Arts supporters push to stabilize, increase Oregon and Portland support * Oregon ArtsWatch

"The Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon (CACO) is the only statewide organization that lobbies on behalf of the arts and cultures at the Oregon Legislature. The coalition represents artists and supporters; regional and local arts councils, such as Portland area Regional Arts and Culture Council; performance venues, such as the Reser Center for the Arts and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival; arts and culture nonprofits, such as the Portland Opera and the Oregon Symphony; and educational institutions with arts programs, including Willamette University."

"CACO has spent much of the last year determining priorities for lobbying the 2027 Oregon Legislature in a statewide process called The Big Re/Think. Funded by the affiliated Cultural Advocacy Coalition Foundation (CACF), activities have included six in-person gatherings in all regions of the state, a statewide online survey, and a virtual statewide gathering. Hundreds of people have participated, from artists to organization directors and board members, community and business leaders, and patrons and other supporters."

"Efforts include the Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon setting priorities for the next session of the Oregon Legislature that starts in January 2027; the Portland City Council's work to reform the controversial Arts Tax; and Portland arts supporters fighting proposed cuts in the city's Small Grants program that supports individual artists."

Oregon and Portland supporters are working to stabilize and increase resources for state and local arts and culture programs as federal funding faces proposed reductions. The Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon is setting priorities for the 2027 Oregon Legislature through a statewide process called The Big Re/Think, funded by the Cultural Advocacy Coalition Foundation. The process includes in-person gatherings across all regions, a statewide online survey, and a virtual statewide gathering with hundreds of participants ranging from artists and arts leaders to community and business leaders and patrons. Portland City Council efforts focus on reforming the controversial Arts Tax. Portland arts supporters are also opposing proposed cuts to the city’s Small Grants program that supports individual artists.

Read at Oregon ArtsWatch * Arts & Culture News