RACC Blog

Give Because There Is A Need

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by Carol Tatch, Director of Philanthropic Innovation

What a pleasure to join the staff of RACC in August 2020. Already I have had a whirlwind of opportunities, learning more about our creative community, connect with folx, and work with my colleagues to envision our “next”!  In this new role, Director of Philanthropic Innovation, I am thrilled to be charged with helping to imagine new and renewed ways to harness resources for this region’s incredible arts communities. As RACC repositions itself to increase support for artists, the creative economy, and arts organizations, we also look to steward and expand community investments by working with local partners across sectors as an advocate for this work. I am grateful for those who worked diligently over RACC’s 47 years, 25 years as a 501(c)(3), to make this moment possible for me.

Dana Paresa, Under Quarantine II, 2020, new acquisition to the Visual Chronicle of Portland

I look forward to each conversation and engagement that helps this happen. I encourage your participation and your challenge to RACC to serve our community – and our partners – in thoughtful, forward-thinking, and life-affirming ways. Without our creativity, we are not whole. Let’s embrace the change we want to see and make it happen for our creative community and for each of us. Supporting Arts and Culture supports us all.

As some funding opportunities are receding, we are seeking to new opportunities to gather partners to invest in the artistic and cultural expressions that bind us all together and help to shape the better world we want to live in. From every level of our communities, artists are using their powers of self-expression to radically change the prevailing narrative. They are creating new stories and imagining new frameworks for how we continue the work of social justice, social change, and racial equity reform that starts at the community-level and reaches high into political spaces where deep conversations make real change.

When (RACC) pivoted its grantmaking focus this spring to support artists and creative impacted by COVID-19, we knew it was the right thing to do. As a part of that effort, our Emergency Fund for Artists and Creative Workers was launched in an effort to support the most vulnerable amongst of creative community during this time. The over 800 applications we received from creatives in our community let us know it was the correct action.

Thanks to our wonderful donors and community partners we are able to report that we have met the need of over 50% of these requests. Our sincerest appreciation and gratitude to every person who saw or heard our request and responded to help anchor our artists so strongly. Each award is $500 and the application process is simple—let us know that you have need.

“What absolutely extraordinary news!! I am so grateful for this critical assistance. It feels so good to be held-up a bit by my community. Thank you again.” – Emergency Fund grant recipient

We would like to keep this outlaying of direct community funding going, so please consider a gift to our Emergency Fund for Artists and Creative Workers. Every penny goes to support the incredible artistic and cultural expression we love to embrace and share.

We accept gifts via credit card, direct debit (sign up to become a sustainer!), and stock. Click this link to support your creative community today! You can also send your support via U.S. Postal Service to our office: RACC, 411 NW Park Ave., Suite 101, Portland OR 97209-3356.

RACC Announces the 2018 Juice Honorees

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PORTLAND, ORE. — The Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC) will host its second annual Juice breakfast on March 1 at the Portland Art Museum. The annual benefit is an opportunity for members of the business and arts communities to come together and celebrate the people and partnerships fueling the arts in our region.

This year RACC is honoring several artists and business leaders who impact art and culture throughout Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas counties. The honorees have made creative contributions to our urban landscapes, formed meaningful and innovative partnerships, engaged with local communities, inspired kids to think differently about art and science and opened dialogue through many means, including performance.

This year’s award-winners are:

Using the Power of Space and Place
Valerie Otani
New Expressive Works and WYSE Real Estate Advisors

Out of the Ordinary
Kevin Cavenaugh, Guerilla Development Co.
NW Noggin
YWCA/Fred Meyer and Imago Theater

Elevating Voices / Changing the Conversation
Profile Theatre
Paul Susi
August Wilson Red Door Project and Portland Police Bureau

Join us at Juice to learn more about these change-makers and risk-takers enriching our community. Juice 2018 is presented by RACC and sponsored by Portland General Electric. Buy your tickets here: https://racc.ejoinme.org/Juice2018

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The Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC) provides grants for artists, nonprofit organizations and schools in Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington Counties; manages an internationally acclaimed public art program; raises money and awareness for the arts through Work for Art; convenes forums, networking events and other community gatherings; provides workshops and other forms of technical assistance for artists; oversees a program to integrate arts and culture into the standard curriculum in public schools through The Right Brain Initiative. RACC values a diversity of artistic and cultural experiences and is working to build a community in which everyone can participate in culture, creativity and the arts. For more information visit racc.org.

