The 2023 legislature is drawing to a close and as it does, we are left scratching our heads at the outcomes for arts and culture.

We proposed an ambitious agenda based on the needs of our members who are still trying to recover from the impacts of the pandemic. We know economic losses from declining audiences are very real. We have been grateful for past support from policy makers who have directed federal COVID-recovery dollars to arts and culture twice in the past three years.

Unfortunately, while some state dollars were directed to our sector this session, they are not nearly enough to meet the needs of our fragile ecosystem. We know that lack of state funding will result in organizational deficits, staff layoffs, and decreased access to arts and culture.

We will not give up.  We will be using all the tools available to us to continue to put this sector’s needs in front of policymakers.  We have attached our statement on this session.

With our thanks,

The CACO Board

The results of the Oregon 2023 legislative session follow:

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