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.

Congratulations to our governor-elect, Tina Kotek. We enjoyed our session with her in October. You can watch the recording here.

We are excited about the coming months and our opportunity to reposition the cultural sector as a priority of our governor-elect and new legislators.

Here is our CACO 2023 policy agenda:

• $50 million in additional recovery funding for arts, culture, heritage, and humanities, distributed similarly to the CARES allocation of last cycle. We had advocated for this in 2022 and were not successful, largely because previous ARPA funds had not yet been distributed to the field.Some of our major venues are seeing ticket sales at 18% of what they were before the pandemic. The need is great. Oregon has more in its general fund than it has in awhile, so we will push this as our top priority.
• $11.9 million in Cultural Resource Economic Funds for 16 projects across the state, ranging from $150,000 to $3 million. Large and small, urban and rural, for a variety of art forms, these funds will complete capital projects preserving cultural offerings across Oregon.
• $200 million to the Oregon Cultural Trust, spinning off $10-20 million a year for operations grants to the 1,400 Oregon nonprofits eligible for funding from the trust. We are asking lawmakers to make good on the original $200 million commitment they made to fund the Oregon Cultural Trust by asking for revenue from lottery bonds.We will work with county and tribal coalitions to distribute these funds, which will go into an account separate from current grant programs. This is our long-term vision for supporting the sector and it will move Oregon into the top rankings for state funding.
• $10 million increase to grow grant funding at the Oregon Arts Commission.
• Replacing Oregon Cultural Trust administrative cap with percentage of earnings.

Through our advocacy, we have helped direct over $100 million in federal recovery funding to our sector by the state legislature.

We have funded capital projects, increased dollars generated from the arts and culture license plate, renewed the Oregon Cultural Trust Tax Credit, and helped build our sector in every community.

Congratulations to our newly elected leaders. We look forward to working with them on these important priorities!

The Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon board

The post Looking forward to working with our new governor and legislature on our 2023 priorities! appeared first on Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon.

The CACO board of directors received over 35 applications for 2023-25 arts & culture funding for capital projects across the state. Consulting with the Oregon Arts Commission and Oregon Cultural Trust, the board identified the following projects because of their geographic and cultural diversity, economic impact, and expanded access to the arts.  We are confident that state funds will support well-developed and viable projects on the endorsed slate.

The CACO board recommends the following 16 capital construction projects for CREF investment by the Oregon State Legislature:

• Black United Fund ($900,000), building the United Futures Complex (statewide)
• Clatsop County Historical Society ($1,000,000), expanding the Oregon Film Museum (Astoria)
• Friends of the Oregon Caves & Chateau ($455,690), restoring the Oregon Caves Chateau (Cave Junction)
• Literary Arts ($1,000,000), building new community space/headquarters (Portland)
• Columbia County Museum Association ($400,000), relocation and improved accessibility of the Columbia County Museum (St. Helens)
• Josephine Community Library Foundation ($424,603), acquisition of land for new Josephine County Library and Community Commons (Grants Pass)
• Native Arts and Culture Foundation ($3,000,000), creation of the Center for Native Arts and Cultures (Portland)
• High Desert Museum ($2,000,000), construction of a new wing of the High Desert Museum (Bend)
• Southern Oregon Historical Society ($500,000), creation of an event center and new Southern Oregon Historical Society Museum (Medford)
• PAM CUT // Center for an Untold Tomorrow ($250,000), creation of the Tomorrow Theater (Portland)
• Painted Sky Center for Arts and Culture ($500,000), acquisition of building for Painted Sky Center for Arts and Culture (Canyon City)
• Very Little Theatre ($350,000), removation and remodeling of the Very Little Theatre (Eugene)
• Rainier Oregon Historical Museum ($500,000), building construction for the Rainier Oregon Historical Museum
• Portland Institute for Contemporary Art ($150,000), capital repairs and upgrades to building
• Salem Parks Foundation ($150,000), Eco-Earth Globe restoration in Riverfront Park
• Portland Playhouse ($300,000), acquisition of Portland Playhouse building and property

TOTAL: $11.88 million

“One of many Oregon strengths is embodied in our artists and cultural institutions. We are proud of the long history of state support in stewarding Oregon’s cultural sector. These capital projects will positively affect local economies and the lives of hundreds of thousands of individuals for years into the future,” said Isaac Marquez, City of Eugene cultural services director and chair of the CACO board’s capital construction committee.

“Arts and culture make up an important part of the fabric of our state,” said Representative Rob Nosse. “I’m thrilled to see the diversity of projects endorsed by CACO, as this slate brings Oregon’s treasures – new and old, urban and rural, small and large – to all of us who get to live here, those who pass through, and those who will learn about us from afar.  I’m happy to champion this well-curated collection.”

