News Releases

An archive of news releases detailing the Arts Commission's developments, actions, and impact throughout Oregon. 

Oregon to receive $803,500 in American Rescue Plan Act funding from the National Endowment for the Arts

4/29/2021 | Advocacy, | Capacity Building, | Community Development, | Economic Impact, | Grants, | For Arts Organizations

Salem, Oregon – The National Endowment for the Arts is recommending an award of $803,500 to the Oregon Arts Commission in the NEA’s first distribution of funds from the American Rescue Plan (ARP). This emergency rescue funding is designed to support the arts sector as it recovers from the devastating impact of the COVID-19. It is part of the $135 million allocated to the Arts Endowment which represents a significant commitment to the arts and a recognition of the value of the arts and culture sector to the nation’s economy and recovery.

“The release of these American Rescue Plan funds marks an important step in the economic recovery of the creative sector,” said NEA Acting Chair Ann Eilers. "The knowledge of the Oregon Arts Commission about the arts and culture landscape in Oregon makes it an ideal steward of federal dollars. The Arts Endowment is grateful for the continued leadership of the Oregon Arts Commission as the arts sector rebuilds in a way that works better for all arts organizations."

PDF icon American Rescue Plan NEA Oregon allocation final.pdf

Tabarjah Neal of Klamath Falls named Oregon’s Poetry Out Loud champion; Emma Fang of West Linn named runner up

3/15/2021 | Arts Learning

Salem, Oregon –Tabarjah Neal of Klamath Falls, a senior at Oregon Charter Academy, is the 2021 Oregon Poetry Out Loud state champion. Neal was one of 12 statewide high school students who competed at Saturday’s Virtual Poetry Out Loud State Contest. She advances to the national Poetry Out Loud competition, to be held virtually on May 2 (semifinals) and May 27 (finals).

Emma Fang, a sophomore at West Linn High School, was named runner up. If Neal is unable to participate in the national competition Fang would be invited to represent Oregon.

PDF icon 2021 Poetry Out Loud winners release final.pdf

‘These funds give me hope:’ Oregon artists share impact of recent relief funding

2/18/2021 | Capacity Building, | Economic Impact, | Grants, | For Individual Artists

Salem, Oregon – “Before I even opened the email, I exhaled a sigh of relief,” said Eryk Donovan of Portland, one of 646 Oregon artists to receive an Artist Relief Program grant award from the Oregon Arts Commission, Oregon Community Foundation and the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation.

“When you are weighed down, and every step is a struggle, anything that lightens the burden is an immeasurable gift,” added Donovan, one of dozens of awarded artists who shared stories of impact and gratitude with the Arts Commission.

PDF icon Artists share impact of Relief Program final.pdf

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Oregon Arts Commission

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Salem, OR 97301-1280