The evening began with a welcome from Rep. Rob Nosse and Sen. Dick Anderson, caucus co-chairs. Other speakers were Dana Whitelaw, chair of the CACO board (read her remarks here); Lisa Mensah, president and CEO of the Oregon Community Foundation; Carrie Hoops, executive director of the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation; Sean Andries, chair of the Oregon Cultural Trust; and Subashini Ganeshan-Forbes, chair of the Oregon Arts Commission and an ex-oficio member of the CACO board.

After the speeches, the wonderful music and poetry began, interspersed with beautiful videos about the arts in Oregon. The event was emceed and curated by Darrell Grant, professional jazz pianist, composer, and educator. First we had a beautiful sung land acknowledgement by “Generations,” a group of Indigenous drummers, singers and dancers, claiming Oregon as our own. Next was Buffalo Kin, a musical duo from Fossil, Oregon, singing traditional cowboy folk tunes and haunting original pieces. Past Oregon Poet Laureate Anis Mojgani read his poem “The Lemon Tree,” accompanied by beautiful jazz piano with Darrell Grant. Husband-wife duo Dreckig played the flute and sang some electronic music.

Next was acclaimed Mexican singer Edna Vasquez, who sings with Pink Martini. Vasquez treated us to a gorgeous original song called Ixim Ixoq (Mujer Maiz).  Edna is a fearless singer, songwriter, composer, and guitarist whose powerful voice and musical talent transcend the boundaries of language to engage and uplift her audience.

Finally esperanza spalding closed out the program with several songs, including Joni Mitchell and Stevie Wonder covers. esperanza was born and raised in the Portland area and after teaching herself to play violin, began performing as a violinist in the Chamber Music Society of Oregon at age five! Called “the 21st century’s jazz genius” by National Public Radio, esperanza has won four Grammy Awards, including best new artist in 2011, the first jazz artist to win that award. Last August she released a collaborative album, Milton + Esperanza, with Brazilian singer Milton Nascimento.

She led the audience in a singalong, “We shall receive all that we need…all that we need, we shall receive,” tying that back to our appeal for greater arts funding in 2025.

In addition to all the performers listed above, thanks to the following people and organizations: Oregon Community Foundation, James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation, Independent Venue Coalition of Oregon, Elsinore Theatre, Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon, Cultural Advocacy Foundation, Oregon Arts Commision,  Oregon Cultural Trust, Darrell Grant, Adolpho Canto-Real, Claire Blaylock, and all of the volunteers who helped pull off a great event!

The post Inspirational 2025 kickoff of Oregon Arts & Culture Caucus appeared first on Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon.

Recognizing the vital role arts and culture play in the livability and prosperity of Oregon communities – and in enriching the lives of Oregonians – nine members of the Oregon Legislature have come together in a bi-partisan fashion to form the state’s first-ever Arts and Culture Caucus. The public is invited to meet caucus members at a launch event scheduled from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 27, at the Hallie Ford Museum of Art in Salem.

Coordinated by Rep. Rob Nosse (D-Portland), the Arts and Culture Caucus’ inaugural membership includes Sen. Dick Anderson (R-Lincoln City); Rep. Janelle Bynum (D-Clackamas); Rep. Maxine Dexter (D-Portland); Rep. David Gomberg (D-Otis); Sen. Bill Hansell (R-Athena); Rep. John Lively (D-Springfield); Rep. Pam Marsh (D-Ashland); and Sen. Deb Patterson (D-Salem). Caucus membership is expected to expand.

“Arts and culture are so important to Oregon,” said Rep. Nosse. “All around our state, every day there are concerts, comedy events, public hearings, podcasts, theatrical performances, debates and community events that bring the people of our state together. We must support the cultural and community hubs in our neighborhoods and I hope this caucus will continue to ensure arts and culture thrive in this state.”

The caucus will serve as a resource to the Oregon Legislature on key issues affecting the arts and culture sector. Its members will work closely with stakeholders including the Oregon Arts Commission, the Oregon Cultural Trust (and its statewide partners), and the Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon (CACO) to stay informed on the latest research and issues. It will also set an agenda on priorities for arts and culture legislation, including a sustainable and robust funding mechanism for arts and cultural initiatives.

Rep. Nosse and other members of the caucus were instrumental in designating more than $100 million in coronavirus relief and American Rescue Plan funds to sustain Oregon arts, heritage, and humanities organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to a survey conducted by Business Oregon, Travel Oregon, and the Small Business Development Center Network, only the accommodation industry suffered greater losses. Large cultural organizations continue to feel the impact, with many reporting that ticket sales remain only about 50 percent of pre-pandemic levels.

Members of the Arts and Culture Caucus are considering legislative concepts and bills put forward by the Arts Commission, the Cultural Trust, and CACO.

The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis reports that the arts and culture sector contributed $8 billion to Oregon’s economy in 2020, representing 3.3 percent of the state’s GDP; 60,994 jobs; and total compensation of $4.8 billion. Oregon nonprofit cultural organizations alone contribute at least $687 million and support 22,299 jobs. This adds $53 million to local and state government revenue.

“Public funding for arts and creativity is a high-return investment that benefits every Oregonian in every city, town, and rural community across the state,” said Harlen Springer, vice chair of the Arts Commission.

Springer collaborated with members of the Arts Commission Advancement Committee, including Chair Jenny Green, as well as Cultural Trust Chair Niki Price and Sue Hildick, senior advisor to CACO, to support formation of the Arts and Culture Caucus.

“This is a momentous occasion for Oregon’s 1,500+ arts, heritage, and humanities organizations, and all who support them,” said Niki Price, chair of the Oregon Cultural Trust. “We applaud the legislators who immediately signed up and the arts commissioners who initiated the concept.”

“This year could be transformational for arts and culture in Oregon, making sure every Oregonian has access to creativity in their local community,” added J.S. May, president of CACO. “We are honored that the caucus policymakers are elevating the needs of the creative sector both short-term and long-term to help our economy, our mental health and our healing from the pandemic.”

The Hallie Ford Museum of Art is located on the Willamette University campus at 700 State St. in Salem. RSVP for the Feb. 27 launch event.

The post Nine Legislators form first-ever Oregon Arts and Cultural Caucus appeared first on Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon.