The Oregon Cultural Trust was authorized in 1999 to increase public and private support for Oregon's arts, heritage, and humanities. Its visionary goal: create a sustainable $200 million permanent endowment for culture. Since 2002, Oregonians have contributed over $22 million to the Trust and as a result, the Trust has awarded over $9 million in grants to every corner of the state. Sales of over 40,000 cultural license plates are fueling the Trust's efforts in all regions.
From 1998 through 2001, the Arts Commission’s executive director, Christine D’Arcy, led a team of statewide cultural partners on the development of the Cultural Trust, managing the work of two Cultural Task Forces appointed by the Governor and legislative leadership. Since September 2003, she has served also as the Executive Director of the Oregon Cultural Trust, whose operations merged with the Arts Commission, streamlining operations and making use of the Commission’s expertise in grantmaking, arts and cultural information, and community cultural development.