A major component of the Commission’s recent work has been the development of expanded Capacity Building work with Oregon arts nonprofits. Designed by consultants from the TCC Group the program included a Leadership Exchange for arts organization board and staff leaders in four regions of the state; 1:1 coaching for an invited group of arts organizations; and Capacity Grants for arts groups ready to implement processes to improve their organizational capacity. An annual Arts Summit (link) provides an opportunity for shared learning for over 500 participants from national and Oregon leaders and experts.
The Leadership Exchange involved four cohorts in four regions over a two year period. Discussion topics included Governance, Financial Management, Program and Operational Evaluation, and Leadership Succession. In 2010-11, cohorts were convened in Portland, Eugene, Medford and Pendleton. In 2011-12, the program was convened in more underserved areas: Eastern Oregon, Central Oregon, Southern Oregon and the Mid-Willamette Valley. In all, 51 executive leaders or board chairs from 36 organizations completed the program. An additional 45 people representing an additional 9 organizations attended various sessions
The Commission used the TCC Group’s Core Capacity Assessment Tool (CCAT) to measure the organizational capacity of its grantees – and the groups that participated in various aspects of the Capacity Work. A sample of the results showed marked improvement in the areas of leadership, technical and governance capacity.
The Oregon Arts Summit has become one of the largest gatherings of arts and creative professionals and advocates in the Northwest. The most recent Arts Summit was held in Portland on October 12, 2012.
Guidelines for the next round of Capacity Building grants will be posted by November 20, 2012.
