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.

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.

Founded by Phil Donovan in 1999, Northwest Public Affairs is highly regarded for their honesty, reliability, efficiency, and winning record. They have built strong relationships with Democrats, Republicans, the Governor’s office, agency directors, and their fellow lobbyists.

Ryan has known Phil since they were teenagers. In fact, Phil’s first political foray was managing Ryan’s campaign for student body president at Corvallis High School in 1989. (Yes, he won.)

Ryan spent 15 years in music, including leading an indie band in Austin, Texas, and more recently collaborating on dance projects with his wife, a modern dancer and founder of Pro Lab Dance. Now, Ryan is thrilled to bring that artistic passion to his work for CACO, advocating for increased arts funding and expanded policy support.

Ryan is recognized by legislators and clients alike for his dedication, collaborative approach, and skill in delivering value-driven communication. He actively seeks public opinion and academic research, engages with individuals directly affected by policy decisions, and unites diverse coalitions.

As we look toward a challenging budget cycle, Ryan is determined to ensure the arts have a strong voice in Oregon’s legislature. His primary goals include lobbying to increase grant funding for the Oregon Arts Commission and securing Cultural Resources Economic Funds for capital projects across the state.

Please join us in welcoming Ryan as he champions Oregon’s vibrant arts and culture community!

The post Championing the arts: Ryan Fisher joins us as our new advocate appeared first on Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon.

The Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon isn’t just about fine arts, music, and theatre…we also lobby for support of historic preservation and culture. In fact, most of this year’s CREF projects recommended for capital funding involve historic preservation:

• 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)
• 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)
• 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)

This new plan isn’t just about saving old buildings—it’s about uniting Oregonians in an effort to safeguard traditions, collections, and places that make the state unique. The plan outlines four key issues that will shape the future of Oregon’s heritage preservation:

1. Building the Heritage Community – Empowering the folks who keep history alive by connecting them to the growing, diverse communities that make up the state.
2. Preservation Planning – Saving historic places by ensuring they’re identified, protected, and well funded for years to come.
3. Government Support – Calling for more efficient, transparent processes from federal, state, and local governments and better administration of laws that protect Oregon’s history.
4. Tech to the Rescue – Developing statewide tech tools to digitize historical documents and manage preservation efforts online.

The plan is designed to make Oregon’s preservation efforts more inclusive, accessible, and far reaching. The “heritage community”—a team of governments, museums, advocacy groups, and professionals—will spearhead the movement, ensuring that everyone from Tribes to real estate professionals plays a part in preserving Oregon’s legacy.

If you’re interested in learning more, check out oregonheritage.org, where the plan is available in both English and Spanish. Printed copies can also be requested from Oregon.heritage@oprd.oregon.gov or calling 503-986-0690.

Oregon’s past isn’t just meant to be admired—it’s meant to be protected, shared, and celebrated. Here’s to preserving history, one landmark at a time!

The post Oregon’s historic treasures get a boost appeared first on Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon.

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)
• 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 photos and details.

“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.”

The post CACO endorses 13 new capital projects for funding appeared first on Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon.

The post Recap of 2024 Legislative Session 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 Black United Fund (BUF) stands as a beacon of hope and empowerment for the Black community. Their ambitious project, the Building United Future Complex on North Alberta Street in Portland, will expand support for local Black, Indigenous, and other artists of color; Black-led and -serving nonprofits and small businesses; and other mission-aligned organizations. The Oregon Legislature’s decision not to fund the $900,000 project has left a void in the organization’s pursuit of positive change.

Founded in 1983, BUF assists in the social and economic development of Oregon’s underserved communities and contributes to a broader understanding of ethnic and culturally diverse groups. As one of the only Black-led foundations in Oregon, BUF is also one of the few remaining Black-led organizations in historically Black Northeast Portland…remaining a powerful presence right in the heart of Portland’s gentrification.

The new headquarters, Building United Future Complex, will expand opportunities for economic development, education, and community well-being in the Black community. The comprehensive plan includes a razing and rebuild of their physical space, along with an expansion to provide more accessible co-location options for small and emerging nonprofits and businesses. With the new building, BUF will be able to showcase and shelter more local artists and nonprofit organizations and continue to offer a place for the Black community to come together and thrive.

The project will increase BUF’s capacity by 200%, allowing the organization to serve 4,000 people directly and nearly 40,000 indirectly each year. Already, BUF has touched the lives of over 75,000 Oregonians. They have awarded more than $10 million in scholarships; supported 1,000 marginalized Portland-area youth and dozens of Black artists and entrepreneurs each year; and allocated $49.5 million in federal relief funding to Black individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofits.

The heart of BUF’s strength lies in its collaborative approach to community service. Their commitment extends beyond providing support. They offer physical space for smaller mission-aligned partner nonprofits at accessible or below-market rates. BUF staff act as mentors, providing technical and financial assistance. The Building United Future Complex will broaden this support further. The larger and more dynamic space will offer a nurturing environment for even more emerging organizations.

