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.

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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.

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.

A conversation with our new board member: arts advocate, historian, and gallerist Jenny Green.

Tell us about your involvement in the arts.

I’ve been immersed in arts and education for the past 30 years. I’ve worked for museums, auction houses, and art galleries and taught art history at Central Oregon Community College.

I’ve opened two art galleries: the Jenny Green Gallery, an “occasional gallery” that exhibited in pop-up spaces and art fairs in Bend; Palm Springs; New York; Miami; and Venice, Italy; and At Liberty Gallery (now the Scalehouse Gallery), which I opened with friends.

In addition to joining the board of the Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon (CACO), I chair the Oregon Arts Commission and serve on the Scalehouse Collaborative for the Arts board. I believe people’s lives are better when they can access arts and culture.

What led you into the arts?

I am not an artist, but I stand in awe of the power and gift artists have. Even as a child I was always drawn to the arts, intrigued with the stories art can express. I’m happiest when surrounded by arts and culture.

Tell us about what your work in central Oregon.

I’ve served on the boards of Scalehouse, World Muse, Bend Cultural Tourism Fund, Ellipse Theatre Community, Cascades Academy of Central Oregon, and the Arts & Culture Alliance of Central Oregon. I have also served in an advisory role to the High Desert Museum.

Why did you decide to join the CACO board?

I believe in CACO’s mission to increase ongoing public investment in arts, heritage, and the humanities. I firmly believe that arts and culture make us stronger – as individuals, families, businesses, communities, and a state.

Arts and culture are the foundation of innovation, prosperity, and vibrant people and places. We need robust funding for arts & culture, as they benefit Oregonians across the state.

Tell us about your work as commissioner of the Oregon Arts Commission.

I am honored to play a role in supporting artists and arts organizations across the state. The arts connect and uplift people, foster understanding and acceptance among cultures, draw attention to society’s ills, and provide a roadmap to a better future. The only downside is having to turn away deserving grant applicants because of lack of funds. Increasing funding for arts is one of CACO’s goals, and this is where my work with the two organizations converges.

What do you love most about your job?

I love working with and supporting artists and arts organizations. Most artistic creations have a vibrant pulse at their core, and life is more exciting when I am closer to that pulse.

How can Oregon arts & culture be more inclusive?

The answer to this question lies in connection and hard work. We need to make better connections across Oregon’s diverse population to celebrate and support the arts and culture of all Oregonians.

For too long we have celebrated and supported only a fraction of Oregon’s arts and culture. Systemic racism, inequities, and barriers have been embedded into how we define arts and culture, regulating who has access and which arts and culture have been valued.

This needs to change. All arts and culture organizations need to start or improve diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility to ensure that all voices are being represented and supported.

At the state level, public servants need to take seriously our responsibility to provide equitable access to arts & culture funding, programs, and services across the state.

Although the Oregon Arts Commission and CACO focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, we have more to do to remove barriers. Making arts and culture more inclusive will strengthen our great state and help build a vibrant, innovative, and prosperous foundation for all of Oregon.

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