Community Advocacy Delivered

This year, the arts community showed up—and lawmakers listened. From an energized Advocacy Day at the Capitol to hundreds of emails, phone calls, and heartfelt testimonies throughout the session, Oregon’s arts supporters made their voices impossible to ignore. And it paid off.

Capital Investments across Oregon

One of the most exciting outcomes: full funding for all 13 projects recommended through the Cultural Resources Economic Fund(CREF). In total, $8.275 million will go to build, restore, and preserve beloved community spaces across the state—from Coos Bay to Bend, Jacksonville to Salem. These peer-reviewed projects, each ranging from $150,000 to $2 million, represent every corner of Oregon and will deliver long-term cultural and economic value to their regions.

“These 13 CREF projects represent more than bricks and mortar—they’re investments in the heart of our communities,” said Ginger Savage, who led the statewide CREF advocacy effort. “From rural towns to urban centers, these cultural spaces bring people together, tell our stories, and drive local economies. I’m incredibly proud that, even in a tough budget year, the legislature recognized the value of these projects and made a commitment to Oregon’s cultural future.”

Historic Preservation Incentives Reauthorized

In another major win, legislators reauthorized Oregon’s Special Assessment for Historic Properties program—a vital tax credit that had expired. The program encourages investment in historic buildings by providing a discounted tax assessment for ten years in exchange for appropriate preservation improvements. This outcome reflects years of advocacy by Restore Oregon and other preservation and arts partners and will ensure Oregon’s architectural and cultural heritage continues to thrive.

Progress on Anchor Arts Funding

While lawmakers did not fund the six large arts organizations the way we had proposed in an amendment to HB 3189, they did make investments in the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and Portland Center Stage.

Oregon Arts Commission Funding Holds Steady

While the legislature did not approve the increase we sought for the Oregon Arts Commission, we’re grateful its budget was not cut, unlike many other state agencies and programs. In a year marked by deep economic uncertainty, budget writers made the broad decision to avoid committing to any new ongoing expenses. Even so, maintaining the Arts Commission’s current funding level reflects lawmakers’ recognition of the vital role it plays in supporting artists, organizations, and cultural programming across the state. And we’ll continue advocating for that increase.

A Historic Letter from the Arts & Culture Caucus

“I am thrilled to see the CREF slate fully funded…it’s such an important opportunity to support arts and culture organizations across the state,” said Rep. Rob Nosse (D-Portland), co-chair of the Arts & Culture Caucus. “We are looking to the future and we aren’t giving up on increasing the grant fund program for the Arts Commission.”

Looking Ahead

In a year when budget writers had every reason to pull back—facing a $500 million drop in projected revenue and extreme uncertainty in federal funding —arts and culture not only held the line, but advanced. These wins reflect a growing understanding that investing in creativity, culture, and history strengthens every community in Oregon.

We’re grateful to our champions in the legislature—including Rep. Nosse and caucus co-chair Sen. Dick Anderson (R-Lincoln City)—and to every advocate who helped get us here.

We’re not done. These wins are a foundation to build on as we continue working toward increased operating support for the Oregon Arts Commission, stronger cultural infrastructure, and equitable investment in every region.

The post Oregon’s Arts & Culture Sector Scores Key Legislative Wins Despite Budget Challenges appeared first on Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon.

The evening began with a welcome from Rep. Rob Nosse and Sen. Dick Anderson, caucus co-chairs. Other speakers were Dana Whitelaw, chair of the CACO board (read her remarks here); Lisa Mensah, president and CEO of the Oregon Community Foundation; Carrie Hoops, executive director of the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation; Sean Andries, chair of the Oregon Cultural Trust; and Subashini Ganeshan-Forbes, chair of the Oregon Arts Commission and an ex-oficio member of the CACO board.

After the speeches, the wonderful music and poetry began, interspersed with beautiful videos about the arts in Oregon. The event was emceed and curated by Darrell Grant, professional jazz pianist, composer, and educator. First we had a beautiful sung land acknowledgement by “Generations,” a group of Indigenous drummers, singers and dancers, claiming Oregon as our own. Next was Buffalo Kin, a musical duo from Fossil, Oregon, singing traditional cowboy folk tunes and haunting original pieces. Past Oregon Poet Laureate Anis Mojgani read his poem “The Lemon Tree,” accompanied by beautiful jazz piano with Darrell Grant. Husband-wife duo Dreckig played the flute and sang some electronic music.

Next was acclaimed Mexican singer Edna Vasquez, who sings with Pink Martini. Vasquez treated us to a gorgeous original song called Ixim Ixoq (Mujer Maiz).  Edna is a fearless singer, songwriter, composer, and guitarist whose powerful voice and musical talent transcend the boundaries of language to engage and uplift her audience.

Finally esperanza spalding closed out the program with several songs, including Joni Mitchell and Stevie Wonder covers. esperanza was born and raised in the Portland area and after teaching herself to play violin, began performing as a violinist in the Chamber Music Society of Oregon at age five! Called “the 21st century’s jazz genius” by National Public Radio, esperanza has won four Grammy Awards, including best new artist in 2011, the first jazz artist to win that award. Last August she released a collaborative album, Milton + Esperanza, with Brazilian singer Milton Nascimento.

She led the audience in a singalong, “We shall receive all that we need…all that we need, we shall receive,” tying that back to our appeal for greater arts funding in 2025.

In addition to all the performers listed above, thanks to the following people and organizations: Oregon Community Foundation, James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation, Independent Venue Coalition of Oregon, Elsinore Theatre, Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon, Cultural Advocacy Foundation, Oregon Arts Commision,  Oregon Cultural Trust, Darrell Grant, Adolpho Canto-Real, Claire Blaylock, and all of the volunteers who helped pull off a great event!

The post Inspirational 2025 kickoff of Oregon Arts & Culture Caucus appeared first on Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon.