Family fun at a 2023 Corvallis Multicultural Learning Center unveiling, supported by the Cultural Trust.
Salem, Ore. – Oregonians investing in the Cultural Tax Credit contributed more than $5.2 million to support arts, heritage and humanities nonprofits in 2024, the Oregon Cultural Trust announced today. The total, which represents a 3.2 percent increase over calendar year 2023*, will fund grant awards to cultural organizations across the state this summer and continue to build the Cultural Trust’s permanent fund, now valued at $41.8 million.
“Oregonians continue to show up for culture in a big way!” said Cultural Trust Chair Sean Andries. “In a time when arts and cultural organizations across the country are facing challenges, it’s inspiring to see our communities step up and invest in the creative heartbeat of our state.
“The Cultural Tax Credit is an incredible tool that allows us to sustain and grow the vibrant arts, heritage and humanities that make Oregon unique,” Andries added. “This year’s donations will directly impact cultural nonprofits across the state, ensuring they can continue to create, preserve, educate and inspire. We’re building something lasting together, and I couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead!”
The $5.2 million fundraising total represents 10,570 donations and 1,138 donors new to the Cultural Trust. It also includes $552,349 raised through an ongoing partnership with the Willamette Week Give!Guide.
One of the highlights of the 2024 campaign was the creation of the Cultural Ambassador Network, a group of dedicated and passionate individuals across Oregon who champion the work of arts, heritage and humanities nonprofits by promoting the Cultural Tax Credit to increase available grant funding.
More than half of the money raised will be distributed directly to Oregon’s nonprofit cultural community this summer; the remainder will grow the Cultural Trust permanent fund. Cultural Trust grants are distributed to the five Statewide Core Agency Partners – Oregon Arts Commission, Oregon Heritage Commission, the Oregon Historical Society, Oregon Humanities and the State Office of Historic Preservation – as well as to 45 County/Tribal Cultural Coalitions, who regrant the funds in their communities, and directly to cultural nonprofits via the Cultural Trust’s Cultural Development grants.
The 98 Cultural Development projects funded for FY2025 include:
- Advance Gender Equity in the Arts, Portland: $9,645
To support the residency of award-winning Black female playwright Reneé Flemings at Portland State University to workshop her new play “empty spaces.”
- Ashland Parks Foundation, Ashland: $21,143
To support the restoration, repair and upgrade of the historic Butler-Perozzi Fountain and site (terrace, stairs, light posts) in Lithia Park, Ashland. The fountain was given to the city in 1915 by two local businessman and has been the jewel of Lithia Park since that time.
- Corvallis Multicultural Literacy Center, Corvallis: $30,409
To support access to cultural exchange for immigrant, refugee and international communities in the Willamette Valley.
- Elkton Community Education Center, Elkton: $5,110
To increase access to high-quality arts education for rural youth and adults by creating a series of after-school and weekend classes with experienced arts educators.
- Josephy Center for Arts and Culture, Joseph: $34,713
To support Phase II of the Building Our Future capital campaign to expand the building and increase ADA access to the second-floor library and programs. The $1.6 million project will support the Center’s mission to advance access to the arts, heritage and the humanities by enabling JCAC to serve a greater number of residents and visitors, provide a wider variety of programs and further promote awareness and understanding of the legacy and culture of the Nez Perce.
- Linn County Lamb and Wool Association, Scio: $24,662
To support the preservation of the culturally historic 100-year-old ZCBJ Hall by replacing a failing roof while the building is still in good condition. The price of roofing goes up by about $8,000 a year according to quotes, which also adds expediency to the project.
- North Pole Studio, Portland: $19,358
To support a six-month printmaking residency for five North Pole Studio (NPS) artists with autism and intellectual/developmental disabilities culminating in an exhibition, limited edition publication and run of fine art prints.
- The Museum at Warm Springs, Warm Springs: $25,899
To support “Tł’aawxmamiyai – For Everyone – The Knowledge from Long Ago” featuring Warm Springs’ and other Indigenous master artists as traditional arts workshop teachers and exhibitors, emerging Warm Springs artists as workshop participants and exhibitors, and young Warm Springs Tribal members as exhibitors in the 2024 Youth Art Show, as well as the non-Tribal public as Museum visitors.
- The National Neon Sign Museum, The Dalles: $19,644
To support the restoration and preservation of the historic 1921 C. W. Parker Jantzen Beach Carousel horses. In October of 2023, the Museum was unanimously selected by Restore Oregon to receive and restore the historic carousel. The team will work with classically trained woodworking artists to train and inspire a new generation of artisans to restore the 82 horses to their original glory.
- North Bend Public Library Foundation, North Bend: $34,421
To support capital improvements to the North Bend Public Library Children’s Room that will enhance its ability to provide a safe and welcoming library space in which to provide essential community services.
- Tananawit, Warm Springs: $16,858
To support the development and self-sufficiency of Tananawit and its Warm Springs artists by providing culturally specific art-focused business classes. Artists will complete a bootcamp program, as well as professional practices and artist statement sessions.
- Ten Fifteen Productions, Astoria: $10,186
To support efforts to convert an antiquated stage lighting system to a new, energy efficient LED system.
View the full list of FY2025 grant awards.
The contracted partners for the Cultural Trust’s 2024 fundraising campaign were Watson Creative of Portland and Turell Group of Eugene.
*The comparison removes a one-time bequest of $369,145 received in calendar year 2023.
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The Oregon Cultural Trust was established by the Oregon Legislature in 2001 as a unique means to reward Oregonians who invest in culture. Oregonians who donate to a cultural nonprofit and then make a matching gift to the Cultural Trust receive a 100% state tax credit for their gift to the Trust.
