Access Compliance
Call 503-229-6062 for more information
The Oregon Arts Commission is
dedicated to making the arts available to everyone. Through granting of
federal funds provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Oregon
Arts Commission works to ensure compliance by Oregon’s art organizations
with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 Regulations. This
compliance provides that all citizens have equal access to participate in
artistic endeavors and creations supported by public funds. For example,
this may include sign interpreted and audio described performances or tours
of exhibits, captioned media, tactile maps of your space, touch tours, and
wheelchair accessible facilities. Targeted audiences should be consulted in
developing increased accessibility. A good national resource isavailable at this toll free number: 800-949-4ADA.The Arts Commission’s Assistant Director
is available to work with artists, arts organizations and citizens to
address Access concerns and help develop plans for compliance.
Information and computer files of Access symbols are available on-line from
the Graphic Artists Guild.
Copies of the "2003 Design for Accessibility: A Cultural Administrator's
Handbook," a how-to reference and resource guide for integrating older
adults and people with disabilities into all aspects of an arts
organization, is available for purchase from the National Assembly of
State Arts Agencies via their website
or as a downloadable
PDF from the National Endowment for the Arts.
- Americans with Disabilities Act -- Word or PDF
- Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 -- Word or PDF
- Rehabilitation Act of 1973 -- Word or PDF
The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has excellent resources regarding ADA design and compliance issues.
Arts Education Programs, Deb Vaughn, 503-986-0085
The Oregon Arts Commission is committed to building strong arts education programs in our schools, believing that: the arts are essential to the vitality and quality of life in Oregon schools and communities; the arts are basic in a complete education; the arts are especially powerful in the education of children with special needs; the rich and varied cultural resources and diversity of communities in Oregon expand the walls of every classroom; arts education addresses cultural inclusiveness and diversity, and ensures preservation of Oregon's cultural heritage; and there is an immediate and pressing need for greater investment in and access to arts education programs. The Commission provides services in arts education through its Arts Education Coordinator and in the production of a variety of resources to assist in undertaking arts education efforts.
Community Development Programs, Brian Wagner at 503-986-0083
The Oregon Arts Commission’s community development efforts include support for Oregon’s regional and local arts councils through grants, technical assistance, convenings and communication. The Arts Build Communities grants are designed to link the arts with local community development and other activities which include the arts, a significant contributor in Oregon’s community vitality and economic growth.
Cultural Planning
Recognizing that arts and culture can be broadly defined and their needs addressed by a variety of partners, the Arts Commission continues to be involved in cultural planning. This work is designed to recognize and acknowledge the efforts made by the Commission's public and private partners in Oregon's arts development, and to clarify the relationship of the Commission to those other agencies such as the Oregon Historical Society, the Oregon Council for the Humanities, the Oregon Heritage Commission and State Historic Preservation Office, the Oregon State Library, the network of regional arts councils and others. The Commission's Cultural Partners work in cooperation with the Commission on the development of the Cultural Development Plan for Oregon. The Oregon Cultural Trust is housed in the offices of the Oregon Arts Commission. Call 503-986-0088 for more information.
Data Files
Through its work with hundreds of art organizations, the Arts Commission collects data on Oregon's arts industry.
Information is available on annual economic impact trends, customer
databases, Oregon's public art collection and other areas. The Commission's
data files (compiled from its database) are available via e-mail attachment
as an Excel file. To request data, send an e-mail and include your name,
organization, and type of data requested (be as specific as possible such
as, "I would like data on all of your contacts in the city of Salem").
oregon.artscomm@state.or.us
The Commission works with its partners in the field to recognize the arts contributions made in local communities and across the state. Annually, it organizes the Governor's Arts Awards, a program which acknowledges significant contributions made by individuals and groups over time. Nominations are solicited annually.
Percent for Public Art Program Contact Meagan Atiyeh at 503-986-0084 for more information
The Commission provides statewide technical assistance to agencies complying with Oregon's Percent
for Art program which places artwork in public buildings. The Commission's
staff facilitates the selection of works of art, provides professional
assistance to contracting agencies and artists and maintains the state's
data base of information on the program. Oregon's program is the third
oldest nationally and considered a pioneer in this area.
Percent for Public Art Program Information
This assistance is available on a variety of arts topics and issues from the Commission's staff who are available for telephone, on-site or workshop consultations. Expertise is available in the areas of board and organizational development, technology and on-line communication, visual arts professional development, community development and training. Contact the Commission at 503-986-0082 to discuss your needs.
Publications
Arts Commission publications include a comprehensive listing of galleries designed to be
used by artists and visitors, a listing of performing arts presenters with
detailed information on their theater facilities and program documentary
reports, and arts education resources.
Publications Listing
