The Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon (CACO) has endorsed a slate of 11 capital construction projects totaling $10 million in Cultural Resources Economic Funds (CREF) for the 2027-29 biennium.
The CACO board of directors received applications from arts and culture organizations across the state and, in consultation with the Oregon Arts Commission and the Oregon Cultural Trust, identified projects for their geographic and cultural diversity, economic impact, and potential to expand access to the arts.
These projects are ready for state investment: they have solid progress in their plans, have raised private funds, and are built for long-term viability.
- Art Center East — $250,000 (ADA renovations)
- Nightlab — $850,000 (lighting systems for Portland bridges)
- Britt Gardens Music and Arts Festival Association — $2,000,000 (historic building renovation)
- Cumberland Community Events Center — $250,000 (historic restoration and improvement)
- Cuomo Theatre Fund — $1,000,000 (building purchase and improvements)
- Film Forever Northwest for renovation of the Hollywood Theatre — $1,000,000
- McKenzie River Discovery Center — $2,000,000 (Discovery Center construction)
- Nez Perce Wallowa Homeland — $250,000 (Homeland Gathering Grounds accessibility)
- Portland Youth Philharmonic — $1,500,000 (building restoration and renovation)
- Prismid Sanctuary — $500,000 (Prismid Sanctuary rebuild)
- Shelton McMurphey Johnson House — $400,000 (Garden Terrace project)
“It is a privilege to work alongside a dedicated committee of arts leaders to bring forward a slate of capital projects that reflect the full breadth of Oregon’s cultural life,” said Ginger Savage, Chair of the CREF Committee and Executive Director of Crossroads Carnegie Art Center. “From expanding accessibility at community arts spaces and rebuilding a sanctuary for creative practice to restoring beloved performance venues and launching a new Discovery Center on the McKenzie River, these 11 projects show what Oregon is capable of when we invest in the places where culture takes root.”
“CACO consistently brings forward projects that remind me why this work matters,” said Oregon Representative Rob Nosse. “This slate stretches from Portland’s bridges to the Wallowa Mountains, and every project on it is doing something essential: keeping Oregon’s arts and cultural spaces alive, accessible, and ready for the next generation. I’m proud to carry these forward in the legislature.”
CACO will advocate for CREF funding during the 2027 legislative session. Funding decisions are made by the Oregon Legislature; endorsement does not guarantee funding. General funds may be available as early as fall/winter 2027, with lottery bond funding available in spring 2029.