|
  |
||||||
| |||||||
For Immediate Release Contact: Christine D'Arcy, Executive Director Kathryn French, Metropolitan Group Salem, Ore--HB 2923, the bill that provides funding for Oregon's Trust for Cultural Development, passed in the Oregon Senate today by a vote of 25 to 3. The Senate vote followed the June 30 passage of the bill in the House of Representatives by a vote of 53 to 3. The bill is the culmination of more than two years of work by statewide arts, humanities, heritage and historic preservation leaders to increase collaboration and funding for cultural initiatives. HB 2923 was sponsored by a bi-partisan group of legislators including cultural task force members Rep. Ben Westlund (R-Tumalo) and Sen. Lee Beyer (D-Springfield). It establishes a tax credit for direct contributions to the Oregon Trust for Cultural Development, a long-term public/private funding initiative designed to preserve and strengthen culture for all Oregonians. Funding for the Trust will also come from revenue derived from the sale of a new "cultural" license plate and from the sale of state-owned surplus assets. Oregon falls near the bottom of state funding for arts, culture and heritage in US per capita state rankings, despite widespread recognition of the value that cultural programs bring to our state's economy and our citizens' quality of life. Everyday, Oregonians seek education, entertainment and a sense of identity from the thousands of cultural activities offered in their communities. When these activities are neglected, quality of life for all Oregonians is diminished. "Our vision for the Cultural Trust is simple and straightforward--it's time for a true cultural awakening, something that lifts the arts, the humanities and our cultural heritage to a new and pivotal level capable of impacting favorably every Oregonian," said Charles Walker, chair of the Joint Interim Task Force on Cultural Development. "We are delighted that the need for more focused attention on Oregon's culture was so strongly endorsed by the Legislature." More than two years ago, thousands of Oregonians came together in response to a mandate from Governor John Kitzhaber to develop a unified strategy to guide and increase public investment in Oregon's severely under-funded arts, culture and heritage organizations. Today, after two years of broad-based community outreach led by state cultural agencies and two state-appointed task forces, the Oregon Legislature made a significant investment in communities and their cultural development. The Cultural Trust will be a staffed entity operating within the Secretary of State's office and directed by a governing board. As a funding mechanism, the Trust will invest in communities in three ways: through direct funding partnerships with county and tribal cultural coalitions; through competitive matching grants to support, protect and stabilize cultural organizations in the future and; through increased funding to state cultural agencies to strengthen existing programs and support new partnerships and collaborations (Oregon Arts Commission, Oregon Council for the Humanities, Oregon Heritage Commission, Oregon Historical Society and the State Historic Preservation Office). "July 3 will be remembered as Oregon's Cultural Independence Day for generations to come. The Trust will have a lasting impact on arts, culture and heritage groups across the state," said Norm Smith, chairman of the Oregon Arts Commission. "The bill approved by the Legislature reflects the connection that Oregonians have with culture: our rich heritage, our historic downtowns and the vitality of the arts. We are delighted with the strong support of the legislators." The full report of the Joint Interim Task Force on Cultural Development recommending the plans for the Oregon Trust for Cultural Development can be accessed online at http://culturaltaskforce.econ.state.or.us. Excerpted remarks by Legislators in support of HB 2923-A: HB 2923 is the culmination of a great effort by a great number of individuals.
It reflects the tremendous effort by the Cultural Task Force ... which traveled
all over the state and met thousands of citizens concerned about the state of
our arts, culture and historic preservation. ...I'd like to thank the numerous
people who supported this effort so nobly and persuasively over the two years
it took to put this visionary arts and cultural trust together. Colleagues,
I urge a strong yes vote. [Culture] is something that makes a difference in a community. It makes life
worth living. The Cultural Trust is an idea that was built from the grassroots
from every corner of our state. This will be one of the bookends of Oregon history
that we can look back to and be proud of.. [The Oregon Cultural Trust] is an idea whose time has come... Any society is
a reflection of the legacy that it leaves. The legacy that we should be sharing
is that we have made Oregon a better place. Culture and the arts are part of
that legacy.... This is a good product, one that builds a legacy for generations
to come. HB 2923 is one of those bills that has to do with quality of life in Oregon.
It's one of the most important bills of the session. [The Oregon Cultural Trust}
is a wonderful accomplishment for Oregon and for future generations. The arts have had a profound impact on my life. I could list a handful of moments
... where my personal involvement in an artistic endeavor has fundamentally
changed me and my outlook on the world. ...This bill will be leaving a long
term legacy for our children. 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 Oregon 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. Dated for freshness! Page last updated May 02, 2008 |
|||||||
| |||||||
