CAC Members and Friends!

The Cultural Advocacy Coalition is in the final days of the Oregon legislative session and the stakes for the cultural sector are very high. The advocacy we have done all session has led us to today and we hope for successful outcomes soon. We wanted to send along some updates and invite you to join our 2nd Responders campaign in asking policymakers to support arts and culture recovery options in Oregon. 

As our friends at Californians for the Arts put it, “First responders save lives; second responders help put people’s lives back together. Artists are essential workers in our society and our economy, helping us recover, reflect, and rebuild.” Please read on and add your voice to our efforts in whatever way you can.

Legislative Session Updates:

1.  More Federal Recovery Funds for the Cultural Sector
We have been working with partners on a request to lawmakers to send another $100 million in federal recovery funds to arts and culture groups struggling to get back on their feet. We are cautiously optimistic that this is getting traction and would mean another round of critical lifeline funds for our members. We were grateful last year when $50 million in CARES ACT dollars were dedicated to our sector and hope this new infusion will also happen. Please let your policymakers know these funds are badly needed!

2.  Capital Projects 
The list of 11 capital projects the Cultural Advocacy Coalition endorses across the state totaling $9.5 million in capital investments in arts and culture is making its way through the process. These projects will support critical infrastructure projects that preserve important Oregon history and increase access to arts in both rural and urban Oregon. Read more about these projects. 

3.  Agency Budgets for the Oregon Arts Commission, Oregon Cultural Trust, Oregon Film, and the State Office for Historic Preservation
The states revenue picture this year is strong and we expect all of these agencies to receive enough funds to cover inflationary roll up costs. We continue to advocate for increased dollars for grant programs in these agencies to focus on dollars going out to the field.  

4.  The continuation and expansion – from $14 million/year to $20 million/year – of the film and video tax creditappears on track for approval by the legislature as part of an omnibus tax credit bill.  The renewal and revision of the historic preservation property tax credit program will be deferred to the 2022 legislative session.

5.  Refreshing the Oregon State Song
Legislation has passed to replace the lyrics of “Oregon, My Oregon” with more modern, inclusive lyrics.  The Coalition views this as just a first step. We favor a additional statewide process to involve many Oregonians in replacing the state song and we are working with advocates led by the Oregon Community Foundation on a strategy to do so.

In addition to all of this important advocacy, the Coalition is working hard with Oregon’s federal congressional delegation on issues including deeper investment in the creative economy and federal appropriations for cultural projects.

It’s never been busier! Advocacy is critical right now. Please continue to talk to your networks about the needs of the cultural sector to recover from the pandemic and remind Oregon’s policymakers that arts and culture workers are 2nd Responders in the healing of our communities.  

Thank you,
Sue Hildick 
Senior Advisor 
Cultural Advocacy Coalition

Download our 2nd Responders graphic here
and stay tuned for more in the coming weeks.

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By way of introduction, I am a co-founding partner of Common Ground Arts (CGA), an art consultancy and production company committed to transforming urban environments by curating and producing unique cultural experiences from concept to completion. We tailor our services to meet the demands of every project, no matter the scale, location or budget. I am also a self-produced artist; my practice centers and informs my work as a cultural curator and producer, as well as my role as an arts advocate. In the last several years, I have represented the great states of Ohio and New York, speaking with local and national representatives, their staff members, and other arts workers about why the arts are integral to the fabric of our communities. It is in this spirit that I now describe my second experience advocating with the Cultural Advocacy Coalition’s annual Cultural Advocacy Day here in Oregon this spring.

As requested, I sent emails to four representatives about Cultural Advocacy Day inviting them to join us by scheduling a time to speak with me about the importance of our cultural organizations, artists and arts workers. I received a response from one; since she was not available to meet with me, I met with one of her staffers, who are equally important when it comes to advocating. One of the first things I always ask is for each person to share an early or recent experience they have had with the arts. This question gives me an idea of whether this is an “arts person” or not and can help guide the rest of the conversation. It was immediately apparent this staffer had not been asked that question before and her eyes lit up as she talked about her time at PSU appreciating the public artworks she saw on campus. From there, I led with gratitude for the representative’s support for the CARES dollars to our cultural sector and urged for her continued support of increases in state budgets and allocating more dollars based on the talking points CAC provided. In my own pre-meeting research, I learned that this representative is also a pediatrician, so I was sure to be thankful for being on the frontlines of this pandemic making it personal by sharing that my mother is a retired RN who worked in pediatrics throughout most of her career. Thinking that this representative may be most interested in how the arts increase holistic health and wellbeing, I shared a few stories about how art heals, saves and changes lives. 

Finally, I closed by asking what kind of information would be most useful and/or meaningful to her mission while in office. I was told she welcomes any/all information about the arts in Oregon, particularly around problem-solving our current challenges, direct advocacy for the arts, and clear action points. I responded saying I would be more than happy to follow up with as much information as I can, thanking her again for her time and attention.

Advocating is not just about simply writing and calling your representatives, it’s about connecting, finding common values and meaning, and giving gratitude.

Kendra Roberts, Co-Founder & Creative Producer
Common Ground Arts

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A huge congratulations to Coalition member The High Desert Museum! The Institute of Museum and Library Services named the High Desert Museum in Bend, Oregon today as one of six recipients of the 2021 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries that make significant and exceptional contributions to their communities. Three museums and three libraries nationwide were selected from 30 finalists for the honor. 

“It is an honor and pleasure to honor these six recipients of the 2021 National Medal of Museum and Library Service,” said Crosby Kemper, director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services. “Through their programs, services and community relationships, these institutions exemplify the ongoing excellence of our nations’ museums and libraries across the country, as well as their extraordinary efforts this past year to serve, heal and bring us together. We look forward to celebrating them, as well as paying tribute to the hardworking staff at all American museums and libraries this summer.”

The 2021 National Medal for Museum and Library Service winners represent institutions that provide dynamic programming and services that exceed expected levels of service. Through their community outreach, these institutions bring about change that touches the lives of individuals and families and helps communities thrive.

Now nearly in its 40th year, the High Desert Museum is the only museum in the nation devoted to the exploration of the High Desert, a region that spans across eight states. It was a 2018 National Medal for Museum and Library Service Finalist and is the fourth Oregon institution to receive the award over the past 27 years.

The Museum has worked to create programs that offer rich educational programming and expand museum access. This has particularly been true since the start of the pandemic, during which the Museum started a daylong elementary program for La Pine students so caregivers could go to work during online school; provided free memberships to St. Charles Health Care System front-line workers; and is launching an initiative to provide tablets and WiFi hotspots to households for children who might not be otherwise able to participate in online educational programs.

“We consider it a core part of our mission to be responsive to our community by providing quality, inspirational experiences, both on our grounds and beyond,” said Museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D. “We’re honored and thrilled by this national recognition.”

The post High Desert Museum Award appeared first on Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon.

“The Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon (CAC) is the only statewide organization lobbying Salem on behalf of art, culture, heritage and the humanities. CAC includes nearly 400 cultural, historical and heritage organizations in every corner of the state from all-volunteer rural community groups, to tribes, to nationally renowned theaters, museums and symphonies.

As a board member of the Cultural Advocacy Coalition, I am excited about our current cultural projects before the state legislature for this biennium.

A signature part of CAC’s work is the review and vetting of capital projects that are funded through the Cultural Resources Economic Fund and are cornerstones in many communities.

Over 40 projects were submitted and reviewed for 1) readiness, 2) community support, 3) contributions to economic development, and 4) the preservation or creation of cultural assets. Using these factors and CAC’s commitment to equity and inclusion, the coalition recommended 11 projects from all across the state, totaling $9.5 million in state funding.

One of those projects is right here in our own back yard — the Siletz Tribal Arts & Heritage Society (STAHS) Cultural Heritage Center.

The mission of STAHS is to support and promote the practice, conservation, and restoration of the tribal cultures of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians. The confederated tribes is the most diverse confederation of tribes/languages/cultures on a single reservation.

The primary initiative of STAHS is to build and construct “The People’s Place” — Ghii Dee-Ne Dvn — a cultural heritage center to be built on Government Hill in Siletz. The People’s Place will focus on preserving culture and the languages used to express culture for American Indians and Alaska Natives.

