Siri Grubb (she/her), Senior Director of Executive Operations, Oregon Symphony: Siri joined the Oregon Symphony in 2021 as executive assistant to the CEO and music director and liaison to the Board of Directors. In that role, she developed a broad understanding of the symphony’s business and the key concerns facing arts groups in Oregon. Over five years, she has expanded the scope of her position to provide increased high-level strategic support. As senior director of executive operations, she represents the office of the CEO, shepherds institutional initiatives, and helps to drive success across the organization. Siri earned a master’s in communication at PSU, where she focused on political and strategic communication. Why she wanted to join the CACO board: “I believe that art and culture are as important for quality of life as economic opportunity, and I’m honored to join the CACO board. I’m grateful for this opportunity to support the health and vitality of the sector so that Oregon remains a place where everyone can thrive.”

Beth Lewis (she/her), Director of Development, Portland Opera: Beth joined the opera in June 2025 and oversees fundraising, including annual giving, major gifts, corporate sponsorships, grants, and special events. As a lifelong actor, Beth has extensive experience in classical theater, improv, and music across NYC, LA, and regional theaters. Before joining Portland Opera, she directed development and donor engagement at Centro Cultural de Washington County, Patricia Reser Center for the Arts, and Portland Center Stage at The Armory. She was also managing director for Bag&Baggage Productions and Curious Comedy Theater. She has a B.A. in theatre from Connecticut College and a Certificate in Acting from Michael Howard Studios. She is also board president of the Aloha Community Library and the Arts & Communication Magnet Academy parent-teacher organization in Beaverton. Why she wanted to join the CACO board: “I’m excited to join the board of the Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon to help champion policies that sustain a vibrant arts ecosystem across the state and ensure organizations like Portland Opera can continue serving our communities.”

Brian Robrecht, Box Office and Front of House Manager, Newport Performing Arts: Brian has been stage managing for 20 years. He has worked on everything from a one-person show in a small space to large-scale musicals with an orchestra in larger venues.

Javier Dubon, Interim Executive Director and Director of Sales and Marketing, Oregon Shakespeare Festival (he/him): Named interim executive director in June 2025, Javier is helping lead OSF through its continued recovery and growth after the COVID-19 pandemic. Javier has a passion for driving revenue, program impact, and brand reach at nonprofit arts organizations. He has spent over a decade at presenting and producing organizations, marketing nearly every performing arts genre. Before joining OSF in 2022, he directed and managed marketing for theatres in Chicago and Texas. He serves on the adjunct faculty at DePaul University in Chicago, where he earned an MFA in arts leadership, in addition to a bachelor’s of music from The University of Texas at Austin. Why he wanted to join the CACO board: “I look forward to contributing to the cultural vibrancy and support of Oregon through my service on the CACO board.”

The post Welcome, new board members in 2026! appeared first on Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon.

Dr. Dana Whitelaw, new president of the Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon board, spoke at the Oregon Arts & Culture kickoff event on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. Whitelaw is executive director of the High Desert Museum in Bend, Oregon. Under her leadership, the High Desert Museum was named a Smithsonian Affiliate, has experienced record attendance, and earned the prestigious 2021 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. Born and raised in Oregon, Dana received her doctorate in biological anthropology from the University of Colorado Boulder.  In addition to the CACO board, she serves on the boards of the Western Museums Association, Visit Central Oregon, and Art in Public Places.

Here are her (slightly condensed) remarks at the Elsinore Theatre:

I am so pleased to be here tonight — in this magnificent theater — with all of you. On behalf of CACO – welcome!

First,  I’d like to express gratitude to Representative Nosse, Senator Anderson, and the rest of the caucus. Thank you for supporting the work of those bringing inspiration, creativity, education, insight, and joy to Oregonians, every day. Your enthusiasm for our work puts wind in our sails.

Arts and culture is a unifier – it brings us together to remind us of our humanity and opens new doors to conversation and connection. It also drives innovation and economic prosperity. Broad support for the arts is evident this evening in this formidable group of advocates from across the state.

A little bit about the the Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon, a nonpartisan organization, which has over 300 members providing arts and culture opportunities in communities in every corner of Oregon! Advocates for the arts include Tribal communities, rural organizations, museums and cultural centers, and urban cultural anchors. One of our greatest strengths is that champions for the arts sit on both sides of the political aisle.

And now, in this legislative session, we have an assignment:

Let’s raise the level of giving from the arts commission from $4 million to $10 million to provide more grant funding across the state. Let’s make sure Oregon supports capital projects large and small, from Coos Bay to this Elsinore Theatre in Salem. Organizations like the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and the Oregon Symphony need help to sustain their vitality. Increasing funding helps us bring Oregon closer to our peers in supporting arts and culture. Finally, we’re advocating for increased incentives to preserve, protect, and resuse historic properties. We have more to do to keep the creative sector alive and thriving.

An investment in Oregon’s arts and creativity is an investment in every Oregonian. There’s the quantitative piece and the qualitative part of our story. Our quality of life improves dramatically with the existence of a dynamic and vibrant cultural sector. Thank you again for gathering this evening, for celebrating and supporting the arts sector, and for ensuring a vibrant future for the arts — and for all Oregonians.

The post New CACO board president Dana Whitelaw speaks at Oregon Arts & Culture Caucus kickoff appeared first on Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon.

• HB 3189: Improving access to state funding for arts & culture providers ($10 million) (more info)
• HB 3191: Providing capital to 14 arts & culture capital projects around the state ($9.325M) (more info)
• Supporting one-time funding for large arts organizations to match private philanthropic commitments ($5.5M) 
• HB 3190: Encouraging investment in preservation and reuse of historic properties (more info)

The post CACO priorities for 2025 appeared first on Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon.

Carissa Burkett (she/her), Executive Director, North Pole Studio: Carissa is a multimedia artist, curator, and nonprofit arts administrator. Her 12 years of arts experience started at Project Grow, an art studio and urban farm that supported adults with disabilities. She led arts programs at the Chehalem Cultural Center in Newberg and directed Third Angle New Music before joining North Pole Studio in 2023. Why she wanted to join the CACO board: “I wanted to get more involved in advocacy and be sure that arts and culture organizations serving folks with disabilities are included in the advocacy conversation.”

Gabriella Calicchio (she/her), Executive Director, Oregon Shakespeare Festival: Gabriella joined OSF in 2024, bringing more than 30 years of arts leadership experience. Her career has been shaped by a passion for arts advocacy, strategic planning, organizational growth, and community engagement. Before joining OSF, she directed cultural services for Marin County, the Walt Disney Family Museum, and the Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis. She also led Marin Theatre Company, Diablo Ballet, and theatre operations at the Smith Center at Ohlone College. Why she wanted to join the CACO board: “I was involved in arts advocacy efforts in California and believe it is essential to tell our stories and ensure that our elected officials understand how important the arts are for our communities.”

Jennifer Cole (she/her), Jordan Schnitzer Dean, Pacific Northwest College of Art at Willamette University: Jennifer has 30 years of experience in strategic planning, external affairs, program development, academia, and innovation. She leads artists, designers, educators, and students at the Pacific Northwest College of Art. Jen was chief of staff and founding director of the National Collaborative for Creative Work at the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts at Arizona State University and former chief cultural officer of the city of Nashville. Why she wanted to join the CACO board: “I wanted to join the board to support building a healthy arts ecosystem in Oregon.”

Kimberly Howard Wade (she/her), Executive Director of Caldera: Kimberly leads Caldera, a creative youth development organization. Previously she worked with PGE’s community impact team, was trust manager for the Oregon Cultural Trust, directed the Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center, led education and outreach for the Artists Repertory Theatre, and has worked as a professional actor. She’s also served as chair of the Oregon State Board of Education, board president of Portland Playhouse, and state rep on the Western States Arts Federation’s Regional Multicultural Advisory Committee. Why she wanted to join the CACO board: “To be part of a unified voice for the collective power of Oregon’s arts, heritage, and humanities contribution to the richness of our state.”

Jenn Hartmann Luck (she/her), Producing Artistic Director, Oregon Children’s Theatre: Jenn is a multi-hyphenate theatre artist, educator, director, producer, songwriter/composer, and arts leader who has been working in arts education and children’s theatre for 25 years. Before joining Oregon Children’s Theatre, she led partnerships and programming for education at the Paramount Theatre in Austin, Texas, and was on the International Association of Performing Arts for Youth Board of Directors. She loves to create new musical theatre and is passionate about developing new works for families. Why she wanted to join the CACO board: “I am eager to advocate for arts and culture programming across the state of Oregon, especially funding for arts education and programming for youth and families. It’s important to me that our state leadership understands what a critical moment it is for artists and arts organizations across our state and that we need their support now.”

Dave Moss (he/him), Executive Director, Eugene Symphony Association: Dave is an acclaimed and boldly creative leader with a track record of innovation and impact in the symphonic world. As president and CEO of the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra, he expanded programming, launched digital productions, and was recognized as one of Hawai‘i’s Most Admired Leaders by Pacific Business News. A recovering violist, Dave has performed with Itzhak Perlman, Renée Fleming, Kanye West, The Who, and the Broadway cast of Hamilton. He is passionate about making symphonic music more accessible, ensuring orchestras remain vibrant, and fostering the next generation of music lovers. Why he wanted to join the CACO board: “I believe in the power of the arts to bring people together, spark creativity, and strengthen our communities. It’s critical we advocate for sustainable funding and policies that expand opportunities for audiences across Oregon, ensuring the arts remain a thriving and essential part of civic life.”

Rachel Record (she/her), Head of Partnerships, Portland Art Museum: Rachel is an experienced arts nonprofit professional with a background in administration, leadership, and fundraising. She has worked in various development roles at the Portland Art Museum since 2010. As head of partnerships, she leads the expansion of foundation, corporate, and government giving. Rachel also served as development manager and co-interim director for the Northwest Film Center. Why she wanted to join the CACO board: “In my career, I have seen the transformative power of the arts to connect and inspire. I’m looking forward to serving the state’s arts and culture organizations as a CACO board member.”

Emily West Hartlerode (she/her), Director, Oregon Folklife Network: Emily is the state folklorist and director of Oregon Folklife Network, the designated partner of the Oregon Arts Commission, housed at the Museum of Natural and Cultural History at the University of Oregon. Now in her 14th year as a public folklorist, she mentors graduate students while creating community-driven public programs that empower cultural leaders and celebrate Oregon’s many rich and diverse cultural heritages. Emily is leading a multi-state research project assessing the cultural sustainability impact of traditional arts apprenticeships. Why she wanted to join the CACO board: “I want to see Oregon’s arts and culture landscape fully support and integrate traditional arts rooted in community life. I hope to share advocacy skills with cultural leaders and emerging culture workers to foster broad investment in our vibrant cultural practices.”

We also have two ex-oficio members of the board (nonvoting members):

Subashini Ganesan-Forbes (she/her), Chair, Oregon Arts Commission: Subashini is a choreographer, curator, and arts administrator whose contemporary works showcase the nuanced, universal emotive expressions of Bharatanatyam. She founded New Expressive Works, a vibrant performing arts venue that supports diverse independent performing artists through residencies, artist conversations, and performance seasons. She also serves as a Community Advisory Committee member of the Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center and as a board member for the James F. & Marion L. Miller Foundation.

Myong-Hui Murphy (she/her), Board Member, Oregon Cultural Trust: Myong-Hui co-founded Global Art of Dance to give space to the diverse cultures living and thriving in the Beaverton community. As a young immigrant to the United States, she grew up with limited opportunities to immerse herself in the Korean culture and wants to see cultures representing Oregonians available to everyone. She also serves as a Patricia Reser Center for the Arts trustee. She believes culture and arts is a language that speaks to everyone and everyone has an innate ability to understand it.

The post Welcome new board members! appeared first on Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon.

The bill allocates a total of $11.8 million for arts and culture, with $5.9 million going to 13 out of 14 CREF projects. These projects are crucial for the resilience and sustainability of Oregon’s arts and culture organizations:

• Oregon Film Museum (Astoria)
• Black United Fund (Portland)
• Oregon Caves (Cave Junction)
• Columbia County Museum (St. Helens)
• Josephine Community Library Foundation (Grants Pass)
• Southern Oregon Historical Society (Medford)
• PAMCUT (Portland)
• Very Little Theatre (Eugene)
• Portland Institute for Contemporary Art
• Rainier Historical Society
• Eco-Earth Globe (Salem)
• Portland Playhouse
• Painted Sky Center for Arts (John Day)

As this Oregonian article explains, the only CREF project not approved for funding is the High Desert Museum in Bend. Dana Whitelaw, executive director and a CACO board member, expressed disappointment. “It’s a total surprise. We were assured that legislative leadership was supportive of all of the projects. It’s a huge loss for central Oregon.”

