Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Oregon receives money from the NEA!

Every drop of good news helps! Here's the press release that I just received from the Oregon Arts Commission:

Oregon Arts Commission to Receive and Distribute Federal Stimulus Funds for the Arts

The National Endowment for the Arts has announced $19.8 million in one-time grants under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) to state arts agencies and regional arts organizations to support the arts sector of the economy. The Oregon Arts Commission will receive $307,600, which it will regrant to Oregon arts organizations to preserve jobs in the arts that are threatened or have been recently eliminated due to the economic downturn.

“Jobs in the arts are a vital part of Oregon’s creative economy,” said Governor Ted Kulongoski. “Nonprofit arts organizations employ artists, directors, managers, technicians, designers and workers in a variety of trades. They’ve helped brand Oregon as a state where creativity and innovation are important to all sectors of the economy.”

“We’re pleased the arts are recognized in the Recovery Act,” commented Christine D’Arcy, Arts Commission executive director. “These one-time grants will help preserve up to 25 jobs, helping arts nonprofits weather the current economic storm. Those jobs will support arts organizations as they continue to offer high quality programs to Oregonians and bring visitors to the state. The economic stimulus plan acknowledges the role that the arts play in state and national recovery, employing artists and arts administrators in this difficult time.”

“This is a good example of ‘The Oregon Way’ for recovery,” D’Arcy added, citing the state’s coordinated approach for stimulus activity focused on pioneering, green and creative investments.

The Arts Commission will invest Recovery funds in projects that assist arts organizations in retaining critical staff. Oregon Arts Stimulus Grant guidelines will be posted online at www.oregonartscommission.org by April 17, 2009. Requests for funding will be accepted through an online application process until May 15, 2009.

Contact:
Shannon Planchon, Oregon Arts Commission, (503) 229-6062
Christine D’Arcy, Oregon Arts Commission, (503) 986-0087

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