Oregon Arts Commission 2023-2027 Strategic Plan To Focus On Funding, Equity, Engagement And Advancement (Photo) - 04/14/23
Salem, Oregon – More funding and support for artists and arts organizations, a commitment to equity, new ways to engage Oregonians and demonstrating the importance of the arts in building strong, vibrant communities are key themes of the Oregon Arts Commission’s 2023-2027 Strategic Plan, unveiled today. The launch of the plan coincides with finalization of the Arts Commission’s new Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Plan.
Featuring four goal areas – Impact, Equity, Engage and Thrive – the new plan is released at a critical time, said Arts Commission Chair Jenny Green, as the pandemic had a dramatic impact on artists and arts organizations.
“This ambitious new plan addresses what the arts community needs to fully recover and to maximize the positive power of the arts in Oregon,” said Green. “The pandemic has shown us that arts and creativity are the soul’s first responders. We are deeply grateful to reconnect with our community during the reopening of arts events and programs, and we treasure how the arts reignite our lives.”
The plan’s development began in 2021 with a series of listening sessions and focus groups with more than 300 artists, arts organizations, educators, legislators, media professionals and community members from across the state. The Arts Commission then created an ad-hoc planning committee, made up of Arts Commissioners and staff, to work with Linzer Consulting in reviewing input and identifying the key issues that emerged. In March 2022, the Arts Commission held a board retreat to discuss the key issues and develop goal areas for the plan. The final plan was approved at the October 2022 Arts Commission meeting.
“The arts community encouraged us to ‘go big’ in increasing our impact throughout the state,” said Arts Commission Executive Director Brian Rogers. “We are determined, enthusiastic and ready to address the current needs of Oregonians while creating long-term solutions for artists and the arts community.”
The four goal areas of the plan are defined as:
• Impact: Strengthen and Secure Dependable Funding for the Creative Sector to Meet the Needs of All Oregonians;
• Equity: Facilitate Community-Informed Work to Increase Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility;
• Engage: Utilize the Power of the Arts to Engage Oregonians of all Ages; and
• Thrive: Advance the Creative Sector as an Economic Driver in Communities.
The plan is accompanied by an internal action plan with metrics and timelines to guide implementation. Progress will be reviewed at quarterly Arts Commission meetings.
View the Arts Commission 2023-2027 Strategic Plan.
* * * * * * * * * * *
The Oregon Arts Commission provides leadership, funding and arts programs through its grants, special initiatives and services. Nine commissioners, appointed by the Governor, determine arts needs and establish policies for public support of the arts. The Arts Commission became part of Business Oregon (formerly Oregon Economic and Community Development Department) in 1993, in recognition of the expanding role the arts play in the broader social, economic and educational arenas of Oregon communities. In 2003, the Oregon legislature moved the operations of the Oregon Cultural Trust to the Arts Commission, streamlining operations and making use of the Commission’s expertise in grantmaking, arts and cultural information and community cultural development.
The Arts Commission is supported with general funds appropriated by the Oregon legislature and with federal funds from the National Endowment for the Arts as well as funds from the Oregon Cultural Trust. More information about the Oregon Arts Commission is available online at: www.oregonartscommission.org.
