We’re excited to announce we have endorsed a slate of 14 capital construction projects totaling $9.325 million in Cultural Resources Economic Funds (CREF). The CACO board of directors received 24 applications for 2025-27 arts & culture funding for capital projects across the state. Consulting with the Oregon Arts Commission and Oregon Cultural Trust, the board identified the following projects because of their geographic and cultural diversity, economic impact, and expanded access to the arts.
We are confident these projects are ready for state investment, meaning they have solid progress in their plans, have raised private funds, and are viable for many years:
- B17 Alliance Foundation, Salem-$350,000 (hangar purchase for iconic B-17G)
- Columbia River Maritime Museum, Astoria-$700,000 (Mariners Hall project)
- Coos Art Museum, Coos Bay-$325,000 (restore and revamp only art museum on the coast)
- Eastern Oregon Regional Theatre, Baker City-$600,000 (Baker Orpheum Theatre renovation)
- High Desert Museum, Bend-$2 million (addition and renovation)
- Historic Jacksonville, Jacksonville-$150,000 (“Museum Without Walls” project)
- Maxville Heritage Interpretive Center, Joseph-$300,000 (development of site as educational resource)
- Mt. Hood Cultural Center and Museum, Government Camp-$450,000 (building expansion)
- Museum at Warm Springs, Warm Springs-$1.5M (renewal and exhibit updates)
- Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Ashland-$375,000 (Black Swan Theatre renovation)
- PHAME, Portland-$600,000 (new building)
- Salem Art Association, Salem-$175,000 (re-imagining Bush House Museum)
- The Historic Elsinore Theatre, Salem- $350,000 (renovation of theatre/new signage)
- World Forestry Center, Portland-$1 million (campus transformation/Experience Center project)
View this PDF for more details and photos.
“It was an honor to work with nine arts leaders around the state to recommend 14 shovel-ready cultural capital projects to the Oregon Legislature,” said Ginger Savage, Chair of CREF Committee and Executive Director, Crossroads Carnegie Art Center. “From preserving a historic airplane and revamping the only art museum on the Oregon Coast to restoring theatres, sites, and entertainment spaces, these projects will revitalize arts and culture across the state.”
“I’m always excited to support the geographically diverse capital projects recommended by CACO,” said Oregon Representative Rob Nosse. “They highlight the best of Oregon, highlighting our diverse history, vibrant arts scene, and thrilling cultural sector. I’m happy to champion this well-curated collection.”
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