The People’s Place is to be a place of healing. The tribe has already provided the resources to build phase one, which was collection storage, and has pledged to match all gifts up to $2.5 million. Phase two will provide exhibits, research and archival storage space, as well as group presentation areas, and offices. Construction of the heritage center will generate approximately 89 direct construction jobs, plus 78 supplier jobs and 123 induced jobs.

CAC is also championing the Reser Center for the Arts and the Lincoln City Cultural Center, which had been approved for lottery bond funding that was subsequently rescinded because of the pandemic and reduced lottery funds. Now these projects need completion.

The Lincoln City Cultural Plaza will transform the outdoor space around the historic Delake School into a pedestrian-friendly attraction for residents and visitors to enjoy. Dedicated installments of public art, gathering spaces with seating and spaces for outdoor education will be connected by a meandering, accessible pathway.

The redesigned traffic flow will include new parking areas with islands, adequate lighting for evening safety and other upgrades required by city code.

The Lincoln City Cultural Center (LCCC) Board of Directors has been working on the plaza design since 2017, in cooperation with the Portland landscape architecture firm Shapiro Didway and Newport-based Civil West Engineering Services.

The board used a community-based process to gather feedback and design comments from stakeholders, members, major partners and the general public. LCCC is excited that the finished design will not only be useful, but an artistic and beautiful engine for year-round, arts-based economic vitality.

With the end of the pandemic in sight, the LCCC Board is moving forward with an updated $2.5 million budget and a scheduled construction start in spring 2022.

Recently I sent testimony to the Joint Ways and Means Committee encouraging support of these two Lincoln County initiatives and other statewide capital construction projects.

Before June 10, I encourage you to contact our legislators to support these local projects. State Rep. David Gomberg and State Sen. Dick Anderson are both on the Ways and Means Committee, which controls the state budget. (See Opinion page for contact information.)

Remember, the arts are an economic force for all our Oregon counties. The most recent American for the Arts, “Arts & Economic Prosperity V” study shows that nonprofit arts and culture sector in Lincoln County is a $10.4 million industry. But that’s another arts story for another time.”

– Catherine Rickbone, CAC Board member, arts advocate and chair of the Newport Public Arts Committee; board member of the Newport Public Arts Foundation; on the Lincoln County Cultural Coalition; a member of ARTS Toledo; and co-chair of the Willamette Writers Coast Branch.

The post Local construction projects support the arts appeared first on Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon.

If you missed Advocacy Day, watch the full video below.

Note: We apologize that closed captioning was not used during this call. If you would like a copy of our Advocacy Day script please email sue@oregonculture.org.

Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici speaking on Advocacy Day 2021.

Words that rang true on Advocacy Day 2021.

“First responders and front-line workers have taken on the pandemic in heroic ways. The arts and culture sector are second responders and the facilitators of our healing from both the pandemic and inequities brought forward by the social justice movement.” – Dana Whitelaw, board secretary and Executive Director of the High Desert Museum. Quoted during the Zoom call.

“There is no other sector that can help mend our hearts and souls or help us begin to make sense of the world around us like the arts,” said Marquez.

Don’t forget, if you donate $100 or more to the Coalition in April and May you will receive an Advocacy Day reusable face mask. Every gift, no matter the size, helps the Coalition continue Advocating for Oregon’s arts, culture, history, heritage, and humanities. Become a new member or renew your gift today. We are grateful for your support. 

The post Thank you, Advocates. appeared first on Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon.

If you missed Americans for the Arts’ Arts Action Summit earlier this week, that’s ok, there is still advocacy education and work to be done on both a federal and local level. We are highlighting two ways to get involved and use your voice for the cultural sector during Arts Appreciation Month.

What can I do locally?

Register for the Cultural Advocacy Coalition’s state based cultural Advocacy Day coming up on Friday, April 23rd. Learn about the senate and house bills we are asking policymakers to support and the 11 Capital Construction projects the Coalition is supporting. Don’t forget to become a member of the Coalition or renew your gift. We need your support to continue advocating for Oregon’s cultural sector.

Also, take a moment to find out who your state and federal elected representatives are. It’s easy on the Oregon Legislator Lookup. Simply enter your address and you’ll be taken to your district information. Schedule a call with your representatives or send them an email regarding the issues that matter to you.

What can I do federally?

Download the Congressional Arts Handbook, which is compiled annually to support the work of participants at Arts Advocacy Day, organized by Americans for the Arts and cosponsored by more than 85 national organizations, representing thousands of arts, culture, business, civic, and education organizations and individuals nationwide. Within this Handbook, you will find a plethora of resources including facts, figures, related legislation, research, talking points, and more to help inform you on the major policy issues we are working to positively impact.

Please also use and download the National Arts Action Summit 2021 Summary of Congressional Asks and the Why Arts Matter in Oregon Fact Sheet (below).

DOWNLOAD THE WHY ARTS MATTER FACT SHEET

DOWNLOAD THE NATIONAL ARTS ACTION SUMMIT 2021 SUMMARY

The post Why Arts Matter appeared first on Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon.

REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED AS OF APRIL 20th.

If you registered you will receive a Zoom link and an Advocacy Day packet a few days before Advocacy Day, which is chock-full of helpful tools that will help you and your community have positive experiences engaging with policymakers. 

Join the Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon and cultural leaders from across the state on Friday, April 23rd from approximately 9 to 11 a.m. to educate, inform, and persuade policymakers to increase public support for the cultural sector. Gather to show gratitude for achievements in securing federal CARES dollars and other major accomplishments. We invite anyone and everyone to join this event, regardless if you’ve ever talked with a policymaker. If you stand for arts, culture, history, heritage, and humanities in Oregon, we want you to attend. Learn about the Coalition, what we do, and what’s ahead.

We’ll hear remarks from Representative Christine Drazan, former executive director of the Coalition, and Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici on the importance of arts and culture advocacy in Oregon. We will also hear a live cello performance from arts advocate Stephanie Magee. Then, the Coalition will host an Advocacy 101 Roundtable and a Q&A session with our lobbyist and policy committee. We’ll hear from our Board Vice President and City of Eugene Cultural Services Director, Isaac Marquez, on the 11 capital construction projects we are supporting this session. Plus, more speakers and details coming soon! Stay tuned.

Schedule a Call with your Legislator(s)

Finally, we will be inviting members and supporters to meet with their legislators. You can find your legislators using this helpful tool: Find Your Legislator. Once you’ve found your legislator(s), you can simply email them and tell them you’re a constituent and would love to schedule a meeting as part of the Cultural Advocacy Coalition’s annual Advocacy Day. If you have questions, we’re happy to help, you can reach out to Jamie at jamie@oregonculture.org. 

Below is a a quick preview of the Coalition’s legislative session priorities for this year’s Advocacy Day. We need your help and your VOICE in supporting these efforts.

• Expand Oregon’s investment in its cultural agencies and partners, including funding for Oregon Arts Commission and Oregon Cultural Trust. HB5023 – Oregon Business Development bill; HB5025 – Oregon Parks and Recreation department budget bill 
• Continue to invest in cultural infrastructure and revitalization grants. SB5534 – lottery bonds. Learn about the 11 Capital Construction Projects we endorse in 2021-2023.
• Protect tax policies which allow the cultural sector to serve its public mission, including historic preservation of Oregon’s gems. SB108 – historic property tax credit extension for 10 years.
• Extend Oregon film and video office tax credit. SB43 – tax credit extension for six years.
• Protect itemized deductions for charitable contributions. HB2255 – limits itemized personal income tax deductions for charitable contributions.
• Work with key legislators and other interested parties to refresh the Oregon state song.
• Advance equitable access to a well-rounded arts education for Oregon students.

After you register, please consider becoming a member or renewing your gift today. Every single dollar helps us continue serving Oregon’s cultural nonprofits. We are the only Coalition in Oregon advocating for policies and funding that will create a thriving environment for arts, culture, history, heritage, and humanities. Join us. Every gift this month in April until the end of May $100 or more will recieve our new, reuseable Advocacy Day branded face mask! Join us now.

REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED AS OF APRIL 20th.

If you registered you will receive a Zoom link and an Advocacy Day packet a few days before Advocacy Day, which is chock-full of helpful tools that will help you and your community have positive experiences engaging with policymakers. 

You can also download the full packet below.

The post Cultural Advocacy Day 2021 appeared first on Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon.