Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden today announced that $536,100 in National Endowment of the Arts (NEA) funding is headed to 22 schools, organizations, and museums in Oregon dedicated to art, dance, and music.
“During the pain, uncertainty, and anxiety of this past year, many of us turned to music, books, movies, and other art forms for escape and comfort,” said Merkley. “Art plays a critical role in enriching our lives, and it’s important, especially right now, that we give the artists in our communities the support they need to keep delivering their crafts. I’m pleased that these funds are coming to Oregon’s artists, and will continue to advocate for the investments we need to keep the lights on in our museums, theaters, and art centers.”
“Arts are vital to quality-of-life in our state so Oregonians can listen in wonder to talented musicians, marvel at skilled dancers, learn history from thoughtful community museums, enjoy local theater and more,” Wyden said. “That need for the arts is more essential than ever as our country emerges from the isolation of this public health crisis, and I’m glad these Oregon groups will receive this federal support. Grants like these make a huge difference and I’ll keep working to ensure similar resources are available to arts groups throughout all of Oregon.”
The funding is being distributed as follows:
- Hatchery Arts, also known as the Hollywood Fringe Festival, in Portland received $20,000 for presenting and multidisciplinary works;
- Regional Arts & Culture Council in Portland received $34,500 in funding dedicated to local arts agencies, and $75,000 for design;
- The Circus Project in Portland received $20,000 for presenting and multidisciplinary works;
- The High Desert Museum in Bend received $35,000 in museum support funding;
- The Artists Repertory Theater, also known as the Artists Rep, in Portland received $15,000 in theater support funding;
- The August Wilson Red Door Project in Portland received $10,000 in theater support funding;
- Chamber Music Northwest in Portland received $25,000 in music support funding;
- Hand2Mouth, also known as the Hand2Mouth Theatre, in Portland received $10,000 in theater support funding;
- Literary Arts, Inc. in Portland received $45,000 in literary arts funding;
- My Voice Music in Portland received $15,000 in music support funding;
- Network of Ensemble Theaters in Portland received $10,000 in theater support funding;
- Oregon’s Children’s Theatre Company in Portland received $10,000 in theater support funding;
- The Portland Art Museum in Portland received $35,000 in museum support funding, and, on behalf of Northwest Film Center, received an additional $30,000 in media arts support funding;
- Portland Community Media, also known as PCM, in Portland received $20,000 in media arts support funding;
- Portland Youth Philharmonic Association, also known as PYP, in Portland received $15,000 in music support funding;
- The Eugene Symphony Association, Inc. in Eugene received $10,000 in music support funding;
- Joint Forces Dance Company, also known as DanceAbility International, in Eugene received $15,000 in dance support funding;
- Oregon Arts Commission in Salem received $841,600 in funding through the NEA’s state & Regional Partnership;
- The Salem Multicultural Institute in Salem received $10,000 in Folk & Traditional Arts support funding; and,
- Willamette University in Salem received $10,000 in theater support funding.
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