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Oregon in Top 10 of America’s Most Arts-Vibrant Communities

Oregon has once again secured its place as a national cultural powerhouse, ranking No. 10 in the 10th annual SMU DataArts Arts Vibrancy Index. This marks the third consecutive year Oregon has appeared in the top 10, underscoring a sustained commitment to the arts and culture that spans from our bustling metro centers to our historic rural hubs.

Funds activate community building across Oregon: From youth education to public art and cultural engagement, 52 organizations will receive Arts Build Communities grants

The annual Arts Build Communities grants will fund more than 50 organizations located across the state of Oregon, helping organizations and arts leaders address community needs through the impact of art. Each awardee will receive $5,000 in FY2026 to address a community issue or need through the arts. These grants are made possible through a funding partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the Oregon Arts Commission.

Arts and culture contribute $829 million to Oregon economy

Oregon's arts and culture sector contributed $829 million to Oregon's economy in fiscal year 2022, according to the latest Arts & Economic Prosperity study from Americans for the Arts. Released Oct. 12, the findings of Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6) include data from 19 Oregon regions and communities. Oregon's study was supported in part by Travel Oregon.

Artists: Please join the Oregon Artist Registry!

To ensure artists’ access to funding opportunities and build a case for more artist resources, the Oregon Arts Commission partnered with The Ford Family Foundation to create an Oregon Artist Registry.

NOTE: If you have an opportunity or resource you'd like us to share with our artist network, please send it to Sarah Baylinson.

26 Oregon artists receive Career Opportunity Program grant awards

In the second round for FY2026, over $91,000 was awarded in Career Opportunity grants, including $46,665 from the Oregon Arts Commission for all artistic disciplines and $44,338 in supplemental funding for 12 established Oregon visual artists, visual arts writers and curators of visual arts through a partnership with The Ford Family Foundation’s Visual Arts Program.

'50 for 50:' Celebrating 50 Years of Oregon's Percent for Art in Public Places

In 2025, Oregon celebrates the 50th anniversary of its Percent for Art in Public Places program, one of the first in the nation and a testament to Oregon’s commitment to creativity and community. Over five decades, the program has built a collection of nearly 3,000 artworks that enrich public spaces and connect people to Oregon’s diverse cultural identity.

To honor this legacy, the Oregon Arts Commission introduces “50 for 50,” a showcase of 50 publicly accessible works from the collection. These pieces, selected for their artistic impact and accessibility, invite Oregonians and visitors to explore the power of public art across the state.

Imagine a world without the arts

No singing, no dancing, no paintings, crafts, folk art, music or theater. It's unthinkable.

How the arts enable creative expression, for people of all ages, and a collective sharing of beauty is undeniable. But the value of the arts is much more than aesthetic, it is enriching to us all. And the arts not only build communities, they inspire community vitality.

Statement on Cuts to National Endowment for the Arts

The Oregon Arts Commission remains committed to using resources it has available to provide leadership, funding, and arts programs through its grants, services and special initiatives.