The Legislature also approved our request for $5.9 million in resiliency funding for the state’s major arts organizations, including the High Desert Museum, Oregon Ballet Theatre, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Oregon Symphony, Portland Art Museum, Portland Center Stage, and Portland Opera.

While this funding is a step in the right direction, unfortunately our request for $13.5 million to fund a grant program for smaller organizations did not get approved. Advocates had emphasized the need for equitable distribution of resiliency funding to prevent a repeat of the previous session’s shortcomings

“We are grateful to Rep. Rob Nosse for his foresight and continued commitment to the cultural sector. He has tirelessly championed arts and culture funding, and this bill could never have happened without his advocacy.”
–J.S. May, CACO Board President

Ongoing work is needed to ensure that all arts and culture organizations receive the support they need to thrive.

Some of our arts & culture champions are moving on, so we’ll need to identify new champions in the Ways and Means Committee and Senate and House leadership.

Today, we celebrate. Senate Bill 5701 represents a significant win for Oregon’s arts and culture sector, providing much-needed support.

Tomorrow, we continue the work to ensure that all organizations, especially smaller nonprofits, receive the support they need to recover and thrive.

Thank you for your ongoing support!

CACO Board

The post Artistic triumph: Oregon Legislature backs arts & culture appeared first on Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon.

The author, Lizzy Acker, interviewed many of our board members and arts leaders: Tyler Hokama from the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, Ginger Savage from the Crossroads Carnegie Arts Center in Baker City, Josh Neckels from the Eugene Ballet,  and Dana Whitelaw from the High Desert Museum in Bend.

“Arts and culture are a significant part of the Oregon economy, representing a sector that is 3.4% of the state’s gross domestic product. Our sector not only provides over 60,000 jobs in the state, but is also often a cornerstone for other industries like tourism. Prior to the pandemic, it was common for OSF to draw 380,000 to 400,000 tickets per season. In 2023, we recovered just under 40% of these numbers, though we saw double-digit growth compared to 2022. OSF has a robust 10-production lineup prepared for next year, and we are hopeful about seeing audiences return again to our destination theater.” – Tyler Hokama, interim executive director at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.

“Those big bedrock cultural attractions are the center of our arts ecology. If they begin to weaken or crumble, the rippling effect is just ridiculous. Take the Shakespeare Festival, which employs many people who do lights, sound, costumes, and makeup. They also end up working for other, smaller arts organizations in the area, too. If the Shakespeare Festival fails and those people leave town, the shock wave would reverberate through all of Southern Oregon.” -Ginger Savage, CACO board member and executive director of Crossroads Carnegie Arts Center in Baker City

Just a few Oregon arts organizations have grown their audiences substantially since 2019, such as the Eugene Ballet.

“The increase in productions has also opened the opportunity for world premiere collaborations. In 2024, we will put on Artistic Director Toni Pimble’s full-length ‘Peter Pan’ featuring a world premiere commissioned score by Oregon composer Kenji Bunch.” –Josh Neckels, executive director of Eugene Ballet

Several organizations were left out in the cold when the Oregon Legislature failed to fund the 16 capital projects the Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon had recommended in 2023. This year marks the first time in 2023 the legislature did not fund our recommended list of capital projects. The High Desert Museum was hoping to receive $2 million to construct a new wing.

“It felt extreme.”- Dana Whitelaw, executive director of the High Desert Museum

How did we get here?

“The bottom line is that at some point in the legislative process, legislators who are more powerful than me have to make decisions about what gets paid for. Candidly, I think some of them, looking at this are like, ‘Hey, given all the things that are challenging in this state, this feels a little extra, and not as important.’ Arts don’t have the sort of moral and political cachet that school funding, university funding, roads, bridges and forestry has. Part of life is being able to experience the arts. It’s part of what’s wonderful about humanity.” -Representative Rob Nosse

The post Arts leaders call on legislature to act in 2024 appeared first on Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon.

It’s been two years since we’ve gathered to collectively advocate for Oregon’s vibrant cultural community. We’ve missed the opportunity to check in, connect, and share stories with you all.

With a new legislature in session and new leadership in Salem, now is the time to unite our voices, align our priorities, and remind our elected officials that the pandemic-related hardships felt throughout our sector are not going away anytime soon. When it comes to politics, we believe we are most effective when we are unified. We are strongest when we work together. You are an important part of this work to ensure that arts and culture continue to thrive in Oregon.

Similar to our virtual Advocacy Day in 2021, we will be providing an opportunity for all members and advocates to gather, no matter where you are located across the state. We hope you are able to join us!

Save the date for Wednesday, April 19 (add to your calendar), when we will spend the morning together virtually. We’ll dig into our collective priorities, receive some fabulous advocacy training, hear from special guests, and refine our impact stories. In the afternoon, we ask that you set up a meeting with your district’s elected officials where you can share your story and put your brand-new advocacy skills into action.

If you’d like to register in advance, you can do so here. Stay tuned for more details coming your way.

And there’s more to prepare you!

We know you’re doing an incredible amount of work to keep your organizations afloat. Your time at a premium. It can be bewildering to navigate the internal workings of Salem.

If you’re excited to participate in Advocacy Day 2023 but have no idea where to start, we invite you to join us at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, March 3 for a quick “Advocacy 101.”

Register for Advocacy 101 here.

We’ll give you resources, tips, and support for getting on the calendar with your representatives in April to maximize our collective impact.

In the meantime, here’s a quick preview of our legislative session priorities.

My best,

J.S. May

he/his/him

Board of Directors, President

Executive Director, Artists Repertory Theatre

P.S. Become a member of the coalition or renew your gift today, and stay tuned for more Advocacy Day 2023 information in the coming weeks. 
Questions about Advocacy Day? Write to Cassie Greer at cassie@cassiegreer.com.

The post Get prepared for Advocacy Day 2023 with Advocacy 101! appeared first on Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon.

Recognizing the vital role arts and culture play in the livability and prosperity of Oregon communities – and in enriching the lives of Oregonians – nine members of the Oregon Legislature have come together in a bi-partisan fashion to form the state’s first-ever Arts and Culture Caucus. The public is invited to meet caucus members at a launch event scheduled from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 27, at the Hallie Ford Museum of Art in Salem.

Coordinated by Rep. Rob Nosse (D-Portland), the Arts and Culture Caucus’ inaugural membership includes Sen. Dick Anderson (R-Lincoln City); Rep. Janelle Bynum (D-Clackamas); Rep. Maxine Dexter (D-Portland); Rep. David Gomberg (D-Otis); Sen. Bill Hansell (R-Athena); Rep. John Lively (D-Springfield); Rep. Pam Marsh (D-Ashland); and Sen. Deb Patterson (D-Salem). Caucus membership is expected to expand.

“Arts and culture are so important to Oregon,” said Rep. Nosse. “All around our state, every day there are concerts, comedy events, public hearings, podcasts, theatrical performances, debates and community events that bring the people of our state together. We must support the cultural and community hubs in our neighborhoods and I hope this caucus will continue to ensure arts and culture thrive in this state.”

The caucus will serve as a resource to the Oregon Legislature on key issues affecting the arts and culture sector. Its members will work closely with stakeholders including the Oregon Arts Commission, the Oregon Cultural Trust (and its statewide partners), and the Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon (CACO) to stay informed on the latest research and issues. It will also set an agenda on priorities for arts and culture legislation, including a sustainable and robust funding mechanism for arts and cultural initiatives.

Rep. Nosse and other members of the caucus were instrumental in designating more than $100 million in coronavirus relief and American Rescue Plan funds to sustain Oregon arts, heritage, and humanities organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to a survey conducted by Business Oregon, Travel Oregon, and the Small Business Development Center Network, only the accommodation industry suffered greater losses. Large cultural organizations continue to feel the impact, with many reporting that ticket sales remain only about 50 percent of pre-pandemic levels.

Members of the Arts and Culture Caucus are considering legislative concepts and bills put forward by the Arts Commission, the Cultural Trust, and CACO.

The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis reports that the arts and culture sector contributed $8 billion to Oregon’s economy in 2020, representing 3.3 percent of the state’s GDP; 60,994 jobs; and total compensation of $4.8 billion. Oregon nonprofit cultural organizations alone contribute at least $687 million and support 22,299 jobs. This adds $53 million to local and state government revenue.

“Public funding for arts and creativity is a high-return investment that benefits every Oregonian in every city, town, and rural community across the state,” said Harlen Springer, vice chair of the Arts Commission.

