Want to know more about the Oregon Arts Commission's work and impact? Dive into this 48-second introduction, illustrated by Paste in Place and produced by Sheepscot Creative.
Our Mission
To enhance the quality of life for all Oregonians through the arts by stimulating creativity, leadership and economic vitality.
Brief Legislative History
The Oregon Arts Commission was established in 1967 to foster the arts in Oregon and ensure their excellence. Nine Commissioners, appointed by the Governor, determine policies, establish long-range plans, and review applications to grants programs to determine funding levels.
In 1993, the Oregon Arts Commission became a division of the Oregon Business Development Department 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 Commission, making use of the Commission's expertise in grant-making, arts and cultural information and community cultural development.
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.
Our Strategic Plan
Mission: To enhance the quality of life for all Oregonians through the arts by stimulating creativity, leadership and economic vitality.
Vision: The Oregon Arts Commision envisions a future where communities celebrate creative expression, artists and arts organizations thrive through robust public support, the arts are recognized as an essential economic driver and Oregon is recognized as a leader for equity and inclusion in the arts.
Goals:
- Make the programs of the Oregon Arts Commission accessible to artists and arts organizations to enhance the quality of life for all Oregonians.
- To advance the essential role that the arts play in supporting the economic vitality or Oregon.
- To stimulate opportunities for Oregonians of all ages to pursue learning in and through the arts.
- To advocate and communicate the value that artists and arts organizations bring to Oregon.
- To improve efficiency and effectiveness of the Oregon Arts Commission to better serve artists, arts organizations and client agencies.
Want to know more? Read the complete 2015-2020 Strategic Plan.