Arts and culture supporters urged to lobby for funding at 2026 Oregon Legislature * Oregon ArtsWatch

"The day after Whitelaw testified, the state economist said that Oregon now has about $300 million more to spend than previously expected. The new revenue forecast does not mean the budget is in the black, however. There are new demands for the available dollars, including $600 million in upgrades to the Moda Center to retain the Portland Trail Blazers, a recently announced $50 million shortfall in Portland Public School funding,"

"These cuts threaten shovel-ready projects, major employers, and rural and urban communities across the state. And they come at a time when arts funding is already among the lowest in the nation," said Whitelaw, whose organization represents arts and humanities organizations across the state at the Oregon Legislature. "Oregon's arts and culture sector generates $9.5 billion in economic activity and supports over 61,000 jobs statewide - while receiving less than 0.05% of the state's general fund," said Whitelaw,"

Oregon arts and culture organizations are being urged to lobby the 2026 Oregon Legislature to maintain current funding levels despite a slight easing of the statewide budget crisis. Dr. Dana Whitelaw urged the Joint Ways and Means Committee to reject proposed cuts of nearly $900,000 to the Cultural Resource Economic Fund, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and Portland Center Stage. The arts sector generates $9.5 billion in economic activity and supports over 61,000 jobs while receiving less than 0.05% of the general fund. A new state revenue forecast adds about $300 million, but competing demands and new federal-mandated administrative costs strain the budget.

Read at Oregon ArtsWatch * Arts & Culture News