The project carries the hopes and aspirations of the entire community. The complex aims to be an “unapologetically Black space,” and defined by many as “a homecoming” for the Black community on Alberta Street. With over 30,000 square feet of space, the complex will become a hub for youth programs, arts organizations, economic development, and small business support, and a vibrant showcase of local art. The building will give them better visibility and new partners who will be co-located there, including Black-led, women-led, and -serving nonprofits and social service agencies.

The denied funding poses a significant setback for BUF and the broader community it serves, who have been planning this project as a community for several years. They have gained significant support and momentum, yet are in need of “close the gap” support for this shovel-ready project. Without crucial financial support, the project is delayed until the organization can raise additional funds to bridge the gap. In addition, other sources of funding hinge on BUF’s ability to secure this legislative support.

The Building United Future Complex is a symbol of resilience, strength, and community empowerment. As BUF regroups and continues to create positive change, the community eagerly awaits the day when the doors of the complex will swing open, welcoming a new era of support, collaboration, and empowerment for Black, Indigenous, and other people of color.

The post Unveiling the unfulfilled dream: the Black United Fund’s Building United Future Complex appeared first on Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon.

Did you know?

• The first professional motion picture with a plot filmed in Oregon was “The Fisherman’s Bride,” filmed in Astoria in 1909.
• “Animal House” was filmed at the University of Oregon, because the University of Oregon president felt regret over preventing “The Graduate” (1967) from being filmed there.
• Oregon has become a force in stop-motion animation over the past 40 years. From Will Vinton and his Dancing Raisins, to Laika (Coraline, ParaNorman, and more) and ShadowMachine (Academy Award winning Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio), Oregonians have been producing the best stop-motion animation on the planet.

The Oregon Film Museum in Astoria chronicles the vibrant history of film and television production in Oregon. With more than 500 major productions filmed in Oregon’s diverse landscapes, the state has become a canvas for storytellers to bring their visions to life. From iconic classics like “Stand By Me” to modern hits like “Portlandia” and “Grimm,” Oregon’s contributions to the world of cinema are undeniable.

Astoria and Clatsop County have hosted an impressive array of films, including “The Goonies,” “Kindergarten Cop,” and “Free Willy.” These productions have left an indelible mark on the local community and have become cherished cultural landmarks.

Currently housed in the historic Clatsop County Jail, the Oregon Film Museum offers visitors a unique opportunity to step into the world of filmmaking. The museum’s setting, which served as an actual working set for films like “The Goonies” and “Come See the Paradise,” provides a captivating backdrop for exploring the magic of cinema. Guests can even try their hand at filmmaking using the museum’s sets and green screens.

In 2022, the Oregon Film Museum saw record-breaking attendance, welcoming 45,501 visitors—an astounding 20% increase from the previous year. Visitors from all 50 states and over 20 nations flocked to the museum, underscoring its universal appeal. Additionally, the Clatsop County Historical Society, which oversees the museum, educated more than 85,000 visitors across its 4 museums, reflecting a 14% increase over 2021.

The demand for Oregon film history exceeds the museum’s capacity. To fully realize its educational mission and accommodate growing interest, the museum has acquired a new property, strategically located near the existing facility. They plan to construct a 13,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art museum, offering an immersive experience that delves deeper into Oregon’s cinematic legacy. They were hoping to receive $1 million from the Oregon Legislature as a CREF nominee.

Committed to nurturing the next generation of storytellers, the museum offers free admission to schoolchildren in Clatsop County, ensuring that youth can explore the world of filmmaking. Through hands-on experiences and interactions with industry professionals, the museum aims to inspire future filmmakers, writers, and artists. But they are bursting at the seams.

“We get every single fourth grader in Astoria through the museum, but we have to break those school groups into small groups because the building is too small,” says Mac Burns, executive director of the Clatsop County Historical Society. “That defeats a lot of the potential educational experiences in this facility. With our new building we look forward to having an open classroom space. We’ll invite artists in residence who have worked in the industry to spend a week on the coast and interact with our kids. It might be someone who does special effects makeup, a cinematographer, or a set designer.”

The new facility will not only celebrate the state’s cinematic heritage but also serve as a hub for diverse forms of media, including film, television, commercials, and potentially gaming. The museum aims to demystify the creative process and inspire a broader audience.

As the Oregon Film Museum embarks on this ambitious expansion, it seeks to open doors for future generations of filmmakers and storytellers. By showcasing the rich tapestry of Oregon’s film history and its broader contributions to media production, the museum continues to be a beacon of inspiration for artists, educators, and film enthusiasts worldwide. The new facility promises to amplify this mission, inviting visitors to embark on an immersive journey through the captivating world of storytelling.

The post Expanding the Oregon Film Museum: A Gateway to Oregon’s Film Legacy appeared first on Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon.