We can all feel proud of Oregon’s creative economy and our state’s strong network of public organizations including the Oregon Arts Commission and the Cultural Trust, as well as non-profits like the Oregon Council for the Humanities and Northwest Business for Culture and the Arts. Our cultural communities help entice businesses to Oregon, attract innovative workers, fuel creativity in our workplaces and stimulate local economies across the state.

Together, we have the power to safeguard and reinvest in Oregon’s diverse cultural community – even during the current economic downturn. But the Cultural Advocacy Coalition needs your help.

Because our partners are public agencies and non-profits, their ability to directly lobby in Salem is significantly restricted. The Cultural Advocacy Coalition was specifically formed to serve as a statewide advocacy organization working in Salem on behalf of arts, heritage and humanities. Lobby representation through the CAC for the Oregon Cultural Trust, the Oregon Arts Commission, the Oregon Historical Society and other cultural partners is funded entirely through voluntary contributions from supporters like you across the state. Together, the CAC completed a very successful 2007 Legislative Session that invested more than $10 million NEW dollars into Oregon’s cultural landscape. And in February 2008, the CAC passed legislation during the whirl-wind 30-day supplemental session to allow the Cultural Trust to use license plate revenues to promote understanding of and contributions to the Cultural Trust.

The 2009 Legislative Assembly has just convened and already faces daunting financial challenges. The Cultural Advocacy Coalition is working the halls of Salem every day to educate legislators and build support for cultural investments. I invite you to spend some time on this website and browse through specific legislation the CAC is working this session. Review our biannual publication, “Arts, Heritage & Humanities in Oregon: Cultural Grants and Activities.” Check out the archives and see how the CAC has played a significant role in past sessions.

I hope you’ll join with hundreds of cultural organizations, businesses and individual supporters and add your contribution to the Cultural Advocacy Coalition. A small commitment from many partners enables us to advocate for public funds and educate legislators about the impact of culture in their own communities. That is truly a return on investment.

Thank you,

Virginia Willard,
Executive Director, Northwest Business for Culture and the Arts
Chair, Oregon Cultural Advocacy Coalition