RACC Blog

RACC Grantee North Pole Studio Recount their Experience at the Outsider Art Fair

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In the spring of 2020, North Pole Studio emerged as a testament to creative inclusion and artistic empowerment. In June of 2023, I spoke with Sula Willson about the organization and their recent experience at the Outsider Art Fair in New York City, a trip made possible through a Regional Arts & Culture Council Arts3C grant. Co-founded by a dedicated group of artists, educators, and advocates — Sula Willson, Mary Ellen Andersen, Davis Wohlford, Sarah Mensah — the organization serves as a robust platform supporting careers in the arts, particularly for artists with autism and intellectual/developmental disabilities. As Willson shared in our conversation, “…we decided to open North Pole Studio as another option for folks who needed a creative space that was intentionally smaller, intentionally quieter, and highly individualized.” 

A large, colorful artwork filled with bold lines and abstract shapes sits on a wall. Below it, a comfy looking couch. On the adjacent wall sit five smaller artworks of varying size.

Housed in NW Marine Artworks, Portland’s largest collaborative of professional artist studios, North Pole Studio is more than a 1,200 sq/ft space for creation: it embodies the belief that understanding diverse human experiences is foundational to a vibrant and whole community. With an unwavering commitment to fostering self-determination and facilitating meaningful connections, the organization ensures that its artists thrive as visible contributors to both local and national contemporary art communities. “We always say that the space belongs to the artists… and we are here to facilitate whatever artists come to create and pursue,” says Willson, encapsulating the mission of North Pole Studio and its focused approach. 

In a vertical line, three small paintings on cardboard sit on a wall. Each depict colorful, costumed, faceless figures. To the right and left are more gestural and abstract framed works. A potted plant peeks into the left side of the image.

Communication is central at North Pole Studio, bridging gaps and enabling artists to navigate opportunities and employment within the art world and beyond. Willson explains, “…we scaffold communication in a lot of different ways, but we use a lot of social stories, visual supports,” tailoring contracts or other documents that may be inaccessible to individual artists. Collaboratively, unique strategies are crafted for each artist. For some artists like James Enos, the studio acts as the primary liaison with his book dealer. For others, like Austin Brague, guidance is provided as he applies for opportunities independently.  The need for spaces like this studio is great, as evidenced by North Pole Studio’s rapid growth. As the organization begins to tackle questions of growth and scalability, one thing is clear: at North Pole Studio, the individual needs of the artists will always take center stage. 

As with many arts nonprofits, the challenging landscape of funding underscores their mission. In an endeavor to make their workshops more accessible, the studio has introduced a sliding scale fee for all programs, which in turn amplifies the need for more robust external funding. Despite this terrain, the determination of Willson, Andersen, and the myriad collaborators that allow the space to run smoothly, remains unwavering. What keeps them going is their recognition of the transformative influence that this support and advocacy has on artists’ lives. Willson describes, “having someone recognize that you are capable of something bigger than you thought… is empowering within itself.” 

In our conversation, Willson highlighted North Pole Studio’s core belief of fostering individual growth and opening doors to opportunities for artists with autism and intellectual/developmental disabilities. Their commitment to this mission was brought to life when they attended the Outsider Art Fair in New York City, made possible through funding from RACC. This experience served as both an enriching platform for their artists and a milestone in the studio’s journey. Now, to truly capture the experience, let’s turn to the team at North Pole Studio, who share below their firsthand reflections and insights from the fair: 

In March 2022, RAAC awarded an Arts3C grant that made it possible for North Pole Studio to represent three artists at the highly competitive Outsider Art Fair in New York City. This eye-opening and career-changing exhibition opportunity would not have been possible without RACC’s funding, and we are deeply grateful for the support. The fair was a true whirlwind — an enriching, educational, challenging, colorful experience that provided a valuable new perspective for our staff, artists, and their advocates, family members, and community members.

The Outsider Art Fair is the largest exhibition of self-taught artists in the world. It occurs biannually in Paris and New York, and is internationally attended by exhibitors, visitors, and patrons alike. “Outsider Art” or art brut (raw art) historically describes artists who are creating outside of educational institutions and traditional techniques, or those without exposure to (whether intentional or not) or influence from popular art culture and trends. Aesthetically and philosophically, this work has a rawness to it — and is valued for its pure, expressive, seemingly unselfconscious quality which captures the artists’ completely original experience.A scanned piece of paper filled with pink and red handwriting.

Some of the most renowned “Outsider” artists include Bill Traylor, who was born into slavery and began creating art in his eighties; Martín Ramírez, a railway worker who was institutionalized with schizophrenia in his later life; and Judith Scott, a deaf woman with Down’s Syndrome who discovered her creative voice in a supported art studio. In the contemporary art world, the “Outsider Art” movement has broadened significantly, encompassing a diverse community of artists both dead and living. Today, the commonality among artists represented at the fair is that they are entirely self-taught, and are creating extraordinary artwork in a style and technique that is completely their own. 

As the field has evolved, the term “Outsider” itself has become controversial. Many of the artists represented at the fair are from marginalized communities, including artists that are low-income, disabled, and BIPOC with many intersections in between. North Pole Studio is intentionally embedded inside the professional arts community. Our location is a strategic choice to combat the isolation and access barriers that artists with disabilities continue to face in their communities. While almost all of the artists we serve are entirely self-taught, the desire to identify as an “Outsider” in the art world varies from artist-to-artist and is rejected by many.

North Pole Studio is part of a nationwide movement of progressive art studios who are working to amplify the voices and work of artists with disabilities. The energy of this movement is vibrant, and very much alive at the fair. Using these funds from RACC, we were so proud to represent artists Austin Brague, Dan Tran, and James Enos. Our highlight by far was having Austin and Dan join us in New York City to represent their work firsthand. Austin worked on his submission for over a year — a large scale pen and ink drawing of New York City — which he triumphantly sold at the fair, breaking many New Yorker hearts. Artist James Enos is co-represented by Booklyn, Inc. and this was his second appearance at the fair. He also sold an original work on the first day. James’ work truly stands out at the fair, as he is among a minority of artists working in book form and has developed an unparalleled binding technique, which includes large-scale illustrations which can fold out over 5 feet long. Dan Tran is a rising star in the progressive art world, and it was our pleasure to make face-to-face introductions to fans from all over the country who continue to follow his work.

Austin shared that he had no idea that he was part of such a vast community of self-taught and disabled artists. He was “blown away by the creativity, how vast the collection of work is…[he] had no idea.” Selling work at this level made him realize that success as a professional artist is in reach, and it has motivated him to focus his art practice and dream bigger moving forward. Prior to joining North Pole Studio, many of the artists we serve were creating work in isolation, with little access to resources and exposure. Beyond the art sales and professional connections, the community aspect was perhaps the most powerful impact of our experience at the Outsider Art Fair — the sense of place and connection with an international community of self-taught artists who are valued as professionals, and core contributors to art history and contemporary art. 

We learned so much, and returned to Portland with valuable insights to share with North Pole Studio’s community, and Portland’s art community at large. We can’t wait to go back!

To learn more about North Pole Studio, please visit their website. They are currently seeking new artists to join their Main Studio Program this year. If you or someone you know is seeking supported studio space and looking to connect with a community of artists, they’d love to hear from you!

Image Captions, from top to bottom: A glimpse inside of North Pole Studio’s cozy, art-filled space. Detail of various artworks hung on the studio wall. Work by James Enos, Writing. 

RACC completes our 2023 Fiscal Year with record number of grant awards investing in our creative community

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The Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC) is pleased to announce the distribution of substantial funds made between July 2022 and June 2023, totaling over $7.8 million, to support individual artists, arts organizations, and many art projects across the tri-county region. Grant funding is made possible by public investment and partnership from the City of Portland, Multnomah, Clackamas, and Washington Counties, Metro, and a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). RACC grants are awarded through competitive programs, primarily General Operating Support (GOS) and the new Arts3C Grant, that engage with Community Reviewers in the decision making process. These evolving grant programs are a testament to RACC’s commitment to foster a vibrant arts community and ensure equitable access to artistic experiences for all residents

“Our ability to strategically ensure that our community continues to be centered as we navigate the changes brought about by the recent pandemic and social justice and equity initiatives is informed by our community, who holds us accountable, and who can see and experience the returns on their investment in RACC. These funds are from community, for community. We are grateful stewards and leaders ensuring an equitable process and program. Our private/public partnerships with our local, state, and national governments are the bedrock for these opportunities. Our success relies on thoughtful collaboration and transparency in our processes,” Carol Tatch, RACC’s Chief for External Operations.

This past years’ increased number of applicants reflect the growth in creative activity and the expanding needs of art producers. Over 60 artists, arts administrators, and arts board members reviewed applications, participated on panels, and contributed to the work in making the record number of grant awards. Four arts organizations, Alberta Abbey Foundation, Caldera, Lan Su Chinese Garden, and Resonance Vocal Ensemble, were accepted into the General Operating Support program partnership, bringing the total number of groups that receive ongoing unrestricted grant support up to 70. A list of all GOS organizations and their award amounts is available online at racc.org/ grants/grant-awards/.

Most notably, in two cycles of Arts3C grants in the last year, RACC received a total of 1100 eligible applications and awarded $1,735,000 to 452 unique recipients. RACC received 856 eligible applications and awarded $1,143,000 to 385 unique recipients in the comparable program in FY22. This ongoing growth in arts activities and interest in public grant support follows a trend that RACC has been tracking since before the pandemic.

This last year, RACC was able to make a special allocation of $2.4 million to our GOS and Capacity Building arts organizations, made possible thanks to Portland residents that voted for and paid into the Arts Education & Access Income Tax Fund (AEAF), also known as the Arts Education Tax. RACC has had a Board-approved reserve fund since 2018 when they received an unexpected allocation of arts tax revenues collected by the city. Some of those funds were distributed to partner arts organizations in a special allocation that same year and another distribution was made three years ago during the pandemic. The funds distributed through the AEAF will enhance the capacity of diverse art organizations–from visual arts institutions to performing arts organizations and cultural event programmers–to sustain their programs, outreach initiatives, and administrative functions. By providing general operating support, RACC’s distribution of its portion of AEAF funds strengthens the foundational pillars of these organizations and supports their continued vitality and the community’s access to meaningful engagement with the arts.

RACC launched the Fall cycle of Arts3C Grants on July 26, 2023, and will be offering the opportunity to apply to be a Community Reviewer in early August. While the number of applicants grows and the processes remain competitive, RACC team members continue to invest in artists and applicants through time, information, support, and learning opportunities, not to mention grant funding. RACC’s Grants team is available to answer questions and support applicants in all the grant programs.

 

RACC grants team: grants@racc.org

FY2022-23 General Operating Support Grant Awards

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Learn more about RACC’s General Operating Support program.

General Operating Support Partner Base Awards

Cycle 1 – Reports received in December 2022 and awarded January 2023

  • Artists Repertory Theatre – $60,000
  • Blue Sky Gallery (Oregon Center for the Photographic Arts) – $15,000
  • Literary Arts – $60,000
  • Portland Center Stage – $100,000
  • Portland Youth Philharmonic – $45,000
  • The Portland Ballet – $30,000
  • Third Angle New Music – $15,000

Cycle 2 – Reports received in February 2023 and awarded in March 2023

  • Arts for Learning NW (Young Audiences) – $45,000
  • BodyVox – $45,000
  • Boom Arts – $15,000
  • CoHo Productions – $20,000
  • Metropolitan Youth Symphony – $30,000
  • Oregon Ballet Theatre – $100,000
  • Oregon Contemporary – $20,000
  • Outside the Frame – $20,000
  • Portland Art Museum – $175,000
  • Portland Columbia Symphony Orchestra – $20,000
  • Portland Opera – $85,000
  • Portland Playhouse – $45,000
  • Profile Theatre – $30,000
  • Shaking the Tree Theatre – $20,000
  • Street Books – $15,000
  • Third Rail Repertory Theatre – $20,000
  • White Bird – $30,000

Cycle 3 – Reports received in May 2022 and awarded in June 2022

  • Bag & Baggage Productions (Washington County) – $30,000
  • Broadway Rose Theatre Company (Washington County) – $60,000
  • Cappella Romana – $30,000
  • Chamber Music Northwest – $45,000
  • Children’s Healing Art Project – $15,000
  • Corrib Theatre – $15,000
  • Echo Theater Company – $30,000
  • Ethos Music Center – $30,000
  • Friends of Chamber Music – $30,000
  • Friends of Noise (All Ages Music Portland)- $15,000
  • Hand2Mouth – $15,000
  • Hollywood Theatre (Film Action Oregon) – $60,000
  • Imago Theatre – $20,000
  • Independent Publishing Resource Center – $15,000
  • Lakewood Center for the Arts (Clackamas County) – $45,000
  • Live Wire Radio – $30,000
  • My Voice Music – $20,000
  • New Expressive Works – $15,000
  • Northwest Children’s Theater & School – $60,000
  • NW Dance Project – $45,000
  • NW Documentary Arts & Media – $15,000
  • Oregon BRAVO Youth Orchestras – $45,000
  • Oregon Children’s Theatre – $60,000
  • Oregon Symphony Association – $175,000
  • Pacific Youth Choir – $20,000
  • PassinArt: A Theatre Company – $15,000
  • PDX Jazz – $30,000
  • PHAME – $30,000
  • PETE (Portland Experimental Theatre Ensemble) – $15,000
  • Polaris Dance Theatre – $15,000
  • Portland Baroque Orchestra – $45,000
  • Portland Gay Men’s Chorus – $20,000
  • Portland Institute for Contemporary Art – $45,000
  • Portland Piano International – $20,000
  • Portland Street Art Alliance – $20,000
  • Portland Taiko – $15,000
  • PlayWrite, Inc – $15,000
  • The Red Door Project – $30,000
  • Triangle Productions – $20,000
  • World Stage Theatre – $15,000
  • Write Around Portland – $20,000

