We’re pleased to share the executive summary of the Big Re/Think findings. Building on the original 2014 Big Think, The Big Re/Think took place between September and December 2025 and included interviews with policymakers and sector leaders, a statewide survey, a virtual convening, and six in-person convenings across Oregon. Thank you to everyone who participated and
Advocate Archives - Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon
March 5, 2026
Short session update: cultural funding protected
We’re happy to share some good news from Salem as the short session wraps up! The final budget documents have posted, and the legislature did not make cuts to the Cultural Resources Economic Fund (CREF) projects, Oregon Shakespeare Festival and Portland Center Stage, or the Oregon Arts Commission. Carry-overs for earlier CREF projects (previously approved
January 28, 2026
You belong here!
Getting started with arts & culture advocacy in Oregon When people in the arts hear “legislative advocacy,” it can sound intimidating like something meant for lawyers, lobbyists, or people who already know how Salem works. That’s not what advocacy actually looks like. At its core, advocacy is simply explaining why something matters: to your students, audience,
January 7, 2026
What flat federal funding really means for arts and humanities
Update to this article, 1/9/2026: Oregon Arts Watch published a follow-up article after interviewing Amy Lewin, director of the Oregon Arts Commission and Oregon Cultural Trust, and Ben Waterhouse, communications director of Oregon Humanities. Lewin said, “Overall, it’s reassuring. This would allow us to continue our plan of steady support for hundreds of arts organizations
From our friends at the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies: Congress has begun its FY2026 budget deliberations. They will set federal funding levels for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). Because the White House “Skinny Budget” recommended elimination of the agency, this work has extra importance this summer. It will take a strong chorus of