Greetings members, supporters, and friends of the Cultural Advocacy Coalition!
Hello and 
THANK YOU for the warm welcome.
Its now been about three weeks since I’ve taken the reins from Christine Drazan (many thanks for her wise leadership) and I’m soaking up new facts about Oregon’s cultural sector on a daily basis. I am delighted to join you in pursuit of an ever-stronger public investment in Oregon for the arts, culture, heritage and the humanities.
The cultural fabric in our state should be a central part of every Oregonian’s experience. I’m motivated by expanding access to our treasures for all — especially children.
My earliest experiences — seeing “Anything Goes” at Portland’s Civic Theatre, to yearly attendance at the Pendleton Round Up and Happy Canyon, have been among my greatest joys. Seeing these expressions of feeling and love change us. I hope through our work together we will broaden perspectives and build bridges via the connective tissue created through personal expression.
We have a busy fall ahead preparing for the 2019 legislative session where we will advocate for renewal of the Cultural Trust tax credit and historic property special assessments, as well as an inspiring package of capital construction projects. More to come in the weeks ahead as we plan our advocacy day.
Today, the Americans for the Arts released fresh data from a poll of more than 3000 Americans. Among the highlights:
Over 90% of Americans say students should receive arts education in school;
Most Americans approve of arts funding from government at local, state and federal levels;
Most Americans will vote for candidates who increase arts funding.
I’m excited to learn alongside each of you in the days ahead and help lift up your story along with our wonderful partner and lobbyist, Paul Cosgrove.
Onward together,
Sue Hildick
Senior Advisor