About the Arts Access Fund

How does the Arts Access Fund work?

The Arts Access Fund began with a ballot initiative in 2012, which was passed by Portland residents and established an income tax, the Arts Education Tax.

Step 1: The City of Portland’s Revenue Bureau collects the Arts Education Tax and subtracts collection costs.

Step 2: After collection costs are subtracted, Arts Education Tax revenue is distributed through the Arts Access Fund to school districts serving Portland, specifically so they can hire certified K-5 arts teachers.

Step 3: The Office of Arts & Culture then allocates up to 3% of net revenues to help coordinate arts education services and outcomes—including the City’s Arts Education Program Manager’s salary, the launch of a new arts education framework pilot for the 2025-26 school year, and more—across the districts.

Step 4: After collection costs, school disbursements, and arts education coordination allocation, remaining Arts Access Fund dollars are distributed as grants via Arts & Culture’s grantmaking programs to local arts and culture organizations.

Arts Access Fund Grantmaking Programs

Small Grants for Artists & Arts Organizations (RACC + The Office of Arts and Culture)

The Office of Arts & Culture contracts with RACC to administer Arts Access Funds distribution as grants to nonprofit organizations. RACC awards these grants through our Portland Arts Project Grants program.

General Operating Support (The Office of Arts and Culture)

From 1995 to 2024, the City contracted with RACC to administer General Operating Support (now Operating Support Grants) and distribute funds. With the creation of Portland’s Office of Arts & Culture in 2024, the City now administers this program in-house, unassisted by RACC.