Wendy Rawlins holds a hand carved purse created in the Traditional Arts Apprentice Program, 2009.
From 1977-2009, statewide services supporting folklife and traditional arts in Oregon were provided under the aegis of several organizations, first through the Oregon Arts Commission, then Lewis and Clark College, and then the Oregon Historical Society. The Oregon Folklife Program, within the Oregon Historical Society, ceased program operations in June 2009, due to financial difficulties. Although the Oregon Folklife Program struggled financially, it was known for the leadership of its professional folklorists who planned and implemented high quality programs across the state.
In Fall 2009, the Arts Commission contracted with community cultural development consultant Bill Flood, to facilitate a planning process to consider options for a new and sustainable system for providing folklife services in Oregon. This new folklife support system must be innovative in how it draws upon and knits together Oregon’s folklife stakeholders and folklife assets, be current in its approach, and demonstrate clear strategies for sustainable financial support. It must build support for folklife and develop an institutional base in a way that the former iterations of the program were not able to accomplish.
The Commission is committed to encouraging, promoting and honoring the diverse tribal and community-based art forms that make Oregon distinct.