 

GOS New Partner Organizations – awarded June 2023

  • Alberta Abbey Foundation – $15,000
  • Caldera – $30,000
  • Lan Su Chinese Garden – $30,000
  • Resonance Vocal Ensemble – 15,000

 

Capacity Building Organizations participating in FY22-23

  • ArtMax Academy (Washington County) – $25,000
  • Cymaspace – $25,000
  • En Taiko- $25,000
  • Instituto de Cultura e Arte In Xochitl In Cuicatl – $25,000
  • MediaRites – $25,000
  • Rejoice Diaspora Dance Theater- $25,000
  • Takohashi- $25,000
  • Theatre Diaspora- $25,000
  • Vanport Mosiac – $25,000
  • World Arts Foundation- $25,000

 

GOS Investment Awards – awarded June 2023

  • Artists Repertory Theatre – $19,300
  • Arts for Learning Northwest (Young Audiences) – $9,300
  • Bag & Baggage Productions – $3,000
  • Blue Sky Gallery (Oregon Center for the Photographic Arts) – $8,200
  • Bodyvox – $15,900
  • Boom Arts – $28,500
  • Broadway Rose Theatre Company – $6,000
  • Cappella Romana – $15,200
  • Chamber Music Northwest – $15,200
  • Coho Productions – $17,800
  • Corrib Theatre – $5,900
  • Ethos Music Center – $26,300
  • Friends of Noise (All Ages Music Portland – $10,700
  • Hand2Mouth – $16,300
  • Hollywood Theatre (Film Action Oregon – $18,900
  • Imago Theatre – $7,400
  • Independent Publishing Resource Center – $27,400
  • Lakewood Center for the Arts – $6,000
  • Literary Arts – $27,400
  • Live Wire Radio – $7,800
  • Metropolitan Youth Symphony – $20,400
  • My Voice Music – $26,700
  • New Expressive Works – $13,300
  • Northwest Children’s Theater & School – $24,800
  • Northwest Dance Project – $7,800
  • Oregon Ballet Theatre – $11,900
  • Oregon BRAVO Youth Orchestras – $17,400
  • Oregon Children’s Theatre – $16,700
  • Oregon Contemporary – $23,000
  • Oregon Symphony Association – $7,400
  • Outside the Frame – $10,000
  • Pacific Youth Choir – $16,700
  • PDX Jazz – $8,900
  • PHAME – $29,700
  • PlayWrite, Inc – $6,300
  • Polaris Dance Theatre – $21,500
  • Portland Art Museum – $21,500
  • Portland Baroque Orchestra – $14,800
  • Portland Center Stage – $26,300
  • Portland Experimental Theatre Ensemble – $16,300
  • Portland Gay Men’s Chorus – $14,800
  • Portland Institute for Contemporary Art – $18,500
  • Portland Opera Association – $9,600
  • Portland Piano International – $7,000
  • Portland Playhouse – $26,300
  • Portland Street Art Alliance – $17,400
  • Portland Youth Philharmonic – $23,700
  • Profile Theatre – $27,800
  • Shaking the Tree Theatre – $26,700
  • Street Books – $10,000
  • The Portland Ballet – $8,200
  • The Red Door Project – $17,100
  • Third Angle New Music – $23,700
  • Third Rail Repertory Theatre – $21,100
  • Triangle Productions – $8,200
  • White Bird – $7,800
  • World Stage Theatre – $17,800
  • Write Around Portland – $27,400

 

GOS Special AEAF Allocation – awarded June 2023

  • Artists Repertory Theatre – $60,000
  • Arts for Learning NW (Young Audiences) – $45,000
  • Blue Sky Gallery (Oregon Center for the Photographic Arts) – $15,000
  • BodyVox – $45,000
  • Boom Arts – $15,000
  • Cappella Romana – $30,000
  • Chamber Music Northwest – $45,000
  • Children’s Healing Art Project – $15,000
  • CoHo Productions – $20,000
  • Corrib Theatre – $15,000
  • Cymaspace – $15,000
  • Echo Theater Company – $30,000
  • En Taiko- $15,000
  • Ethos Music Center – $30,000
  • Friends of Chamber Music – $30,000
  • Friends of Noise (All Ages Music Portland)- $15,000
  • Hand2Mouth – $15,000
  • Hollywood Theatre (Film Action Oregon) – $60,000
  • Imago Theatre – $20,000
  • Independent Publishing Resource Center – $15,000
  • Instituto de Cultura e Arte In Xochitl In Cuicatl – $15,000
  • Literary Arts – $60,000
  • Live Wire Radio – $30,000
  • MediaRites – $15,000
  • Metropolitan Youth Symphony – $30,000
  • My Voice Music – $20,000
  • New Expressive Works – $15,000
  • Northwest Children’s Theater & School – $60,000
  • NW Dance Project – $45,000
  • NW Documentary Arts & Media – $15,000
  • Oregon Ballet Theatre – $100,000
  • Oregon BRAVO Youth Orchestras – $45,000
  • Oregon Children’s Theatre – $60,000
  • Oregon Contemporary – $20,000
  • Oregon Symphony Association – $175,000
  • Outside the Frame – $20,000
  • Pacific Youth Choir – $20,000
  • PassinArt: A Theatre Company – $15,000
  • PDX Jazz – $30,000
  • PHAME – $30,000
  • PETE (Portland Experimental Theatre Ensemble) – $15,000
  • PlayWrite, Inc – $15,000
  • Polaris Dance Theatre – $15,000
  • Portland Art Museum – $175,000
  • Portland Baroque Orchestra – $45,000
  • Portland Center Stage – $100,000
  • Portland Columbia Symphony Orchestra – $20,000
  • Portland Gay Men’s Chorus – $20,000
  • Portland Institute for Contemporary Art – $45,000
  • Portland Opera – $85,000
  • Portland Piano International – $20,000
  • Portland Playhouse – $45,000
  • Portland Street Art Alliance – $20,000
  • Portland Taiko – $15,000
  • Portland Youth Philharmonic – $45,000
  • Profile Theatre – $30,000
  • Rejoice Diaspora Dance Theater- $15,000
  • Shaking the Tree Theatre – $20,000
  • Street Books – $15,000
  • Takohashi- $15,000
  • The Portland Ballet – $30,000
  • The Red Door Project – $30,000
  • Theatre Diaspora- $15,000
  • Third Angle New Music – $15,000
  • Third Rail Repertory Theatre – $20,000
  • Triangle Productions – $20,000
  • Vanport Mosiac – $15,000
  • White Bird – $30,000
  • World Arts Foundation- $15,000
  • World Stage Theatre – $15,000
  • Write Around Portland – $20,000

2022-23 RACC Arts3C Grants (Spring 2023 cycle)

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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. In the spring 2023 cycle, RACC had a record-breaking number of applicants (648) with 259 grants awarded (40%) in June 2023 for a total of $990,000.

 

2022-23 RACC Arts3C Grant awards (Spring 2023 cycle):

Individual Artists Working Title Primary Artistic Discipline County Award
Abby Castillo AB Music Multnomah $3,000
Adam Eccleston Composer commission – Concerto for flute and orchestra Music Multnomah $5,000
Addie Boswell Marine Debris Workshop Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $2,000
Alex Wakefield Family Dinner Media Arts (Film/Video) Multnomah $5,000
Alexander Chernousov Cultural Codes Social Practice Clackamas $5,000
Ali Leeds [Armenian culture showcase] Multi-Discipline Multnomah $5,000
Alice Christine Walker The Artist Union Exhibition Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $3,000
Alicia Rabins Girls in Trouble: A Feminist Mystery Play Multi-Discipline Multnomah $4,000
Alison Lutz ATTENDANT LOSS Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $1,000
Amanda Triplett [Land-based installation] Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $2,000
Amaru Moon [Series of quilts] Fiber art Multnomah $1,000
Amy Driesler Lesbian Pageant Theatre/Musical Theatre Multnomah $2,000
Amy Ponteri Lost + Found in CoVid Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $5,000
Andee Zeigler Gifting ceramics, seedlings, food and flowers Multi-Discipline Multnomah $4,000
Andrea Morris “What Lies Beneath” Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $2,000
Andrea Parson You Can’t Be Serious Dance/Movement Multnomah $4,000
Andres Acuna Gracias Te Amo furniture line Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $4,000
Angela Saenz Give Me One Last Chorus (Working Title) Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $3,000
Angelina Crawford [Studio de la Luz] Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $4,000
Ariella Tai Exhibition opportunity in Munich for work “safehouse i” Media Arts (Film/Video) Multnomah $2,000
Arielle Wilkins Art Toy Expansion Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $2,000
Aubree Bernier-Clarke Intersex Justice Media Arts (Film/Video) Multnomah $5,000
Audrey Booth Petrichor Media Arts (Film/Video) Multnomah $5,000
Austin Heitzman Expanded class access through digital technology Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $2,000
Beckey Kaye Chapman Second Skin Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $1,000
Blair Borax Tender Lately Music Multnomah $5,000
Bruce Burkhartsmeier “Krapp’s Last Tape” and “Finding Beckett” Theatre/Musical Theatre Multnomah $5,000
Cait Olds Gay in the Park: Historic and Contemporary Queer Recreation in Portland Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $2,000
Caitlin Dwyer Young Research for Nonfiction book (Courage) Literature Multnomah $2,000
Candace Fields Learning To Make Fire Media Arts (Film/Video) Multnomah $5,000
Casey Newman East Multnomah County Natural Dye Study Folk Arts Multnomah $4,000
Cathy Rowe Childcare assistance for mural development Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Clackamas $2,000
Cayla Davis Housekeeping, a Cay Is Okay Album Music Multnomah $5,000
Celina Flores Race Trips: The Current Psychedelic Renaissance in BIPoC Communities – A Community Discussion Media Arts (Audio) Clackamas $5,000
Cherie Savoie Tintary Collage workshops at Sequoia Gallery in Hillsboro  Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Washington $1,000
Chet Malinow Career expansion / Mentorship Program  Multi-Discipline Multnomah $4,000
Chloe Kendall Hot Noise (community experimental animation club) Media Arts (Film/Video) Multnomah $3,000
Christina Martin Vital Community RISOs (VCRs) Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $5,000
Christina Rusnak Voices of the Land Recording Project Music Multnomah $2,000
Christine James Flowers Pressed – The Intersection Of Motherhood, Farming, And Finding Language As A Domestic Violence Survivor Multi-Discipline Multnomah $5,000
Clara Baker Remote Mixing and Recording Media Arts (Audio) Multnomah $4,000
Clara Grün A Song for Trees Music Multnomah $5,000
Cliff Stanford Mic Check 7-Year Anniversary Music Clackamas $2,000
Coral Cloutman T4T Multi-Discipline Multnomah $2,000
Crystal Meneses Last Words Cemetery Concerts Music Multnomah $5,000
Cydni L Carter Lopez Studio Renovation and Career Investment Multi-Discipline Multnomah $4,000
Dan Eason Through My Board – Test screening & fundraiser Media Arts (Film/Video) Multnomah $4,000
Danielle Schlunegger-Warner Arctic Circle Residency Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $5,000
darah Lundberg Studio’s internal capacity and sustainability of operations Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $5,000
Daren Todd Art Larger Than Me Mural Workshops Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Clackamas $5,000
Dawn Jones Redstone Feely (Working title) Media Arts (Film/Video) Multnomah $5,000
Derek Trost New website to focus on acoustical design specialty Music Multnomah $3,000
Devin Boss – North East Productions Black Friday Media Arts (Film/Video) Multnomah $5,000
Egg Dahl Plastic Sands: Distribution and Collaboration Launch Multi-Discipline Multnomah $3,000
elijah asani long ((( under///current ))) lost Multi-Discipline Multnomah $5,000
Elizabeth Malaska [New paintings for upcoming exhibitions] Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $4,000
Elsa Dougherty Roy Hart Voice Centre Internship Music Multnomah $2,000
Emeric Kennard Creating a stable foundation for business Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $3,000
Emery Thanathiti Waiting Room Media Arts (Film/Video) Multnomah $5,000
Eric Simons Broke Gravy and Friends Theatre/Musical Theatre Multnomah $5,000
Erin Leddy Slumber Party at Risk/Reward Theatre/Musical Theatre Multnomah $3,000
Erinn Kathryn Hatter Learning to Cast with Bronze and Aluminum Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $2,000
Eva Moss Controlling the Narrative Media Arts (Film/Video) Multnomah $5,000
Fevan Solomon Stories I’ve Told the Stars Media Arts (Film/Video) Multnomah $4,000
Francesca Capone A Mother’s Discourse Multi-Discipline Multnomah $4,000
Freddy Vilches Latin and Latinex Presence in Oregon Music Multnomah $5,000
Gabriel Gonzaga-Valenzuela CONCERT FOR THE KIDS Music Multnomah $3,000
Gabriela Vidal Vidal Poetry/Photography Book (Bilingual) Literature Multnomah $3,000
Gary Ogan [New computer] Music Multnomah $2,000
Gillian Herrera Writing Residency Literature Multnomah $2,000
Given Davis ReArrangements: A Collaborative Album Transcending Time Music Multnomah $5,000
Grace Kwon Kimchi Fullness (Part 2 of Kimchi Leavings) Social Practice Multnomah $5,000
Grant Brady PDX FLAG Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $1,000
Hannah Krafcik Gender Deconstruction Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $5,000
Isabella Saavedra Laptop purchase Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $2,000
Jacob Soto “CANELA” by ATOLE Multi-Discipline Multnomah $5,000
Jacob Turner The Portland Punk Princess Pageant (PPPP), Season 2 Multi-Discipline Multnomah $4,000
Jamin London Tinsel JLT Art Career Boost! Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Clackamas $3,000
Jennifer Dynes Adventures in Dobro Music Multnomah $3,000
Jennifer Grinels The Rosetta Project Workshop and Reading Theatre/Musical Theatre Multnomah $5,000
Jennifer Shin [BIPOC Writing Workshop] Literature Multnomah $4,000
Jenny Taylor “You Take Tacoma, I’ll Take My Chances” music video Music Multnomah $1,000
Jerome Sloan Reach Back Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Clackamas $4,000
Jess Graff Attendance to National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $2,000
Jessica Barr – Mitzvah Movie LLC Mitzvah Media Arts (Film/Video) Clackamas $5,000
Jessie Nowak Thirst Dance/Movement Multnomah $4,000
Jill Giedt I Remember Multi-Discipline Multnomah $5,000
Joaquin Lopez Historias de crecimiento, Talleres (Stories of Growth, Workshops) Social Practice Washington $5,000
Joon Ae Haworth-Kaufka – Conversation Reading Series Constellation: A Reading Series at Tin House Literature Multnomah $5,000
Jordan DeLawder Film scanner Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $2,000
Jordan Gale A Scarred Life Line: Behind The World’s Largest Dam Removal Project Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $2,000
Joseph Reed The Most Materialistic Time of the Year Theatre/Musical Theatre Multnomah $2,000
Joshua Coen For Want of Anything Better Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $5,000
Judith Pacheco-Lujano Portland Community Artist Retreat Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $5,000
Julie Perini Portland Diary Summit, with special guests Diary Film NYC Multi-Discipline Multnomah $2,000
Kapu Waiaʻu Dancel Meaola Multi-Discipline Clackamas $5,000
Karina Ripper Chispa (Short Film) Media Arts (Film/Video) Multnomah $5,000
Karlee Boon “NIGHT SHIFT” Media Arts (Film/Video) Multnomah $4,000
Kate Mura Rebels and Priestesses Theatre/Musical Theatre Multnomah $5,000
Kelly Fry Selfie Bot 2.0 Multi-Discipline Multnomah $4,000
Kelly Nesbitt The Moving Teacher Theatre/Musical Theatre Multnomah $4,000
Khatiti Harper [Video game] Media Arts (Computer/technology based) Multnomah $2,000
Kitana Connelly TwahnaCreation Expansion Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Washington $4,000
Komi Jean Pierre Nugloze – N’kossi Boutique We are One N’Kossi Fashion Forward Fashion Design Multnomah $5,000
Kristina Barker asleep//awake vol. 2 “call me home” zine Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $2,000
Kunlu Wen Introducing Guzheng to the Portland Metro community Music Washington $5,000
Laura Cannon Break to Build – LIVE Dance/Movement Multnomah $4,000
Laura Hopkins Full-Length Album Music Multnomah $2,000
Laura Kuhlman Piercing the Veil: The story of Halloween Music Multnomah $2,000
Laura Stanfill IN PROGRESS: A writer’s guide to submissions, rejections, and sustaining a creative life Literature Multnomah $5,000
Leanne Norden Art Market Booth Upgrade Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $2,000
Lettie Jane Rennekamp Studio support Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $2,000
Lily Breshears The Worst Debutante in Richmond Music Multnomah $3,000
Lindsey Johnson Recital Series: PDX Composers Music Multnomah $3,000
Lindsey Konopka Fused and Slump Glass by Portland Magic Corner Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $4,000
Lisa Conway Equipment, residency, and sustaining studio practices Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $4,000
Livia Lichtenstein-Hershman Ergonomic equipment upgrade and medium expansion after injury Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $3,000
Liza Faktor After Us (ongoing project) Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $5,000
Lorelei Ruiz Arte de la Pinta art gallery pop up Multi-Discipline Washington $5,000
Loveness Wesa Ubuntu Wellness Youth Festival 2023 Dance/Movement Multnomah $5,000
Luann Algoso Gabby Antonio Smashes the Imperialist, White Supremacist, Capitalist Patriarchy! Web Series: Season Two Media Arts (Film/Video) Multnomah $5,000
M. Allen Cunningham We Are Guests of Ancient Time Literature Multnomah $2,000
Margaret Drinkwater Advanced mold making and skill-building workshop Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $3,000
Maria Inocencio Meet Me At The Center Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $5,000
Mary Parker Black Improv History: A Weekend of Learning Multi-Discipline Multnomah $5,000
Matt Perez Misinterpreted Idioms (studies of the surface of sculpture) Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $1,000
Matt Weiers Making Two Handmade Xylophones for AMP and P:EAR Music Multnomah $2,000
maximiliano martinez [New computer] Multi-Discipline Multnomah $5,000
Mayada Dinno Beaverton Welcome Week Project Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Washington $2,000
Megan Buday ODDitease: Absurdist performance and video art showcase Multi-Discipline Multnomah $2,000
Melanie Flood Notions, an exhibition catalog Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $4,000
Melina Kiyomi Coumas Ocean Moon, Water Mother (海⽉ 水⺟) – Short Film Media Arts (Film/Video) Multnomah $5,000
Michael Gamble 3-Night Record Release Show for ‘Reeinvisions’ Music Multnomah $3,000
Miriam Sluis Metis Media Arts (Computer/technology based) Multnomah $3,000
Myhraliza Aala Oh Myh Dating Hell Ep. 4 Post Production & Film Festival Submissions Media Arts (Film/Video) Multnomah $5,000
Natalia Cardona Puerta Entre Primaveras: Memories of A Migratory Bird Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $4,000
Nate Golden The Artists Journey Music Multnomah $5,000
Nia Musiba The Alphabet of Black Creatives Multi-Discipline Multnomah $4,000
Nsayi Matingou Speak Your Truth Media Arts (Film/Video) Multnomah $2,000
Owen Broder Owen Broder’s Pacific Piano Friends Music Multnomah $4,000
Pamela Minty Le Haricot Remake Media Arts (Film/Video) Multnomah $3,000
Papi Fimbres [Orquestra Pacifico Tropical] Music Multnomah $5,000
Paula Champagne Weaning Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $5,000
Pepe Moscoso Gallery assistant position Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $5,000
Phil Baker Common Tones Music Washington $5,000
Quandre Brown Lackadaisical (anything but) Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $5,000
Rángel Rosas Reséndiz Aquí Estamos (He We Are) Media Arts (Film/Video) Multnomah $5,000
Ree Artemisa Lost on Purpose – solo exhibition at SATOR projects Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $3,000
Richard Greene “Xenachord” – An Open Source Microtonal MIDI Keyboard Music Multnomah $2,000
Rita Alves July and Everything After Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $1,000
Rob Chrisman The Mirrors in the Trees Multi-Discipline Multnomah $4,000
Rongrong Wang Portland Bilingual Children Choir Music Multnomah $5,000
Rose Covert Woven Sculpture for Terra Incongnita Land Art Exhiibtion Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $2,000
Roux Haile Support for Black Circus Multi-Discipline Multnomah $5,000
Rowan Kingsbury Avery and the Fairy Circle Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $2,000
S.A. Lawrence-Welch Tradish-ish Consistency Project Cultural Arts / Indigenous Art Multnomah $5,000
Sabina Zeba Haque  Fire & Flood: Climate crisis in Pakistan & Oregon Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $5,000
Sam Hamilton The Moana Meridian Symposium 2023 Multi-Discipline Multnomah $5,000
Samantha Wall [Framing of new works on paper] Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $3,000
Sara Kolp Drawing Club Social Practice Multnomah $3,000
Sara White [Alluvium Press] Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $2,000
Sarah Mirk Zine Documenting the History of LGBTQ Zine-Making Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $3,000
Sarah Nienaber Shady Cove – Second Album Music Multnomah $3,000
Sascha Blocker Twister (Working Title) Theatre/Musical Theatre Multnomah $5,000
Sean Parker Fogtown Media Arts (Film/Video) Multnomah $5,000
shane koehler Studio Development: Equipment, education & professional photos  Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $4,000
Shay Platz Postpartum Nudes Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $3,000
Shobha Jetmalani Threads Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $4,000
Stephan Nance Disembodied Mind Music Video Music Multnomah $5,000
Steve Aman – Hi-note Music The Beat Orchestra – class at Rigler Elementary’s SUN school Music Multnomah $2,000
Sweta Ravisankar Chakras – The Wheel of Energy Dance/Movement Washington $3,000
Talilo Marfil Anonymous – Unsung Heroes Multi-Discipline Multnomah $5,000
Taylor Wallau Notes on Inheritance: a Poetry Chapbook Literature Multnomah $2,000
Therese Gietler ILLUMINATE YOUR ART: A Beginner LED Technology Workshop Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $4,000
Timme Lu I did not want to be here so i left Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $3,000
toni iyoha BikoBow Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $3,000
Urks Io Magic Night at the Trans Bar with Max and Mars and Given and Urks and Friends! Media Arts (Film/Video) Multnomah $5,000
Vaughn Kimmons Feast of the Tide – Release Gathering Multi-Discipline Multnomah $5,000
Yathzi Turcot [New equipment and software] Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $2,000
Organizations Working Title Primary Artistic Discipline County Award
Academia Gabriela LLC Ballet Folklorico Academia Gabriela presents Sembrando Flores (flourishing flowers)| Dance/Movement Washington $5,000
Airlie Press Airlie Press Capacity Building Literature Multnomah $3,000
APANO Jade District Art Series Multi-Discipline Multnomah $5,000
Arco Iris Spanish Immersion Charter School [Grupo Ritual Azteca Huitzilopochtli performances and workshops] Dance/Movement Washington $5,000
Artback The Quilt Club Mural Redux Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Clackamas $4,000
Artist Mentorship Program (AMP) AMP Drop-in Center Multi-Discipline Multnomah $4,000
A-WOL Dance Collective Art in the Dark outdoor performances Dance/Movement Multnomah $4,000
Beaverton Symphony Orchestra Stipends and Video for Travis Hatton Young Artist Concerto Competition Winners Music Washington $3,000
Blanchet House of Hospitality On The Ledge Event Support Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $5,000
Brain Injury Connections Northwest Art on the Brain Social Practice Multnomah $5,000
Bridgeworks Oregon BRIDGEWORKS OREGON: General Funds for rent Multi-Discipline Multnomah $5,000
Cascadia Composers Artistic fees for 2023-2024 season Music Multnomah $2,000
Centennial School District Murals for the students of Centennial High School Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $3,000
Chiral Filmworks Pack is Here Media Arts (Film/Video) Multnomah $5,000
Clackamas County Arts Alliance Youth Arts for Change Multi-Discipline Clackamas $5,000
Columbia Slough Watershed Council I BELONG HERE // Portraits of Youth By Youth in Nature Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $5,000
Corkscrew Equiptment Replacement/Upgrades Music Multnomah $2,000
Creative Music Guild CMG Fall Festival 2023 Multi-Discipline Multnomah $5,000
Dana Thompson Memorial Fund of Awesome School’s Out Rock Out! – Summer Day Camp for Black Youth Music Multnomah $2,000
Desert Island Studios Accessible Membership Expansion Media Arts (Film/Video) Multnomah $5,000
DJ Anjali & The Incredible Kid Gulabistan (Gulabi Gang City of Roses) Dance/Movement Multnomah $5,000
Estacada Area Arts Commission Estacada Creates…! Literature Clackamas $3,000
Ext 606 LLC Operation Freezer Radio Media Arts (Audio) Multnomah $5,000
Fable and Flow LLC The Untold Stories: BIPOC Adoptees Docuseries Media Arts (Film/Video) Multnomah $5,000
Friends of Peninsula Park Rose Garden Storied Grounds: A Community History of Peninsula Park Social Practice Multnomah $5,000
From the Ground UP : A Research and Development Center for New Art 45th Parallel Multi-Discipline Multnomah $3,000
Futel Futel Operations 2023-2024 Social Practice Multnomah $4,000
Gather:Make:Shelter Re-envisioning the Portland We Want to Live In Social Practice Multnomah $5,000
Good in the Hood Good in the Hood Multicultual Music and Food Festival Music Multnomah $5,000
Gresham Art Committee Gallery space Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $5,000
Historic Downtown Gresham Business Association Third Thursday Music and Art Music Multnomah $2,000
Hoi Phu Huynh Year of the Dragon Tet Festival Multi-Discipline Multnomah $5,000
HONK PDX Honk! Fest PDX Music Multnomah $5,000
Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization PIAFC Community Mural Project Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $5,000
Jim Pepper Native Arts Council 11th annual Jim Pepper Native Arts Festival Multi-Discipline Multnomah $3,000
Just 2 Deadly LLC J2D Investment for Growth Multi-Discipline Multnomah $5,000
Kickstand Comedy Comedy in the Park 2023 Multi-Discipline Multnomah $5,000
Lan Su Chinese Garden Dress Han – A Celebration and Re-Imagining of Hanfu Cultural Arts Multnomah $5,000
Loc Luv The Design Studio Expsure Multi-Discipline Multnomah $3,000
Many Hats Collaboration Operating support Theatre/Musical Theatre Multnomah $5,000
MediaRites Uplifting AAPI Voices Multi-Discipline Multnomah $4,000
Misfit Academy Maol a Chliobain Theatre/Musical Theatre Multnomah $5,000
NearHear NearHear App Development Music Multnomah $4,000
New Room Studios Lora and the Grasshopper Theatre/Musical Theatre Multnomah $5,000
Office Retreat Office Retreat: Black Arts Community Celebration Social Practice Multnomah $2,000
One Grand Gallery Artist Receptions and Community Programming Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $5,000
Oregon Post Adoption Resource Center & Library Making ORPARC “Short Supports” Accessible! Media Arts (Film/Video) Multnomah $1,000
Oregon Potters Association Celebrate!! 20 Years of OPA/HPS Cross-Cultural Exchange Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $3,000
Oregon Society of Artists Classroom enlargement Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $5,000
OrpheusPDX 2023 Season of Chamber Operas Music Multnomah $5,000
Perfect Day Publishing Staring Contest: Essays about Eyes Literature Multnomah $3,000
Portland Dance Film Fest Portland Dance Film Fest Workshop Series Media Arts (Film/Video) Multnomah $4,000
Portland Drama Club [After school programs] Theatre/Musical Theatre Multnomah $5,000
Portland Indigenous Marketplace Indigenize Art In The Park 2023 Folk Arts Multnomah $3,000
Portland Japanese Garden Cultural Corner: Celebrating Japanese Musicians Music Multnomah $5,000
Portland Parks Foundation Paseo 2023 Multi-Discipline Multnomah $5,000
Portland Radio Project Portland Radio Project Community Outreach Programming Media Arts (Audio) Multnomah $5,000
Portland Revels IDEA Consultation, Training and Plan Development Theatre/Musical Theatre Multnomah $5,000
Portland Samba Portland Samba equipment purchase Music Multnomah $2,000
Portland Textile Month Portland TextileX Month – Mixed Identities Exhibit with Aradhita Parasrampuria Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $3,000
Pure Bathing Culture, LLC Full-length record and EP release 2023 Music Multnomah $4,000
push/FOLD Echoes Multi-Discipline Multnomah $5,000
RASIKA Society for Arts of India Classical Carnatic Music Concert and Outreach: Sudha Ragunathan Music Washington $5,000
ReBuliding Center Shed Talks Social Practice Multnomah $2,000
Sabin CDC Harvey Rice Community Re-Engagement Center Multi-Discipline Multnomah $5,000
Secret Roller Disco Artist Outreach Social Practice Multnomah $4,000
Shady Pines Radio Shady Pines Festival 2023 Music Multnomah $5,000
SoundsTruck NW Summer Concert Series 2023 Music Multnomah $5,000
SRC Community Consulting, LLC Tuesdays in Troutdale Music Multnomah $5,000
Stelo Arts and Culture Foundation Identity Remains an Ideal: Neo-Latino Collective Exhibition + Satellite Programs Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $5,000
T & A Grand Theater and Media Ten, Tiny, Talks artist in residency Media Arts (Film/Video) Washington $5,000
Takohachi Tsugaru Shamisen and Minyo (Japanese Folk Song) Concert Multi-Discipline Multnomah $2,000
Tattoo 34 Making the only Black and Native owned Tattoo shop accessible Multi-Discipline Multnomah $5,000
The Lamb Paint with Love Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $4,000
The Media Project Chasing Chimeras Multi-Discipline Multnomah $5,000
The Theatre Company Home Improvement Media Arts (Film/Video) Multnomah $5,000
The Village Gallery of Arts Lighting improvements Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Washington $3,000
True Path Consulting NW Defining Moments Literature Multnomah $5,000
Ukrainian Foundation Winter Fair 2023 Folk Arts Washington $5,000
Vibe of Portland The Digital Story: Create Your Own World Through Puppets and Virtual Reality Visual Arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah $5,000

 

 

 

Regional Arts & Culture Council – Our Continued Commitment to Community

Written by

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 25, 2023

PORTLAND, OREGON: On Monday, May 22, 2023 RACC received an email from the City Arts Program Manager announcing the development of the City of Portland’s own arts and culture program to be completed by June 2024. RACC entered into its partnership with the City of Portland in 1995 via a region-wide intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas County, and Metro and the City of Portland). Though we were not made aware of these specific changes ahead of time, RACC has seen a growing divestment in equity-driven arts and culture engagement by the City of Portland since the fall of 2020.  

At this time, RACC does not have any more information than what has been released. It is our request and expectation that as the region’s contracted arts and culture agency, we will be invited into these conversations around the arts and cultural ecosystem in our community. We have a  deep experience working with, and for, the residents of Portland as well as City employees and elected officials.  

The City-led effort to assess the current state of the needs of our region for arts and culture continues with  community engagement sessions for the Our Creative Future cultural planning process is ongoing. The external partners for this process are the Cultural Planning Group from San Diego and the Metropolitan Group from Portland. This analysis and report is expected to be completed by the end of the year. RACC is the arts and culture advocate and funder that was created by the community for the community. RACC has been an integral part of ensuring access for those in the creative field since our inception and for the past 50 years. As a BIPOC-led organization we will continue to  adhere to our core values of equity, access, and inclusion. 

We want our community to know that we are committed to ensuring a thriving region for engagement and celebration of cultural diversity and artistic expression. Thank you for your commitment to RACC and your support for our mission and vision. 

 

Media Contact:

Communications Team, Regional Arts & Culture Council, comms@racc.org 

2022-23 RACC Arts3C Grants (Fall 2022 cycle)

Written by

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 Maylisa Cat 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

 

City of Portland Urgency/Stability ARPA Grants Awarded

Written by

The Regional Arts & Culture Council has awarded $450,000 to 196 artists through the City of Portland’s Urgency/Stability Support for Artists grant program, a part of the American Rescue Plan: Investing in Portland initiative.

The Urgency/Stability program was designed to support artists and other creatives working in the arts who identify as under-served or under-represented, including Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian, Pacific Islander and People of Color; LGBTQIA+ artists; and artists with disabilities.

Grants between $500-$5,000 were made to support artists and other creatives working in the arts who live in the City of Portland, had lost income or opportunities due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and had an ongoing practice creating work and sharing it with the community.

Submitted by a grant recipient:

“Thank you for supporting my artistic practice through the City of Portland Urgency/Stability Grant! As we continue to experience collective crises, we need art to help us reflect, reframe, and reimagine our world together. Your funding creates that crucial access for so many.”

Program funds came from Federal grant funds from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA); the process was administered by the Regional Arts & Culture Council.

RACC Creative Spotlight: Artist James Enos

Written by

Artist James Enos, Make | Learn | Build grant recipient

Introducing the Regional Arts & Culture Council’s Artist and Organization Creative Spotlight, where we will feature one artist and one organization in consecutive months that have been impacted by the support of programming, training, grants, or other services through RACC, and/or have been nominated for their impact on our community.

James Enos was a Make|Learn|Build grant recipient in June 2021. RACC’s Make|Learn|Build Grant Program was designed to address the ways the arts community in the tri-county region needed support during the COVID-19 pandemic. Artists, creatives, organizations, and businesses were awarded either $1,500 or $3,000 to make work, gain skills, or build up their arts business.

With RACC’s grant award, Booklyn, Inc. represented James Enos at the 2022 Outsider Art Fair. The Outsider Art Fair is a world renowned art fair that provides a stage for self-taught artists, art brut, and Outsider Art and takes place biannually in New York City and Paris.

James Enos works at North Pole Studio, a Portland-based progressive art studio for artists with autism and intellectual/developmental disabilities. With James’ consent, this Q&A was answered collaboratively with North Pole Studio staff and his mother, Beth Enos.

Would you share your journey as an artist with us? When did you begin; how did you begin?

James is an entirely self-taught author and illustrator. James began drawing in high school, and was encouraged to expand his drawings with the encouragement of an early teacher. His deep creativity quickly emerged, as he transitioned away from life drawing to more fanciful subjects. It was years before he started making the books that he is now known for, and the catalyst for this shift is still unknown.

James designs and executes each book from scratch. His extraordinary process includes binding, researching, writing, and hand-drawing illustrations— many of which fold-out and can extend upwards of 275 cm. His stories weave together to form a collection inspired by his life experiences, picture books adapted from major motion pictures, and pop-culture of the late 80s and early 90s, among others.

James began by hand-writing his books with penmanship that is a work of art in itself. James’ early books alternate line for line with a slightly different shade of the same color (i.e. light blue, dark blue; pink, red). Over the past two years, James has transitioned to writing on a type-writer. His illustrations have evolved but adhere to a consistent style.

James created art at the Portland Art and Learning Studio (PALS) until it closed in 2020. During his time at PALS, James was discovered by Marshall Weber at Booklyn, Inc. in NYC who began representing him and selling his books nationally. In 2021, James joined North Pole Studio, where he works to date. 

In a very short period of time, James went from being an unknown artist to boasting an impressive resume which includes being collected by major universities including Bainbridge Island Museum of the Arts; University of California, Los Angeles, Special Collections Library; University of Central Florida, Special Collections Library; University of Delaware, Special Collections Library; Yale University, Haas Family Fine Arts Library.

How would your community of peers (family, friends, other creatives/artists) describe you?

James is incredibly focused and has an admirable art practice, working continuously from 10am – 3pm and pausing only for a lunch break. When James is in the writing phase, his typewriter starts buzzing the moment he walks into the studio, and doesn’t stop until he leaves. It has become a beloved soundtrack of North Pole Studio. 

Because of the seriousness James approaches both his art practice and the world with, many don’t know what an incredible sense of humor he has. He is a prankster at heart and has a sharp and sophisticated sense of humor which is best captured in his books. 

James’ artistic genius and extensive knowledge of pop culture, familiar kids’ stories (such as Mulan, Tarzan, and the Chronicles of Narnia) is admired by his peers.

Thinking back to your artistic journey, bridging to where you are at now, how would you summarize your artwork currently? Where are you now with your work?

James continues to hone his craft; his evolution from hand-writing his books to his typewriter has marked a distinctive shift in his process. James’ illustrational style and syntax are consistent across his stories, but he continues to refine both with each book. 

James experimentation with various methods and materials for binding his large-scale, multimedia books is evident over time. James books are often up to 6” thick and well over 5lbs when complete, with fold-out illustrations strategically folded to fit into a structure that can be read cover to cover.

James’ latest books are tighter, both visually and structurally with consideration to decisions around materials and paper size. Additionally, many of his recent works are written in chapters, and can be read as isolated stories or as a collection.

Based on the award/grant you received from RACC how have you continued your direction in your project/artwork/process?

In 2021, James was invited to exhibit his books in a solo booth at the Outsider Art Fair in New York City. The Outsider Art Fair is a world renown art fair, and provides a huge opportunity for lesser known self-taught artists’ work to be viewed by major art collectors alongside the greats. With the support of his team, James applied for a Make | Learn | Build grant to cover the cost of the booth fee. With RACC’s grant award, Bookyln, Inc. represented James Enos at the 2022 Outsider Art Fair in spring of 2022.

Accessing grant funding is rife with barriers for many artists in the disability community, from awareness of opportunities, through application to the disbursement processes. James’ team values RACC’s recognition of his work through this award, and their collaboration in making this grant funding accessible.

What have been some of the speed bumps you have encountered? Did it change your trajectory or direction?

For a long time, James did not have access to the resources needed to fully develop his creative practice. Being part of a progressive studio community has provided James with access to materials, direct support, and advocacy to both structure and develop his existing practice and promote visibility of the work. Having access to progressive studio programming changed everything, as it provided a platform for James’ work to be seen and acquired. Without this platform, it is unlikely that James’ work would be included in the art collections and conversations it is today.

When the pandemic hit, James’ studio program (PALS) closed, putting a temporary pause on his practice as he no longer had access to materials and space to work. In the spring of 2021, James resumed his practice at North Pole Studio. 

What is next for you?

James is currently working on writing and illustrating and original series based on the Chronicles of Narnia. Both North Pole Studio and Booklyn, who represents James in NYC, will continue to facilitate opportunities for James’ work to contribute to the art and literary world.

Artist James Enos sits among his illustrations.

James Enos working in North Pole Studio. Photo by Kaitlin Green