We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended our virtual Advocacy Day on April 23rd We welcomed members, donors, and cultural leaders from every region of Oregon from the Willamette Valley out to the coast and to the high desert. Thanks to many of you who reported back with positive legislator meetings. The support for arts and culture is overwhelming and the Coalition has so much gratitude for each of you.
Additionally, a sincere thank you to Representative Christine Drazan and Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici for taking the time to speak on behalf of Oregon’s arts and culture sector. Thank you to Stephanie Magee, arts advocate and Miss Capital City Volunteer 2021 for her beautiful cello performance and for her impact in establishing April as Arts Appreciation Month. Thank you to our full board of directors, including those who helped lead Advocacy Day: Board President JS May, Executive Director Artists Repertory Theatre, Board Vice President Isaac Marquez, Director of Cultural Services, City of Eugene, board member Ginger Savage, Executive Director Crossroads Carnegie Art Center, board member Ginny Lang, community leader and lobbyist, and board member Jordan Anderson, Director, Grants and Strategic Initiatives at OPB. And fianlly, thank you staff and Coalition lobbyist Paul Cosgrove.
If you missed Advocacy Day, watch the full video below.
Note: We apologize that closed captioning was not used during this call. If you would like a copy of our Advocacy Day script please email sue@oregonculture.org.
Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici speaking on Advocacy Day 2021.
Words that rang true on Advocacy Day 2021.
“First responders and front-line workers have taken on the pandemic in heroic ways. The arts and culture sector are second responders and the facilitators of our healing from both the pandemic and inequities brought forward by the social justice movement.” – Dana Whitelaw, board secretary and Executive Director of the High Desert Museum. Quoted during the Zoom call.
“There is no other sector that can help mend our hearts and souls or help us begin to make sense of the world around us like the arts,” said Marquez.
Don’t forget, if you donate $100 or more to the Coalition in April and May you will receive an Advocacy Day reusable face mask. Every gift, no matter the size, helps the Coalition continue Advocating for Oregon’s arts, culture, history, heritage, and humanities. Become a new member or renew your gift today. We are grateful for your support.