Current Initiatives: How BCA advocates for the arts
To champion a vibrant, financially sound arts community, BCA is working closely our advocacy partners: the Cultural Advocacy Coalition on the state level, and the Regional Arts and Culture Council in the Portland region.
The Cultural Advocacy Coalition (CAC) serves as the political voice in Salem on behalf of Oregon’s arts, heritage and humanities. A nonprofit, non-partisan advocacy organization, the CAC engages a registered lobbyist who during the legislative session is in the Capitol regularly advocating for policy and funding that benefits arts, culture and heritage.
The CAC works hard developing relationships with legislators and the Governor, and advocating on behalf of policy and funding for the cultural sector. It has supported legislation toprotect the Oregon Cultural Trust, renew the film tax credit, form a vitality task force for the Heritage community, and support the passage of the Oregon Arts Commission’s budget. In the 2013 session the focus is renewing the Cultural Trust Tax Credit.
For up-to-the date information about the status of this work, and to learn how you can help go to the Cultural Advocacy Coalition website.
BCA joins in advocating on behalf of the Regional Arts and Culture Council (RACC), especially in support of the annual budget allocations for the City of Portland, which represents the majority of RACC’s funding. For recent activities and a current status report go to the RACC website.
BCA and RACC contributed to the Americans for the Arts “Arts and Economic Prosperity Study” for 2011. This study — the fourth in a series that presents data about the economic activities of nonprofit arts and culture organizations and their audiences in participating communities – found that Greater Portland’s arts and culture organizations account for 8,500 jobs and $151 million in direct spending. Audience spending of an additional $101 million bring the total economic impact to $252 million. These investments yield an additional $20 million in local, state and federal government revenues.
Congratulations to the Creative Advocacy Network! In November, 2012 City of Portland voters overwhelmingly passed ballot measure 26-146 to restore arts and music programs to Portland schools and fund the arts citywide.
We welcome everyone’s involvement in advocating for strong public and private support for arts and culture. Americans for the Arts provides information and opportunities to get involved. Sign on to become part of the Arts Action Fund.