Hampton Lumber, ZGF Architects and Stoel Rives win top prizes at RACC’s second annual Battle of the Bands

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PORTLAND, ORE – Six employee bands competed in RACC’s Battle of the Bands competition on Wednesday night, a benefit for Work for Art. More than 600 people attended the second annual event, held at the Crystal Ballroom. Celebrity judges Valerie Day, Rindy Ross and Edna Vazquez awarded the top prize – Best Company Band – to The Bears, from Stoel Rives. The Best Showmanship prize went to the ZGF Architects band, Pencil Skirt Paula and the Straight Edge Rulers.

Joey Meador, lead singer for the Best Company Band, The Bears, from Stoel Rives. (Photo by Erica Ann Photography)

The Audience Favorite award, as determined by cash votes from the audience and online, went to Hampton Lumber’s Petty Crimes, a Tom Petty cover band. Audience voting raised over $11,000 for the cause, and while the overall fundraising totals from sponsorships and other donations are still being tabulated, all proceeds will benefit the 2017 Work for Art campaign and will be shared with more than 100 arts organizations that are funded by RACC and Work for Art.

The event was held at the Crystal Ballroom and co-chaired by Portland City Commissioner Chloe Eudaly and ZGF Architects principal Sharron van der Meulen. Sarah G. from WE 96.3 FM emceed, and Alpha Media will provide the winning Bears an opportunity for an encore performance at the Skype Live Studio in downtown Portland (performance date to be announced).

The Audience Favorite from Hampton Lumber, Petty Crimes. (Photo by Erica Ann Photograph)

Portland jazz musician Christopher Brown mentored the competing bands, which also included Copper Goddess (Portland City Hall), Members Only (Kaiser Permanente), and Hair Nation (KeyBank). The Last Regiment of Syncopated Drummers kicked off the event, and The Standard presented a special performance by Strawberry Jam from the Rock N Roll Camp for Girls. The Brothers Jam, led by BodyVox artistic director Jamey Hampton, and a Timbers Army band, Greenhorn, also performed.

RACC’s second annual Battle of the Bands was sponsored in part by Hampton Lumber, KeyBank, The Standard and Alpha Media/KINK 101.9 FM. Additional sponsors included Kaiser Permanente, The Portland Business Journal, Stoel Rives, The Portland Timbers, ZGF Architects, Erica Ann Photography, Ben & Jerry’s/New Avenues for Youth, Performance Promotions and Poster Garden.

Companies interested in competing in next year’s Battle are encouraged to contact Alison Bailey, RACC’s business partnership manager, at abailey@racc.org, 503-823-5424.

To make a contribution to this year’s Work for Art campaign, visit workforart.org. Donors who give $60 or more receive a special benefit – The Arts Card, which provides 2-for-1 tickets to hundreds of arts and culture events in the Portland area.

Pencil Skirt Paula and the Straight Edge Rulers, from ZGF, won the Best Showmanship prize. (Photo by Erica Ann Photography)

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The Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC) was established in 1995 and is funded by public and private partners to serve artists, arts organizations, schools and residents throughout Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties. RACC provides grants for artists, nonprofit organizations and schools; manages an internationally acclaimed public art program; raises money and awareness for the arts through workplace giving and other programs; convenes forums, networking events and other community gatherings; provides workshops and other forms of technical assistance for artists; and integrates the arts into K-8 curriculum through The Right Brain Initiative. Online at racc.org.

Rock and roll dreams come true

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Battle of the Bands is just around the corner and snakeskin print spandex, 80’s glam rock hair and impressive creative flair might just steal the show. David Nijhawan is taking Battle of the Bands and Portland by storm.

An avid supporter of Work for Art, he has channeled his passion for music into arts activism in the Portland metro area. David, Relationship Manager at KeyBank, plays a crucial role in energizing his workplace and colleagues by bringing their collective power together to advocate for the arts through the KeyBank Work for Art campaign. He is a graduate of the Art of Leadership program and a champion of The Arts Card. David has also ignited his co-workers to form the band Hair Nation in an attempt to oust rivals, Pencil Skirt Paula and The Straight Edge Rulers from their top place at Battle of the Bands.

David’s fierce creative energy comes to his music and performance through Zeek Zildjian, his dynamic alter ego and drummer for Hair Nation. Zeek was born out of David’s rock and roll roots and it all began with Van Halen.

“My first real concert was Van Halen, and it was one of the most ethereal experiences in my entire life. Hearing anthemic songs such as Jump, Panama, and I Can’t Drive 55 only took me further down the rabbit hole of the 80’s glam rock. Easily the greatest era of rock and roll, the 80’s formed my childhood and teenage years. Iconic guitar riffs, solos, and drum beats changed music forever…for the better that day,” David recounts.  (Listen to David’s interview about Battle of the Bands on Portland Radio Project.)

David is bringing this magnetism of the glam rock era to the competition. He and other company bands will have an opportunity to compete and live out their rock and roll dreams. Bands from Kaiser Permanente, KeyBank, Hampton Lumber, Portland City Hall, Stoel Rives and ZGF Architects will perform before a panel of celebrity judges and 600 adoring fans to compete for the following prizes:

  • Best Company Band (Grand Prize) – winner selected by the celebrity judge panel for highest quality performance. Winner receives a live show in the Skype Live Studio including a video of the performance – a $5,000 value.
  • Best Showmanship – winner selected by the celebrity judge panel for most flare and enthusiasm.
  • Audience Favorite – winner selected through audience voting through cash donations. Vote for your favorite band(s)!

The Standard is also sponsoring a special performance by Rock ‘n’ Roll Camp for Girls’ band, Strawberry Jam. Rock ‘n’ Roll Camp for Girls, a local non-profit, builds girls’ self-esteem through music creation and performance. Strawberry Jam recently performed at Keller Auditorium for the TEDxPortland event.

This year’s Battle of the Bands will be a star studded affair. Rindy Ross of Quarterflash, Edna Vasquez and Valerie Day of Nu Shooz make up the celebrity judge panel and Portland City Commissioner Chloe Eudaly and ZGF principal Sharron van der Meulen are co-chairing the event. Sarah G of WE 96.3 FM will emcee. In addition, Timbers Army Band, Greenhorn, and The Brothers Jam, featuring Jamey Hampton of BodyVox and brother David Hampton of Hampton Lumber will be performing. Timber Joey will also make a special appearance to announce the winners.

If that isn’t enough, Ben & Jerry’s PartnerShop with New Avenues for Youth, a local non-profit providing support and resources for homeless youth, will be serving up ice cream for the event.

All proceeds from Battle of the Bands competition will support over 100 art and culture organizations through Work for Art. Last year, the event raised more than $70,000. This makes Battle of the Bands a unique platform for employees to celebrate their talents and creativity while benefitting the arts and culture community. For David Nijhawan, the arts have impacted him in a profound way that has deepened his passion and commitment to the arts.

“It’s important to give to the arts community because it’s the fabric of society. Without song, dance, art, theater, and movement (among others) our world would be painfully dim. We would miss the essence of the human spirit and experience. No matter what genre or form, the arts affect and shape our live, said David. “From battle cries to rally one last stand for freedom, to an inspiring riff that spawned Eddie Van Halen’s career, to a simple groove that a future hip hop dancer wiggles to, it’s all the same; the arts are the rudiments of life.”

Come celebrate with us and support your favorite band as they battle it out for the Best Company Band.

May the best band win!

Battle of the Bands
Wednesday, May 17, 2017
Doors 5:30 p.m. / Show 6:30 p.m.

Crystal Ballroom
1332 W Burnside Street, Portland
www.workforart.org/bob/

Tickets are on sale now for $12 each at The Crystal Ballroom box office, 1332 West Burnside Street in Portland; by phone at 1-855-CAS-TIXX; or online at https://tinyurl.com/jy6pjyg.

