The Oregon Arts Commission announces $93,300 in grants in its Arts Build Communities program. Now in its eleventh year, the program is designed to broaden the impact of the arts in a community and to foster community arts partnerships. “These projects mirror the diversity of artists and arts organizations in Oregon communities,” said Arts Commissioner Bart Eberwein of Portland who chaired the review panel. "It was an honor to review the applications from arts organizations, large and small (mostly small) from around the state. They came from the Wallowas, the High Desert and the Southern Coast, and all points in between. I was amazed at the passion and sophistication and power of what Oregon artists are doing to make their communities stronger, livelier and more prosperous. I have the feeling that every dollar we invest in these arts organizations will pay off times ten.”
“Many of the Arts Build Communities projects connect the arts with issues facing Oregonians: at-risk youth, downtown revitalization, facility development and community building. They speak to the vitality of the arts in community life,” said Christine D'Arcy, director of the Oregon Arts Commission. “We’re able to support strong community arts development projects in Oregon through our funding partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts.”
A total of 28 community and arts groups submitted requests of over $155,000 to the Oregon Arts Commission. Of the 28 requests, 20 projects were selected for funding. The Arts Build Communities final grant recommendations took into account the Commission’s priority for funding projects in underserved areas, support for project excellence, and depth and breadth of services.
The list of grant recipients and a summary of the funded projects follow:
December, 2006
Ashland Dancing People Company, $5,000
To support Solstice, a two-day dance event that will celebrate the winter solstice. Arts Commission funds will support the theater rental and artists fees.
Contact: Robin Stiehm, 541-941-6282, info@dancingpeople.com
Athena Athena Library Friends Association, $3,500
To support public art in a new library facility that celebrates Athena’s agricultural history. Arts Commission funds will support the development, design and implementation of stained glass panels and facade tiles created by local artisans.
Contact: Judy Price, 541-566-2305, athena_alfa@yahoo.com
Bend Children's Music Theatre Group, $5,500
To support four community outreach performances of the winter production of The Sound of Music in partnership with the Tower Theater and Bend-LaPine School District. Art Commission funds will support performances, artistic staff and royalties.
Contact: Nancy Engebreston, 541-385-6718, sopranancy@bendcable.com
Cove Cove Community Association, $5,500
To support the Cove Arts Festival and Fair, Arts in the Schools, and Music Over the Valley, three formerly independent art events that will be brought together and managed under the Cove Cultural Arts Committee of the Cove Community Association. Arts Commission funds will support all events.
Contact: Sherry Hartley, 541-568-4482, ascensionschool@eoni.com
Enterprise Fishtrap Inc, $7,000
To support The Big Read project, where 700 adults and students will read and discus The Grapes of Wrath and participate in a variety of community events based on the theme of Steinbeck’s novel. Arts Commission funds will support presenters’ fees, seniors’ recording sessions and publications and books for the project.
Contact: Rich Wandschneider, 541-426-3623, rich@fishtrap.org
Eugene Lane MicroBusiness, $4,500
To support the Artists Learning Conference, a two-day workshop on basic business, networking, and marketing skills which will enable artists to be more financially successful. Arts Commission funds will be used to pay for speaker fees, room rental and marketing materials.
Contact: Leah Murray, 541-463-4619, murrayl@lanecc.edu
Fossil Libraries of Eastern Oregon, $5,500
To support the “Folk Art at the Library!” program in partnership with the Smithsonian’s American Art Museum that will be held at six public libraries in Eastern Oregon. Arts Commission funds will support video conferencing programs with the Smithsonian, folk art exhibits, contracted artistic services, and marketing expenses.
Contact: Lyn Craig, 541-763-2355, fossilinn@centurytel.net
Halfway Cornucopia Arts Council, $1,000
To support "Art Camp," an annual summer program in which classes are provided for children and adults in a variety of artistic disciplines. Arts Commission funds will support class instructors, supplies and facility rentals.
Contact: Steve Backstrom, 541-742-7900, outback56@pinetel.com
Hillsboro City of Hillsboro, $5,500
To support the creation of ArtBank, a venue offering affordable studio space, cooperative gallery, and classroom as part of the Hillsboro Downtown Renaissance project. Arts Commission funds will support consultant fees for training the cooperative members upon completion of the facility.
Contact: Rene Heade, 503-681-6468, reneh@ci.hillsboro.or.us
Hood River The Next Door, Inc., $4,500
To support First Fridays, a collaborative monthly event, in partnership with the Hood River Downtown Business Association and Columbia Gorge Arts and Culture Council. The event promotes local artists in the community and helps downtown Hood River attract a more diverse group of visitors and shoppers. Arts Commission funds will support permit fees, safety and security expenses for the event and regional promotions.
