Andrea Stolowitz Elegy Play Workshop/Presentation Theatre/Musical Theatre Multnomah $5,000
Andrew Krissberg Family Worship – Kicked Out of the Garden Music Multnomah $4,000
Angela Sagues Stories in the Making Visual Arts Multnomah $3,000
Anna Miller Scaling illustration Visual Arts Multnomah $2,000
Anne Greenwood-Rioseco PSU residency TC2 Weaving for Exhibition w/ talk Visual Arts Multnomah $5,000
Anthony Hudson Portland Drag Theatre Festival Multi-Discipline Multnomah $3,000
Ashley Montague mural and music video Visual Arts Multnomah $5,000
Bebe Montoya Supporting Sustainable Growth For My Art Practice Visual Arts Multnomah $3,000
Becky Springer resources to develop online teaching offerings Visual Arts Multnomah $3,000
Bo-Mandela Cordeta The Teachings (Album) Music Multnomah $5,000
Brance Berry Brancesuniverse x RACC Music Multnomah $5,000
Bridget McBride Black Light Media Arts (Film/Video) Multnomah $3,000
Bryan Smith Folkways Music Multnomah $4,000
Caixin Huang Rocks Folk Arts Multnomah $2,000
Callum Angus artifacts of smoke and mold Literature Multnomah $5,000
Carolyn Hazel Drake Wild Peninsula: Color & Sound in North Portland Visual Arts Multnomah $4,000
Catherine Lee Purchase of audio equipment Music Multnomah $2,000
Cheyne Queezy Roses 2 the World Music Multnomah $5,000
Chisao Hata THE ASSEMBLY CENTER Multi-Discipline Multnomah $5,000
Claire Barrera Grammar of the Imagination Tour Dance/Movement Multnomah $4,000
Crystal Cortez Tools for Immersive Audio Media Arts (Computer/technology) Multnomah $3,000
Dani Townsend SHOW OUT; Community Showcase Multi-Discipline Multnomah $5,000
Douglas Detrick The Lost Colony fully scored audio book Media Arts (Audio) Multnomah $2,000
Elise Wahl Drawing Tablet for Interpretive Media Design Work Visual Arts Washington $1,000
Elizabeth Arzani New Harmony Clay Projects Artist Residency Visual Arts Multnomah $1,000
Emily Haswell educational videos on singing Music Multnomah $4,000
Emily Running Gold Suit Dance/Movement Multnomah $2,000
Emma Barrow Other Plans Media Arts (Film/Video) Multnomah $5,000
Emma Josephson Sew into You Media Arts (Film/Video) Multnomah $5,000
Eric Mast Spoiler Room Media Arts (Film/Video) Multnomah $4,000
Estevan Muñoz romantic dramedy novel ‘Between Detroit & Me’ Literature Multnomah $2,000
Ezra Weiss Golem’s Gift Development Theatre/Musical Theatre Washington $2,000
Felicia Murray Keep Growing Literature Multnomah $4,000
Fuchsia Lin Future Cosmos Flow Multi-Discipline Multnomah $5,000
G. Chesler dysConnect: Trans Lives during COVID-19 Media Arts (Film/Video) Multnomah $5,000
Hailee Evans Tattoo private studio Folk Arts Multnomah $2,000
Hampton Rodriguez Lotería Multi-Discipline Multnomah $2,000
Heather Lee Birdsong Participation costs for artist-run gallery membership Visual Arts Multnomah $1,000
Heather Watkins Blindspots & Throughlines Visual Arts Multnomah $3,000
Jayanthi Raman Samatvaa: Celebrating Equity Dance/Movement Washington $5,000
Jeremy Rotsztain “Walking a Turtle” pop-up installation at the Lloyd Center Media Arts (Computer/technology) Multnomah $4,000
Jesica Glas Blown glass studio Visual Arts Multnomah $2,000
Jessica Daugherty Get Your ‘A’ In Oregon Media Arts (Film/Video) Multnomah $5,000
Jessica Mehta Spring 2023 Projects Multi-Discipline Multnomah $5,000
Jessica Riehl Art Like Us Elementary School Curriculum Visual Arts Washington $5,000
Joanie Fox Beatlore Media Arts (Film/Video) Multnomah $5,000
Joe Kye Tiger Tiger PDX 2023 Music Multnomah $5,000
Johanna Kunin Always Falling Music Multnomah $5,000
Johnny Franco LaurelThursday Music Multnomah $2,000
Joni Whitworth Future Prairie Radio Media Arts (Film/Video) Multnomah $5,000
Jordan Vale No Work In The Summer Music Multnomah $4,000
Joshua Faber-Hammond Koto Studies and Music Residencies in Tokyo, Japan Music Multnomah $3,000
