Oregon Arts Commission Announces
New Arts & Cultural Tourism Grant Program
Program Made Possible by Legislature’s Full Funding of Arts Commission’s Creative Oregon Initiative
The Oregon Arts Commission announces a new Arts & Cultural Tourism Grant program. Applications will be accepted from Oregon arts organizations and units of local governments through January 31, 2008.
The Oregon Arts Commission established the Cultural Tourism Grants to support projects and partnerships that advance arts-based cultural tourism activities. The new program, made possible by legislature’s full funding of the Commission’s Creative Oregon Initiative, fosters stronger links between the arts, culture, the tourism industry and local economic development.
The program will support activities undertaken by arts or tourism groups – and especially projects in which both collaborate – designed to increase tourism motivated entirely or in part by the arts -related offerings of a community or region. By attracting Oregonians and non-residents, Commission-funded projects will increase the economic benefit of cultural tourism to communities, regions and the entire state.
Proposed projects may e nhance an existing cultural tourism project or fund a new initiative. The grants may support, for example, target marketing for arts and cultural events and activities designed to attract visitors; the development of packages or special promotions for arts and cultural tourism activities; and the development of new uses of media and technology for arts and cultural tourism activities.
Applicants must have IRS 501(c)(3) federal tax-exempt status and corporate nonprofit status in the state of Oregon; or be a unit of local government. Applicants may request up to $10,000 in grant funds with a limit of one grant project request per cycle.
The guidelines and applications for the Cultural Tourism grants are available online through the grants section of the Arts Commission’s website: www.oregonartscommission.org . Additional information is available by calling the Arts Commission at (503) 986-0082.
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The Oregon Arts Commission believes that the arts and culture are touchstones of community and civic life and that it is essential to preserve, stabilize and develop their central role in Oregon. The 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 and Community 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. More information about the Oregon Arts Commission is available at www.oregonartscommission.org
The Arts Commission is supported with general funds appropriated by the Oregon legislature, federal funds from the National Endowment for the Arts and funds from the Oregon Cultural Trust.
