The Oregon Arts Commission supports activities that promote arts education opportunities and life-long arts learning for Oregonians.

For information about the Oregon Declaration of Creative Rights and the Arts Education Congress, click here.

To join the growing arts education network in Oregon, click here: Arts Education Network

Grants for Arts Learning
Current Arts Commission funding opportunities specifically addressing Arts Learning.

Arts Learning Resources
As the Arts Commission's third major goal (Increase arts education opportunities for all Oregonians), the Oregon Arts Commission has been committed to building strong arts education programs in our schools.

Poetry Out Loud
The Oregon Arts Commission, with support from the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Poetry Foundation, announces “Poetry Out Loud”, a national initiative that will involve students in the study and public recitation of classic poetry. The 2009 contest has concluded, but you may view the
2009 School Guidelines or download 2008-2009 School Application . Information about the 2010 contest will be available in July.

The updated Poetry Out Loud: Oregon Curriculum Guide is designed to help teachers integrate Poetry Out Loud into existing school curriculum, addressing Oregon-specific Content and Performance Standards in English/Language Arts, and the Arts. For your convenience, you may download the entire guide or just individual sections.

Download the entire 39-page Oregon Curriculum guide here or individual sections:

State Contest Registration Form for use after you determine a school winner, due February 25, 2009
4-week, Step-by-Step planning guide for teachers
Interpretation and Memorization Tips for students
Advice on hosting and organizing your school contest
Lesson Plan One: "Still I Rise" by Maya Angelou, to help students identify the use of alliteration, simile and metaphor
Lesson Plan Two: Poems Put to Use to practice memorization of poem excerpts and the application to public speaking
Lesson Plan Three: Tone Mapping to assist with analyzing oral interpretation choices.
Lesson Plan Four: Writing Poetry and the Creative Process to gain a better understanding of the writer's intention
Download a list of print and on-line poetry resources

Dated for freshness! Page last updated March 21, 2009