Juan Trujillo Mapping Masculinity: Queer of Color Perspectives on Masculinity Media Arts (Film/Video) Multnomah $5,000
Judith Wilding “Resonance: A Memoir” Completion and Writing Class Literature Multnomah $4,000
Julia Bonnheim Oil in the Water Media Arts (Film/Video) Multnomah $5,000
Julia Calabrese Character and Special FX Makeup Certificate Program Multi-Discipline Multnomah $4,000
Kate McCallum In Sea and Air Literature Washington $2,000
Kate Simmons Landscapes and Surfaces Media Arts (Film/Video) Clackamas $5,000
Keana Marrero Keeks Mag Issue 02 Visual Arts Multnomah $5,000
Kelda Van Patten RAW Peaches and Perfume Visual Arts Multnomah $4,000
Kesiah Manival “Dancing Across the Water” – 16mm short film Media Arts (Film/Video) Washington $2,000
Kim Lakin PDX Red Wall Project Visual Arts Multnomah $3,000
Kimberly King Parsons Support for Travel to an Artist Residency at San Ysidro Ranch Literature Multnomah $2,000
Kyle Yoshioka Provecho Magazine Literature Multnomah $5,000
Lamiae Naki Al-Tayaarat Music Multnomah $5,000
Lara Messersmith-Glavin Spirit Things audiobook recording Media Arts (Audio) Multnomah $3,000
Lava Alapai Middletown Mall Theatre/Musical Theatre Multnomah $5,000
Leticia Ramirez Angel Academy Painting Intensive / May 2023 Visual Arts Multnomah $4,000
Linda Austin 3 miles of possible Dance/Movement Multnomah $4,000
Lindsey Ferguson Welcome Home Ned and Wendy Music Multnomah $4,000
Loulou Fernandez Calling Them Home Social Practice Multnomah $4,000
Maggie McCloskey Stranger Inside Multi-Discipline Multnomah $2,000
Mark Brody Glencoe Mural Renovation Visual Arts Multnomah $5,000
Marlow Jay Constellation Collective screenprinting equipment Visual Arts Multnomah $2,000
Matt Blairstone Tenebrous Press 2023 publishing calendar and operating budget Literature Multnomah $2,000
May Anuntarungsun Food Exhibition at the Elizabeth Foundation for the Arts in NYC Visual Arts Multnomah $5,000
Megean McBride-Sanchez LATE TO MOMS FUNERAL Media Arts (Film/Video) Multnomah $3,000
Melanie Ooi World of Henna: Morocco Visual Arts Multnomah $5,000
Michael Espinoza snapshots for future lovers Visual Arts Multnomah $5,000
Mike Vos A Thin Wall of Vellum Visual Arts Multnomah $5,000
Misty Eddy Queer: A Celebration Media Arts (Film/Video) Multnomah $2,000
Molly Light Pork Chopped Media Arts (Film/Video) Multnomah $2,000
Monica Parra Dance on Film Self Portrait Dance/Movement Multnomah $4,000
Nancy L Ives Ed Edmo video recording for Celilo Falls performances Music Multnomah $3,000
Oliver Daofu tattoo business Visual Arts Multnomah $5,000
Onry Henreid Honoring Black Elders Multi-Discipline Multnomah $5,000
Orquidia Velasquez Ecotone Visual Arts Multnomah $2,000
Pamela Chipman Afraid/Not Afraid Visual Arts Multnomah $1,000
Pan reviver Music Multnomah $3,000
Paola De La Cruz Dance Of The Butterfly: The Art of Healing Visual Arts Multnomah $3,000
Pearlyn Tan childrens book on disability, ableism centering BIPOC family story Visual Arts Multnomah $5,000
Pedro Parra Chiibalkan Music Multnomah $5,000
Pepper Pepper The Moon Beneath Us – Performance Multi-Discipline Multnomah $3,000
Pilar Gallego Lust Killer Visual Arts Multnomah $5,000
Prashant Kakad full-length album of original music Music Multnomah $2,000
Quincy Davis REBELWISE Album #2 Music Multnomah $2,000
Rachel Ward “Love Me Bait Me” Documentary Media Arts (Film/Video) Multnomah $5,000
Rebecca Boraz Relief Printmaking Expansion Visual Arts Multnomah $2,000
Rebecca Sanborn Shadow Work Music Multnomah $5,000
Rebel Sidney Fayola Black Burnett Art on Our Bodies: Being Black, Gender Expansive, and Disabled in the Arts Social Practice Multnomah $5,000
Rhys Thomas Strolling kinetic sculpture repair and creation Theatre/Musical Theatre Multnomah $2,000
Rimona Eskayo Workshop Series and Expanded Access for “I’m Having Top Surgery: An Illustrated Guide For You And Me” Multi-Discipline Multnomah $5,000
Robert Blatt Works on Paper Multi-Discipline Multnomah $3,000
Roger Peet Mapping the Mine- A printmaking project connecting DR Congo and Portland Visual Arts Multnomah $3,000
Ruben Rivera Community 3D workshop and home studio equipment Media Arts (Computer/technology) Multnomah $4,000
Sadie Wechsler Field Capacity Visual Arts Multnomah $2,000
Samara Andre Art Heaux projects Visual Arts Multnomah $5,000
Sandra Lanz Sánchez-Penichet self-portrait porcelain sculptures Visual Arts Multnomah $2,000
Shelbie Loomis Park Arts Workshops Social Practice Multnomah $4,000
Solomon Gessesse PDX Hip-Hop Collaboration Album Music Multnomah $4,000
Stephanie Gervais AADK Spain Artist Residency Multi-Discipline Multnomah $2,000
Stephanie Schneiderman Record a song with many members of the local music community in honor of a departed friend/supporter Music Multnomah $2,000
Stephen Cohen Breathing with the Trees Music Clackamas $4,000
Summer Luu The Untold Stories of BIPOC Adoptees Media Arts (Film/Video) Multnomah $5,000
Suzanne Savaria Director: Vestival Film Fest Media Arts (Film/Video) Multnomah $4,000
Tallon Jakson Yamatala Media Arts (Film/Video) Multnomah $3,000
Theresa Tran Archipelago Dispatches Literature Multnomah $4,000
Tie Li Art Bridgt the Conmmunity-a artshow for the Chinese new year Visual Arts Clackamas $3,000
Tonya Jones Superstition Literature Multnomah $4,000
Twig Cosby Queer Cat Firing: An LGBTQIA+ Ceramics Workshop and Wood-Soda Kiln Firing Experience Visual Arts Multnomah $2,000
Ulysses Harmony Garcia Finding My Voice, a Memoir Literature Washington $2,000
Wendy Hambidge Standing Together Dance/Movement Multnomah $5,000
Xiaolin Jiang Intersection of mental health and art Visual Arts Clackamas $1,000
yrus Nabipoor In Lieu of Tears Music Multnomah $4,000
Zephyr Brown Rebuild the Hands on juggling school that comes to you! Social Practice Clackamas $2,000

 

Organizations Working Title Primary Artistic Discipline County Award
45th Parallel Femenine Music Multnomah $4,000
AFRU Gallery AFRU Gallery Website Re-Envisioned Visual Arts Multnomah $3,000
All Classical Portland Artist in Residence Recording [Yuko Uebayashi’s Sonata for Flute and Piano] Music Multnomah $5,000
Belong Art Community Belong Art Community Podcast Media Arts (Audio) Multnomah $5,000
Blackfish Gallery Blackfish Gallery Operational Aid Visual Arts Multnomah $5,000
Bridger Elementary School PTA Bridger Community Mural Visual Arts Multnomah $2,000
Bridging Voices LGBTQ+ and allied youth chorus operating support Music Multnomah $2,000
Center for the Arts Foundation Center For The Arts Foundation Little Theatre and Conference Room Music Multnomah $5,000
Centro Cultural of Washington County El Grito 2023 Folk Arts Washington $5,000
CETI XRchive – Community-Created Augmented Storytelling Experiences-(Hi)stories and Visions of Lone Fir Media Arts (Computer/technology) Multnomah $5,000
Clinton St. Theater Clinton Street Theater – Community Space Improvements Multi-Discipline Multnomah $5,000
Color Outside the Lines Art Outreach for Youth in Need 2022 Visual Arts Multnomah $5,000
Crave Theatre Company Make More Art Theatre/Musical Theatre Multnomah $5,000
Curvy Chic Closet Foundation Curvy Chic Closet Foundation Spring Fashion Show 2023 Theatre/Musical Theatre Washington $3,000
Depave Oliver Middle School Playground Mural Visual Arts Multnomah $5,000
Earthtones Music Therapy Northwest Stipend to staff, sensory-friendly instruments, and rent Music Multnomah $5,000
en Taiko “Taiko & Light” and Community Music Multnomah $5,000
Fear No Music “Locally Sourced Sounds” concert Music Multnomah $5,000
First Matter Press First Matter Press Annual Publishing Cycle 2023 Literature Multnomah $3,000
Growing Gardens Mural Visual Arts Multnomah $5,000
Heidi Duckler Dance/Northwest Sin Maíz No Hay País Dance/Movement Multnomah $5,000
Hillsboro Downtown Partnership Window Artist Takeover Visual Arts Washington $5,000
HOLLA School HOLLA School Native American Programming Multi-Discipline Multnomah $5,000
India Cultural Association India Festival 2023 Multi-Discipline Washington $5,000
Japanese Ancestral Society – Ikoi no Kai Inter-generational Storytelling & Food Event Social Practice Multnomah $2,000
Jazz Society of Oregon Cathedral Park Jazz Festival Music Multnomah $5,000
Latino Network Supporting Studio Latino Teaching Artists in Portland Public Schools Multi-Discipline Multnomah $5,000
Montavilla Jazz Mt. Tabor Celebration Concert – 10th Annual Montavilla Jazz Festival Music Multnomah $5,000
Nat Turner Project Black Whole Press (Printmaking Residency and Workshops) Visual Arts Multnomah $5,000
New Moon Productions Drama Literacy Program Theatre/Musical Theatre Multnomah $2,000
New Year in the Park 2023 Annual New Year in the Park Multi-Discipline Multnomah $5,000
North Pole Studio Participation in 2023 Outsider Art Fair Visual Arts Multnomah $5,000
Open Space Outsider Dance/Movement Multnomah $5,000
Oregon Arts Watch Operating Support Literature Multnomah $5,000
Painted Entertainment LLC Art as an Outlet Multi-Discipline Washington $5,000
PDX Suite Spot LLC Crossing the Red Line/Black Beyond February Multi-Discipline Multnomah $5,000
Portland Jazz Composers Ensemble The Most, The All of It: New Music, New Spoken Word Multi-Discipline Multnomah $5,000
Portland Latin American Film Festival XVII ANNUAL PORTLAND LATIN AMERICAN FILM FESTIVAL Media Arts (Film/Video) Multnomah $5,000
Portland Symphonic Choir Summer Sings Series Music Multnomah $3,000
Portland Winter Light Festival Portland Winter Light Festival 2023: Art Coordinator Support Multi-Discipline Multnomah $5,000
Pride of Portland Chapter of Sweet Adelines Intl. Sound Improvement in Rehearsal/Performance Hall Music Multnomah $2,000
QDoc: Portland Queer Documentary Film Festival QDoc Film Fest / Portland’s LGBTQ+ Documentary Film Festival Media Arts (Film/Video) Multnomah $5,000
Risk/Reward Risk/Reward 2023 Operating Support Multi-Discipline Multnomah $5,000
Roots and All Theatre Ensemble Ritual Treatment Dance/Movement Multnomah $5,000
Samewave Radio Sunday Syncs Media Arts (Audio) Multnomah $5,000
Shaun Keylock Company Queer Archive Project 1995-2015 Dance/Movement Multnomah $5,000
Sincere Studio Sincere Studio Visual Arts Multnomah $5,000
Sojourn Theatre Don’t Go Theatre/Musical Theatre Multnomah $5,000
Souvenir Souvenir: Artist/Curator Stipends and Staff Support for 2023 Visual Arts Multnomah $5,000
Steps for Youth DanceAbility Program Dance/Movement Multnomah $5,000
Synth Library Portland (S1) Operating Expenses – Staff and Workshops Media Arts (Audio) Multnomah $5,000
The Ink Lab Custom Apparel LLC Equipment purchase Visual Arts Multnomah $5,000
The Old Church Society, Inc. SOL: SING OUT LOUD Music Multnomah $2,000
Tualatin Valley Creates Main Street Commons Public Art Initiative Visual Arts Washington $5,000
Venezuela’s Voice in Oregon Cultural Afternoon/ Tarde Cultural Folk Arts Multnomah $2,000
Vino Veritas LIVE Jazz @ Vino Veritas Music Multnomah $5,000
Water in the Desert Water in the Desert Subsidized Space Program (SSP) Dance/Movement Multnomah $5,000
We Are The Most Beautiful People LLC We are the Most Beautiful People | Adults with Disabilities Media Arts (Film/Video) Multnomah $5,000
Willamette Falls Symphony Oregon Mahler Festival 2023 Music Clackamas $5,000

 


AFTA Issues Statement about FY23 Omnibus Appropriations Bill

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.

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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.