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Many new faces and emerging new leaders will be replacing several long-time legislators including Speaker Kotek, Sen. Johnson, and Rep. Post. These changing political dynamics are overlaid with the coming election season and another COVID surge, which will probably mean a mostly virtual legislative session.

Despite these hurdles, we are thrilled to be working with Rep. Rob Nosse (D-Portland) to bring forward a bill in the short session. Rep. Nosse is requesting an additional $50M in funding to support arts and cultural organizations negatively affected by the pandemic.

We have been working closely with Rep Nosse to articulate eligibility requirements for the grant program that will administered through Business Oregon if the bill passes.

For this legislative session and the rest of the year, our priorities in 2022 are:

• Ensuring 2021 American Rescue Plan Act funding is distributed quickly to the arts and culture sector
• Advocating for additional funding support to the sector
• Supporting the renewal of special assessments for historic preservation
• Addressing construction challenges for cultural capital projects

This handout has more details about each of these legislative priorities.

We appreciate your support and feedback throughout this process. You can make our advocacy efforts more powerful by sharing how the pandemic has affected your organization. Send your thoughts by email.

Our legislators need to hear from you.

We need EVERY VOICE right now.

For example, our board president, JS May, reached out to gubernatorial candidate and former state senator Betsy Johnson after reading her Willamette Week interview in which she expressed concerns that funds for independent venues may not have been a good use of recovery funding.

In their follow-up conversation, Betsy clarified her position and corrected the article. She mentioned her long-time support for arts and culture (as a recipient of the Governor’s Art’s Award). She was not concerned about the rescue fund investments in nonprofit arts and cultural organizations, which have extensive public accountability mechanisms through their boards and public reporting. Instead she was concerned about for-profit venues receiving rescue funds because they do not have similar accountability mechanisms.  Betsy ended by saying she has been and will continue to be a strong supporter of arts and culture in Oregon.

Join us and contact your lawmakers to share your experiences as a stakeholder in the arts & culture community during the pandemic.

Happy New Year,

CACO Board

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• We had the best legislative session ever in terms of recovery dollars for the arts & culture sectors. During this long-running pandemic, organizations of every size need assistance.
• Our 11 capital construction projects represent the largest investment ever, at $9.5 million.
• The new license plate has generated a significant increase in revenue for the Oregon Cultural Trust. During the first month it was available, the trust sold roughly five times more license plates than the previous month. Sales of the new license plate remain strong.
• We have active and engaged members who care about the future of Oregon’s arts, culture, history, heritage, and humanities.

Don’t forget to take advantage of your Oregon Cultural Tax Credit to funnel more money to Oregon’s arts and culture.

Total the amount you have donated to 1,400 arts & culture nonprofits by December 31. Give a matching donation to the Oregon Cultural Trust, and report that on your state tax form. You will receive 100% of that gift back in the form of a tax credit.

Last year, Oregonians donated $5.2 million to the Oregon Cultural Trust. During summer 2021, the trust distributed a record-setting $3.2 million to our state’s nonprofit community (the remainder was added to the Cultural Trust’s permanent fund).

We wish you a creative, joyful holiday season, celebrating your own family traditions and reveling in the wonders of Oregon.

The Cultural Advocacy Coalition Board of Directors

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FILL OUT OUR FORM BELOW.

Responses are due by Monday, June 1st by midnight.
Review the Cultural Resource Economic Fund (CREF) FAQs for common questions.

Oops! We could not locate your form.

The post 2021 Capital Construction Projects appeared first on Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon.

• Extend the Cultural Trust Tax Credit for 6 more years (HB 2164)
• Extend special tax assessments for historic preservation properties for 2 more years (HB 2164)
• Fund Capital Investment Projects (HB 5030 & HB 5050)- Total of $5,125,000:
  • Lincoln City Cultural Center – $1.5M for an exterior plaza
  • Beaverton Arts Foundation – $1.5M for the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts
  • Liberty Theatre– $1M for stage house and facilities improvements
  • Oregon Nikkei Legacy Center – $500,000 for preservation and renovations
  • Cottage Theatre – $375,000 for theatre expansion
  • High Desert Museum – $250,000 for exhibit and gallery
• 2019-2021 Budgets for the Cultural Trust and the Oregon Arts Commission have been funded at the Governor’s recommended levels (SB 5524)
• Renew the provision to spend cultural trust license plate monies on the marketing and promotion of the Trust (HB 2377) 

Also in support of the cultural sector, the legislature provided funding for Oregon Public Broadcasting, and the Oregon Historical Society, long-standing members of the Cultural Advocacy Coalition.
Nearly all of our legislative priorities were adopted. We will be back in the 2020 session with a request to increase the amount of the Cultural Trust license plate by at least $5 a plate. We will continue to work with the Governor and the boards of the Oregon Cultural Trust and the Oregon Arts Commission on two concerning issues: 1) Increasing administrative costs, and, 2) Decreasing contributions to the Trust.
With many thanks and forward momentum!
Thank you.

Dr. Nancy Golden
Board of Directors President
Cultural Advocacy Coalition
P.S. If you haven’t yet joined our Coalition, we’d love to have you. Join us today by making a gift on our website. 

The post A Banner Legislative Session for Arts & Culture! appeared first on Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon.

2013:

CONFLUENCE PROJECT $1.5 million to support the Confluence Project’s interpretative art installation, known as the Confluence Arc, an elevated walkway, inspired by traditional fishing platforms, by Maya Lin, at Celilo Falls Park.  (A portion of funds were expended for phase one of the project and the remaining balance is being held for when the project resumes).
HIGH DESERT MUSEUM $250,000 to renovate the Autzen Otter Exhibitto increase attendance, expand the High Desert Museum’s ability to bring in tourist dollars to Central Oregon and strengthen an iconic Central Oregon cultural resource.

2015:

OREGON SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL $2 million for a multi-theatre renovation and modernization project which will improve access to the Festival’s two oldest theatres and provide improved access to the bricks, for free public performances for all visitors, regardless of mobility.
PORTLAND JAPANESE GARDENS $1.5 million to expand its visitor and educational facilities in its Cultural Crossingproject that will incorporate new gardens, state-of-the-art educational facilities, and other amenities.
OREGON PUBLIC BROADCASTING $600,000 to renovate its facility to include more flexible, accessible multi-purpose spaces to receive and engage a wider public; the construction of new radio studio; the construction of a multi-media studio to allow flexibility to create video and audio programming; and improve energy efficiency.
AURORA COLONY HISTORICAL SOCIETY $400,000 to finance the construction of a storage facility for historical artifacts.

2016:

HOLLY THEATRE $1 millionto restore the 1930 Holly Theatre, located in Medford, whose 1,003-seat auditorium will serve as the largest indoor concert and community event space in the state south of Eugene.
PORTLAND PLAYHOUSE $200,000 to support renovation of Portland Playhouse’s venue located in a historic building in the King Neighborhood in Portland.

2017:

PORTLAND ART MUSEUM $1 million to connect the Museum’s Main Building to the Mark Building through the construction of a glass pavilion—named for famed Oregon artist Mark Rothko—which will become one of Oregon’s grand free public spaces.
HOLLY THEATRE $1 million to continue restoration of the 1930 Holly Theatre in Medford.
OREGON CAVES AND CHATEAU $750,000 to rebuild three original balconies on the 1930’s era National Historic Landmark Lodge known as the Chateau, to increase accessibility and restore the Chateau’s original character.
THE DALLES CIVIC AUDITORIUM THEATER $785,000 to restore the 1921 National Historic Landmark’s theater.
EUGENE BALLET $700,000 to build a new Midtown Arts Center to accommodate growth of their ballet company and academy, while continuing to provide offices and program development space to a cross-section of the region’s signature non-profit arts organizations.
BENTON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY $500,000 to construct a Corvallis Museum that will include galleries for changing exhibitions, education space, courtyards for outdoor sculpture, workspaces for museum staff and a museum store.
OREGON COAST COUNCIL FOR THE ARTS $300,000 to expand the Studio Theatre’s seating from 80-150, to expand the green room, dressing rooms, restrooms, kitchen, backstage storage areas and add rehearsal space.
LIBERTY THEATRE $200,000 to reclaim, restore and refurbish the historic 470 seat, Liberty Theatre in LaGrande as a performing arts center.
COTTAGE THEATER $125,000 to expand seating in the theatre from 150-200 seats, upgrade technical capabilities and safety features of the community funded theatre.
HIGH DESERT MUSEUM $125,000 to support significant renovations to the By Hand Through Memory exhibit and to develop new gallery space to feature Art of the American West.
PORTLAND INSTITUTE OF CONTEMPORARY ART $100,000 to upgrade and improve a 16,000 square foot building for use as a permanent venue in Portland’s NE Eliot neighborhood.
BAGNBAGGAGE $50,000 to support the installation of a state-of-the-art 360 degree digital projection system.
APANO $300,000 for cultural center construction.

2019:

LINCOLN CITY CULTURAL CENTER $1.5M for an exterior plaza
BEAVERTON ARTS FOUNDATION $1.5M for the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts
LIBERTY THEATRE $1M for stage house and facilities improvements
OREGON NIKKEI LEGACY CENTER $500,000 for preservation and renovations
COTTAGE THEATRE $375,000 for theatre expansion
HIGH DESERT MUSEUM $250,000 for exhibit and gallery

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