Contact: Holli Frances, 541/386-6665, hollif@nextdoorinc.org
Klamath Falls Klamath Art Association, $800
To support the "Fabric of Life - Art Quilts Celebrating Family History," a fiber art project that includes a juried exhibition, classes, an oral history component, and production of educational CDs. Arts Commission funds will support the production of the CDs and advertising costs.
Contact: Mickie McCormic, 541-883-1833, klamathartassoc@aol.com
Oregon Institute of Technology, $7,000
To support “Voices: A Legacy of Hopefulness, a Portrait Project,” an oral history project in which students will interview and record tribal elders using a variety of media. The project is in partnership with Nixyaawii Community School, Tamastslikt Cultural Institute, and Crow’s Shadow Institute of the Arts. Art Commission funds will support fees for the lead photographer, travel, meals, and students’ multi-media supplies.
Contact: Gayle Yamasaki, 541-885-1815, gayle.yamasaki@oit.edu
Ross Ragland Theater, $3,500
To support expanded use of the theater’s lobby as a year-round art gallery in partnership with the Klamath Arts Council. Arts Commission funds will support computer access and costs associated with the gallery space.
Contact: Cari McMahon, 541-884-0651, rrtexec@rrtheater.org
Port Orford Port Orford Arts Council, $3,000
To support the seventh annual Summer Day Camp, a four day arts and recreation program for children who lack access to arts and recreation opportunities. The camp is offered in partnership with North Curry Families and Children Center, South Coast Watershed Council, the Port Orford Police Department, 2CJ Port Orford-Langlois School District and community artists. Arts Commission funds will support artists’ fees and materials.
Contact: Susan Lincoln, 541-332-0487, poac@gct21.net
Portland Artists Repertory Theatre, $7,000
To support the Spotlight Project, which continues the mission of the now defunct Haven Project by matching at-risk youth with professional playwrights and actors to create a play based on the child’s life. Artist Repertory Theatre will partner with Rigler and Woodmere Elementary Schools in the Portland Public School district. Arts Commission funds will support professional artists’ stipends.
Contact: Jill Baum, 503-241-9807, info@artistsrep.org
Children's Healing Art Project (CHAP), $4,500
To support the Saturday ART CLUB, allowing children and families affected by a major health crisis, diagnosis, or disability to use the power of art to help heal. The artwork created by the children will be displayed in galleries and public venues to reduce the stigma of disability and disease.
Contact: Frank Etxaniz, 503-243-5294, frank@chap.name
Portland Taiko, $4,500
To support Bamboo Migration, a music and theatrical program that explores the experience of Asian immigrants and their Asian American descendants. Project partners include Oregon Nikkei Legacy Center and Vietnamese Community Association. Art Commission Funds will be used for artistic salaries and fees, travel, and outreach expenses.
Contact: Michael Griggs, 503-288-2456, info@portlandtaiko.org
Trillium Artisans, $4,500
To support artisan review and peer-networking gatherings for low-income artists and craftspeople in their green crafts businesses.
Contact: Amanda McCloskey, 503-775-7993, amanda@trilliumartisans.org
Saint Helens City of St Helens Arts & Culture Commission, $5,500
To support Rock, Paper, Scissors, a community art celebration in partnership with Boise Cascade Paper Mill and Morse Bros. Inc. The project will include artists in residence and will result in the creation of two new works for the City’s public art collection. Arts Commission funds will support artist fees and advertising.
Contact: Brian Little, 503-397-6272, brianl@ci.st-helens.or.us
The Dalles The Dalles Art Association, $5,500
To support The Gorge Artists Open Studios, a tour of 30 art studios in the Gorge. Art Commission funds will support fees for a part-time coordinator to manage the event.
Contact: Pat Bozanich, 541-296-4759, thedallesart@earthlink.net
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The Oregon Arts Commission provides leadership, funding and arts programs through its grants, special initiatives and services. Nine Commissioners, appointed by the Governor, determine arts needs and establish policies for public support of the arts. The Arts Commission became part of the Economic Development Department in 1993, in recognition of the expanding role the arts play in the broader social, economic and educational arenas of Oregon communities. In 2003, the Oregon Legislature moved the operations of the Oregon Cultural Trust to the Arts Commission, streamlining operations and making use of the Commission’s expertise in grantmaking, arts and cultural information and community cultural development.
The Arts Commission is supported with General Funds appropriated by the Oregon Legislature and with federal funds from the National Endowment for the Arts as well as funds from the Oregon Cultural Trust.
