February 25, 2015

This morning, Nick was proud to host the Regional Arts & Culture Council’s 2014 State of the Arts report at City Hall.

We wish every Council meeting was as inspiring! Members of the Portland Opera performed an aria from Carmen, students from Northeast Portland's King School sang "Oh Freedom," and poetry slam winner Bella Trent read a moving poem.

2014 was a big year for the arts:

 • The Right Brain Initiative is making a huge difference in our schools.

 • RACC awarded $2 million in grants to more than 250 diverse nonprofits, individual artists, and schools across Portland.

 • Thanks to the voter-approved Arts Education & Access Fund, about 70 certified art teachers were restored in our public elementary schools.

 • We welcomed new works of public art, including a natural play installation at Westmoreland Park and whimsical sculptures along Southeast Division.

 • Portland hosted a premiere of the Academy Award nominated film, Wild, and the production had a positive impact on our local economy.

This year, we’ll celebrate a number of important milestones:

 • Work for Art, our workplace giving program, turns 10.

 • RACC celebrates 20 years as our regional arts champion.

 • Portlandia, our copper goddess, turns 30.

 • The Percent for Art program turns 35.

From film and theater to the visual arts, music, dance, and more, Portland is a special place to live and work thanks to the arts!

Regional Arts & Culture Council Council Presentation

Portland Opera performs at City Hall 
Andrew Theen in The Oregonian

King School students perform "Oh Freedom" 
Andrew Theen in The Oregonian

Portland arts funding: City Council celebrates money for Regional Arts & Culture Council
Andrew Theen in The Oregonian