Springer collaborated with members of the Arts Commission Advancement Committee, including Chair Jenny Green, as well as Cultural Trust Chair Niki Price and Sue Hildick, senior advisor to CACO, to support formation of the Arts and Culture Caucus.

“This is a momentous occasion for Oregon’s 1,500+ arts, heritage, and humanities organizations, and all who support them,” said Niki Price, chair of the Oregon Cultural Trust. “We applaud the legislators who immediately signed up and the arts commissioners who initiated the concept.”

“This year could be transformational for arts and culture in Oregon, making sure every Oregonian has access to creativity in their local community,” added J.S. May, president of CACO. “We are honored that the caucus policymakers are elevating the needs of the creative sector both short-term and long-term to help our economy, our mental health and our healing from the pandemic.”

The Hallie Ford Museum of Art is located on the Willamette University campus at 700 State St. in Salem. RSVP for the Feb. 27 launch event.

The post Nine Legislators form first-ever Oregon Arts and Cultural Caucus appeared first on Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon.

She has been executive director of the Crossroads Carnegie Art Center in Baker City for 14 years. As our board member, she never misses an opportunity to advocate for arts & culture funding across the state. Watch her testify to the Oregon Legislature in February 2022. She also makes sure that when funding is allocated, the rural or less-populated cities across the state don’t get forgotten.

From the article:

“I’m pretty loud and vociferous in my wanting to make sure that we always remember the small organizations around the state who do great work promoting arts, culture, heritage and humanities,“ says Savage, whose testimony helped direct millions in COVID relief to arts groups all over the state.

“Having articulate voices like hers in the mix, that say, ‘All of this is part of the cultural landscape,’ is incredibly powerful,”  says JS May, CACO’s executive director.   

For arts funding, May says, it’s easy to get focused on the Willamette Valley. Savage, who has lived in conservative-leaning counties her entire life, helps bring in voices from communities that don’t have big-city concentrations of arts organizations—and across party lines. “Culture is a bipartisan issue,” says May. “Having Ginger involved has helped make the case that it isn’t a D and R issue.”

CACO’s senior advisor Sue Hildick added, “Ginger is a beautiful example of leading from the heart and lifting up others for the success of all. She inspires and delights those she touches with her compassion, advocacy, and impact. We are so grateful arts and culture are among her passions.“

Ginger, we are grateful for all you do for our organization and for arts & culture across the state and the country!

The post Congratulations to Ginger Savage, extraordinary volunteer and CACO board member! appeared first on Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon.

Our representatives conveyed the stark reality of a sluggish audience return, increased expenses, and cancellations of productions that continue to challenge our recovery trajectory. CACO looks forward to working with Oregon’s legislative leaders on advancing a transformational agenda for the sector, of which includes a $50 million recovery package to support arts and cultural entities across the state.

Isaac and David spoke about the economic and social impacts the sector and our communities have experienced. All of the speakers touched on the impact of COVID, thanked the legislature for past recovery support, and spoke about what’s happening now. You can watch the hearing here.

The following is a summary of the points they made:

Isaac Marquez, Vice President of CACO and Cultural Services Director of Eugene 

• Oregon is home to over 1,500 cultural organizations
• Thanks to Oregon Arts Commission to champion the Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 study, examining impact across the state (evaluated FY 2015):
  • 22,299 jobs and generated $469.5M in household income
  • More than half of our overall impact is generated by entities outside of the Portland area
  • AEP6 includes 21 communities and will be available in October 2023
• Knight Foundation Study: People with access to arts and cultural activities are more attached to their communities in both feeling and action
  • Cities with the highest levels of attachment had the highest rate of GDP growth

David Schmitz, CACO Board Member and Executive Director, Oregon Shakespeare Festival: 

• 85% of audience travels from more than 50 miles away
  • Audiences spend 3-4x in the community of what they spend in our theater, spending roughly $100M annually in the Ashland area
• We introduce thousands of high schoolers to theater and empathy
  • Have programs for large and small class sizes
• We face a fiscal cliff like none we’ve experienced; we had to lay of 90% of staff and were closed for 18 months
  • Audiences are not coming to our venues in the same way as they did in 2019
  • Experts are saying that patrons will be spending 50% less
  • In 2022, we saw 46% of the attendance we saw in 2019
    • Planning for a five-year recovery
    • Working against tailwinds of a recession
    • Need private and public partnership to survive

Thank you to Isaac and David for representing the creative sector!

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