Oregon Arts Commission Receives Funding From Ford Family Foundation for Artist Residencies in Rural Schools : Oregon Arts Commission

The Oregon Arts Commission has received a three-year, $310,000 grant from The Ford Family Foundation to provide targeted funds to enable approximately 80 rural and underserved schools to pay for and host on-site artist residencies to augment and enhance ongoing arts instruction and activities. The Commission seeks to identify schools in rural and underserved areas of Oregon with a commitment to hosting artist residencies over a three-year period to build long-term capacity in arts education.

"The Foundation believes that arts and culture can inspire personal achievement, increase cultural perspective, and improve academic achievement in k 12 students. This program will increase arts opportunities in rural schools across Oregon,” said Sarah Reeve, Program Officer with The Ford Family Foundation in announcing the grant.

“This funding comes at a pivotal time. Schools are facing extraordinary funding challenges and making hard choices about programs. The Ford Family Foundation funding will support artists in residence in rural and underserved schools, adding educational value for students and staff,” added Christine D’Arcy, Executive Director of the Arts Commission. The Rural Artist Residencies support the Arts Commission’s two goals focused on arts education: to ensure that the arts are an integral component of education across the state and to promote lifelong learning and arts experiences for Oregonians.

To implement the Rural Artist Residency program, the Commission will use Oregon’s Regional Arts Education Network to provide technical support for schools and districts; coordinate communication regarding residency opportunities to schools; and provide financial management of rural artist residency funds that will be paid directly to the Network coordinator on behalf of participating schools.

Rural Residency Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis and will include a comprehensive evaluation. Any Oregon school or district that is rural and underserved may request support.

The Ford Family Foundation was established in 1957 by Kenneth W and Hallie E. Ford to "give back to the community." The mission of the foundation is to help individuals through organized learning opportunities to be contributing and successful citizens, and to enhance the vitality of rural communities. The foundation is located in Roseburg, Oregon.

To request the funding guidelines and contact information for Oregon’s Regional Arts Education Network, contact the Arts Commission at Oregon.artscomm@state.or.us or (503) 986-0082. Additional information is available on the Arts Commission’s website: www.oregonartscommission.org.

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.

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Dated for freshness! Page last updated May 02, 2008