News Releases

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

40 projects addressing community needs through the arts receive $180,000 in Arts Build Communities grants awards

1/22/2021 | Accessibility, | Capacity Building, | Community Development, | Economic Impact, | Grants, | For Arts Organizations

Salem, Ore. – Using the arts as a means to address community need is the focus of 40 projects awarded a total of $180,000 through the Oregon Arts Commission’s FY2021 Arts Build Communities grant program. The Arts Build Communities program targets broad geographic impact and arts access for underserved audiences in Oregon.

Projects funded include Applegate Regional Theatre’s drive-in venue where audiences can enjoy musical concerts and theater performances from the comfort and safety of their cars; Portland Playhouse’s live-streamed performances and trauma-informed talkbacks that break down cultural norms about Black masculinity; and The Next Door’s metal art sculpture project with local youth in The Dalles.

PDF icon FY2021 ABC Press Release_final_.pdf

Artist Relief Program awards announced; 646 Oregon artists to receive $1.25 million in relief grant awards

1/15/2021 | Capacity Building, | Community Development, | Economic Impact, | Grants, | Visual Arts, | For Individual Artists

Salem, Oregon – Relief grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 will be awarded to 646 diverse artists across Oregon through an Artist Relief Program created by the Oregon Arts Commission in partnership with Oregon Community Foundation and the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation. The awards expend the $1.25 million available for the program.

“Artists are the creative core of our communities and help define who we are. They inspire us to innovate, to learn and grow,” said Brian Rogers, executive director of the Oregon Arts Commission. “We are thankful to be able to provide support as our artists continue to suffer great losses due to the pandemic. 

“While the requests far exceeded available funds,” Rogers added, “we hope the awards will help artists sustain their practice until better times arrive. We are extremely grateful to our partners at Oregon Community Foundation and the Miller Foundation for making this program possible.”

PDF icon Artist Relief Program grant awards announced final.pdf

2021 Individual Artist Fellowships Announced; Okaidja Afroso and Michelle Fujii share Joan Shipley Award

1/8/2021 | Capacity Building, | For Individual Artists

Salem, Oregon – Leading a group of five Oregon performing artists awarded 2021 Individual Artists Fellowships, Okaidja Afroso and Michelle Fujii will share the Oregon Arts Commission’s honorary 2021 Joan Shipley Award. The three additional performing artists awarded 2021 Fellowships are Michael Cavazos, Heidi Duckler and Darryl Thomas. All 2021 Fellows receive $5,000 awards.

The Joan Shipley Award is named for Oregon arts leader Joan Shipley, who passed away in 2011. Shipley was a collector, philanthropist and supporter of many arts and humanities organizations. In 2005, she and her husband John received an Oregon Governor’s Arts Award. Many in the arts community also counted her as a mentor and friend.

PDF icon FY2021 Fellowships announced final.pdf

Pages

Oregon Arts Commission

Phone
(503) 986-0082 (phone)
(503) 581-5115 (fax)
Address
775 Summer Street NE, Ste 200
Salem, OR 97301-1280