A limited number of VIP tickets are available for $100 each, including complimentary food and beverage plus reserved seating. Two for one tickets are available with The Arts Card and discounts are available for 20 tickets or more.

Lineup announced for May 17 Battle of the Bands

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PORTLAND, ORE — On May 17 at the Crystal Ballroom, bankers, architects, lumberjacks and surgeons will represent their companies and compete for prizes at Battle of the Bands, a benefit for Work for Art. Tickets are $12, on sale now at the Crystal Ballroom box office at workforart.org/bob. A limited number of VIP tickets are available for $100 each, including reserved seating, and hosted food and beverages.

Six bands, made up of employees who play music on the side, will compete in front of family, friends, coworkers and a panel of celebrity judges. Several prizes will be awarded including the title of Best Company Band. Audiences will select an “Audience Favorite” as determined by the band that receives the most in cash donations the night of the event.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Food and beverages are available for purchase. As a warm-up act, Brothers Jam will perform until 6:30 p.m., featuring BodyVox artistic director Jamey Hampton.

The main event begins at 6:30 p.m., emceed by Sarah G of WE 96.3 FM. The six competing bands are:

  • Hampton Lumber, Petty Crimes
  • Kaiser Permanente, Members Only
  • KeyBank, Hair Nation
  • Portland City Hall, Copper Goddess
  • Stoel Rives, The Bears
  • ZGF Architects, Pencil Skirt Paula and The Straight Edge Rulers 

Portland City Commissioner Chloe Eudaly and ZGF Architects principal Sharron van der Meulen are co-chairing this year’s event, and the competing bands are being mentored by Portland jazz musician Christopher Brown. The judging panel includes three local music industry celebrities:

  • Valerie Day has been a vocalist and percussionist for many years beginning with the Grammy nominated group Nu Shooz in the 1980’s. She has toured extensively in the United States, Canada and Europe, appeared on national and international TV programs, sold over a million records worldwide, has sung with orchestras and performed at numerous music festivals. In addition to her life as a performer, Valerie had a private vocal studio for over 20 years.
  • Rindy Ross is the lead singer, saxophonist, and co-founder of Quarterflash and The Trail Band, both bands she formed with her husband, Marv. Their platinum debut Quarterflash album produced the hit single, Harden My Heart, and they traveled extensively including tours with Elton John, Linda Ronstadt, Sammy Hagar and others. Since the Eighties they have released six Quarterflash and thirteen Trail Band albums and have been inducted into the Oregon Music Hall of Fame.
  • Edna Vazquez is a Latin American artist based in the Northwest who performs original music that pays homage to her many influences from across the Americas. Edna has traveled far and wide with her band of all-star musicians to share their message of light, love and cultural healing.

There will also be a special performance by Rock N Roll Camp for Girls’ Strawberry Jam, with band members ranging in age from 15 to 17 years. This opportunity is made possible by a sponsorship from The Standard.

At approximately 8:30 p.m., while the judges deliberate and the cash is counted, the Portland Timbers Army band Greenhorn will perform. Timber Joey will be on hand to help announce the winners at the end of the evening.

All proceeds from Battle of the Bands benefit Work for Art, an annual campaign to raise money and awareness for local arts and culture organizations.

“As the top Work for Art campaign for six years in a row, it’s clear our employees are big believers in the power of art and its undeniable impact on our community,” said Kregg Arntson, director of Corporate Social Responsibility at Portland General Electric, and chair of this year’s Work for Art campaign. “Battle of the Bands is the perfect venue to celebrate the arts and creative expression, while cheering on our favorite local company bands.”

Battle of the Bands is sponsored by headliners Hampton Lumber, KeyBank, KINK 101.9 FM and The Standard. Additional sponsorship support is provided by Kaiser Permanente, Stoel Rives and ZGF Architects.

Work for Art is a program of the Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC), which distributes a full 100% of all Work for Art donations, including Battle of the Bands proceeds, to arts organizations in Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington Counties. For more information visit workforart.org.

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The Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC) provides grants for artists, nonprofit organizations and schools in Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington Counties; manages an internationally acclaimed public art program; raises money and awareness for the arts through Work for Art; convenes forums, networking events and other community gatherings; provides workshops and other forms of technical assistance for artists; and oversees a program to integrate arts and culture into the standard curriculum in public schools through The Right Brain Initiative. RACC values a diversity of artistic and cultural experiences and is working to build a community in which everyone can participate in culture, creativity and the arts. For more information visit racc.org.

 

Celebrating the Art of Leadership class of 2016-17

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On March 1, 2017  RACC celebrated the 2016-17 Art of Leadership cohort with a graduation reception sponsored by Columbia Trust Company. This year’s cohort participated in six half-day workshops from October through March, helping participants become board members for local nonprofit arts organizations. The series covers topics from finances to fundraising, strategic development to legal issues, helping participants develop leadership skills, network with business and arts leaders, and get matched with arts organizations closely aligned with their own interests and experience.

Congratulations to our graduates:

Eric Block, Metropolitan Group
Rodrigo Diaz, Portland Community College
Gillian Eubanks, Columbia Trust Company
Robert Hermanson, Retired Architect
Erin Hopkins, Sage Hospitality
Kathy Jennings, Portland Timbers/Thorns
Candace Kita, Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon (APANO)
Shayda Le, Barran Liebman LLP
Nnenna Lewis, Downtown Clean and Safe/ Portland Business Alliance
Jeffrey Martin, Portland Playhouse
Ben Mathias, Perkins & Co.
Michael Miller, Michael R. Miller, CPA
Jacob O’Brien, XPLANE
Darcy Peart, U. S. Bank
Scott Peters, Boeing Company
Steve Price
Ryan Quarberg, Boeing
Inna Schwab, KPMG
Christine Stehr, US Bank
Brian Sweeney, BPS Architecture
James Ward, A-dec, Inc
Sara Watts, Self Employed

The 2016-17 Art of Leadership program was sponsored by The Boeing Company, with additional support from Barran Liebman, Columbia Bank, Perkins & Co., Tonkon Torp LLP and U.S. Bank.

To learn more, including how to be part of the 2017-18 series that begins next fall, contact abailey@racc.org.

Company bands invited to Battle on May 17

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PORTLAND, ORE  – The Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC) is now accepting registrations for its second annual Battle of the Bands competition slated for Wednesday, May 17, 2017 at the Crystal Ballroom. Eight employee bands, sponsored by their companies, will perform in front of friends, family, co-workers and a panel of celebrity judges as they vie for the title of Best Company Band and other prizes. The event will raise more than $80,000 for RACC’s annual Work for Art campaign.

The debut of Battle of the Bands last year was an unqualified success, attracting seven employee bands, 400 music fans and $70,000 for the cause. Top honors went to Pencil Skirt Paula and The Straight Edge Rulers from ZGF Architects (Best Company Band); Members Only from Kaiser Permanente (Best Showmanship); and Smoke Before Fire from The Standard (Audience Favorite).

While those companies prepare to defend their titles in 2017, five spots remain for the 2017 Battle. Among the rules:

  • In order to perform, companies pay a sponsorship fee of $5,000 or more; sponsorships also include complimentary tickets and other benefits.
  • Spots are offered on a first-come basis. All bands must register by Monday, April 3, 2017.
  • Each band can have between 3-15 members.
  • Bands must be made up mostly of employees working for the sponsoring company; only one musician in each band may be exempted from this requirement.
  • Each band will have 10 minutes to perform, and all genres of music are welcome.

New this year, RACC is providing additional opportunities for local business participation through a lip sync video competition. For more information and application materials, visit http://workforart.org/bob/ or contact Alison Bailey at 503-823-5424.

Work for Art, now in its 11th year, is an annual campaign to raise money and awareness for local arts and culture organizations, primarily through workplace giving and other partnerships with local businesses. The 2017 campaign is led by Kregg Arntson, executive director of the PGE Foundation and director of Corporate Social Responsibility at Portland General Electric. More than 70 companies will participate in this year’s Work for Art campaign, and all proceeds from Work for Art and Battle of the Bands will be granted to approximately 100 nonprofit arts and culture organizations in Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington Counties.

Portland City Commissioner Chloe Eudaly and ZGF Principal Sharron van der Meulen are co-chairing the 2017 Battle. Tickets are on sale now for $12 each at The Crystal Ballroom box office, 1332 West Burnside Street in Portland; by phone at 1-855-CAS-TIXX; or online at https://tinyurl.com/jy6pjyg. A limited number of VIP tickets are available for $100 each, including complimentary food and beverage plus reserved seating.

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The Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC) was established in 1995 and is funded by public and private partners to serve artists, arts organizations, schools and residents throughout Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties. RACC provides grants for artists, nonprofit organizations and schools; manages an internationally acclaimed public art program; raises money and awareness for the arts through workplace giving and other programs; convenes forums, networking events and other community gatherings; provides workshops and other forms of technical assistance for artists; and integrates the arts into K-8 curriculum through The Right Brain Initiative. Online at www.racc.org.

RACC’s annual arts and business breakfast is February 8

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What happens when you mix one Mexican Folkloric dance troupe, three inspirational acts of collaboration, surgeons who formed an 80s cover band, and Commissioner Chloe Eudaly? Add one giant light-bulb with feet and you get an event called, “Juice.”

On Wednesday, February 8, over 350 arts supporters and practitioners will participate in RACC’s Juice: Fueling Innovation presented by Portland General Electric – hence the appearance of Larry the Lightbulb.  Formerly the Arts Breakfasts of Champions, the longstanding event was renamed Juice to celebrate the creative “juice” that flows through businesses and the arts alike. The hour-long program will honor the Top Corporate Donors to the Arts and Top Work for Art Campaigns from 2016. Mexican dance troupe Ballet Papalotle will perform and local actor La’Tevin Alexander Ellis will emcee the program. La’Tevin lends his powerful acting talent to Hands Up, a production of The August Wilson Red Door Project directed by Kevin Jones. You can also catch La’Tevin at this year’s Fertile Ground Festival in Left Hook, directed by Damaris Webb.

At the heart of Juice are three stories of giving, service and collaboration. RACC’s Business Committee for the Arts (BCA) led the process in which a wide variety of non-profits and individuals submitted nominations in the following categories:

  • Outstanding In Kind Contribution – hear how a gift of time and talent lead to a lasting impression on one aspiring young artist
  • Extraordinary Service to the Arts – see how one passionate board member was a catalyst for equity and inclusion in arts programing
  • Innovative Partnership Award – find out which arts nonprofit wins the cash prize of $5,000 for their imaginative collaboration with a business

What if these stories inspired just one Juice participant to use creativity to improve a workplace or neighborhood, bridge a cultural divide or just help a business build something really awesome? That’s the potential power of Juice. The more people plug in to creative collaboration in our region, the more we thrive as a community. Now, more than ever, is the time to come together as a community.

There will be plenty of opportunities to choose your own creative adventure at Juice. Consider getting trained to serve on an arts board, help bring the Work for Art program to your workplace, or join the Battle of the Bands planning committee. But before you decide, let the rad stylings of Kaiser Permanente’s 80s cover band, “Members Only,” take you back in time. The band won the RACC’s 2016 Battle of the Bands Best Showmanship award and plans to perform again on May 17 at this year’s competition, co-chaired by Portland Commissioner Chloe Eudaly and ZGF Architect’s, Sharron Van der Meulen.

Everyone is invited to attend Juice to see what’s possible in collaboration between business and the arts. Juice is an opportunity to celebrate these innovations, connect to this creativity, to find inspiration and unique ways to engage. We believe that everyone will come away from the Juice event with their own unique experience, inspiration and call to action. The nature of art is that we all bring our own lens. This is also true of our creativity. The possibilities for partnership, innovation and engagement are endless.

Join the movement, see you at Juice!

P.S. There’s also a juice bar.

Juice: Fueling Innovation
Presented by Portland General Electric
Wednesday, February 8, 2017
7:30 – 9:00 a.m.
Portland Art Museum

Tickets and a few tables are still available. To purchase tickets, visit www.racc.org/juice/. For tables please contact Alison Bailey at 503-823-5424 or abailey@racc.org.