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.

Randy Cohen, vice president of research for Americans for the Arts, recently shared the results of this study with the Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon board. You can view the presentation here. He will visit nine Oregon communities in early November to share the results and discuss the data (see itinerary in the Oregon Arts Commission press release).

A Beacon of Economic Prosperity:

The study, supported by the Oregon Arts Commission and Travel Oregon, encompassed data from 19 distinct regions and communities across Oregon. These findings underscore the profound influence that artists and cultural organizations exert on local economies, propelling job creation and business growth throughout the state. Sophorn Cheang, director of Business Oregon, remarked, “Prosperous local economies lead to a prosperous statewide economy, and this study shows how arts and culture can impact job creation and business growth throughout Oregon.”

National Perspective:

Nationally, the AEP6 study sheds light on the vast scope of America’s nonprofit arts and culture sector, revealing it as a $151.7 billion industry. This sector sustains 2.6 million jobs and generates an astounding $29.1 billion in government revenue. Oregon’s substantial contribution to this sector is a testament to the state’s thriving arts and culture community.

The Power of Attendance:

The study uncovered that 8.9 million attendees of arts and culture events in Oregon invested an average of $39 per event (beyond ticket price), amounting to a total expenditure of over $330 million. This expenditure encompasses various aspects including meals, parking, souvenirs, babysitting, and hotel stays. Impressively, nearly one million of these attendees were visitors from outside the state, affirming the draw of Oregon’s vibrant cultural offerings.

Social Impact:

For the first time, AEP6 ventured beyond economic data to assess the social impact of arts and culture on communities and residents. A staggering 89.3 percent of respondents said arts and culture inspire a sense of pride in their neighborhoods or communities. Additionally, 87.2 percent expressed they would feel a profound sense of loss if these cultural offerings were no longer available, underscoring the deep emotional connection forged through artistic experiences.

Regional Highlights:

The Portland metro area and the City of Eugene emerged as prominent contributors to the economic impact, with expenditures totaling $456.5 million and $123.8 million, respectively. The small coastal city of Florence surpassed expectations, with expenditures exceeding $7.2 million and individual event spending above the state average at $65.

Resounding Message:

Brian Rogers, Executive Director of the Oregon Arts Commission, emphasized, “AEP6 is evidence that the nonprofit arts and culture sector is a significant industry in the State of Oregon.” The data presents a resounding argument for the importance of continued support for the arts, not only for the enrichment of life but also for bolstering Oregon’s economic vitality and visibility.

Looking Forward:

The AEP6 study provides an illuminating look into the monumental impact of Oregon’s arts and culture sector. With an economic contribution of $829 million in FY2022, the arts community emerges not just as a cultural cornerstone but as a vital economic force, enriching lives and sustaining livelihoods across the state. It is clear that investing in the arts yields substantial returns, both economically and socially, making it a cornerstone of Oregon’s prosperity.

The post Unveiling the Economic Powerhouse: Oregon’s Arts and Culture Sector appeared first on Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon.