About

As coverage of the arts in other media has plunged, Oregon ArtsWatch has filled this critical news gap and become the state’s leading arts journal. We have been publishing independent Oregon-focused arts journalism and criticism at orartswatch.org since 2011, producing a breadth and depth of coverage not found elsewhere.

IMPACT

Our work supports the entire cultural ecology in the region and ripples out to bolster hundreds of organizations. We provide critical analysis, visibility, and validation that cultural organizations use to amplify their work, and we create documentation that provides a lasting impact for temporary works of art. As one of only a handful of organizations in the country that specializes in this kind of work, we provide an essential contribution to public dialogue about arts and culture.

MISSION

Oregon ArtsWatch produces independent, professional arts and culture journalism and criticism that is transparent, fair, and accurate.

VISION

We envision being an essential resource that publishes broad coverage and supports the entire arts ecosystem of the region.

VALUES

Oregon ArtsWatch (OAW) is a trusted public source for journalism about arts and culture. We foster a welcoming environment, and are especially conscious of the barriers faced by people who come from historically marginalized populations. Oregon ArtsWatch is and reflects a diverse array of communities, and treats everyone, their work, and their experiences with respect. OAW is committed to continually learning and improving. We embrace public dialogue and believe the exchange of ideas is vital to a healthy culture.

WHAT WE DO

News, reviews, previews, analyses, profiles, interviews, and essays covering traditional art forms (music, dance, theater, and visual arts) and broader cultural topics and communities. We also publish a weekly e-newsletter.

OUR REACH

  • 761 stories published
  • 317,184 users
  • 870,360 page views
  • 7.73 million Google impressions
  • 82,943 clicks
  • 91 staff, contributors, board, and contractors
  • 78 people we economically supported, a 23.8% increase from last year
  • 94% of our budget went to pay people
  • 73 sponsors. We donated $35,410 in ad space and provided $15,868 in trade to cultural organizations, totaling $51,278.

NEWS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS


All Classical Portland · The State of the Arts: Laura Grimes and Bob Hicks

“I am quite amazed at what you have created with Oregon Arts Watch – an entire online ecology of arts journalism covering nearly every aspect of the arts throughout many regions of Oregon, not only replacing what print journalism once did but going well beyond in scope and depth.” – Devoted reader and patron

KEY INITIATIVES

● Underreported communities, which we define as ethnic, cultural, gender, age, geographic, and smaller arts organizations: It’s our goal to tell the stories of these communities, and to find correspondents who represent them who can provide an inside look.

● Statewide coverage: It’s our goal to tell stories from a variety of places around the state and reflect the distinct cultures from different regions.

● New contributors: We consciously work to identify, train, and mentor young or less experienced writers.

These initiatives meet these strategic objectives: diversify our coverage, amplify the voices of marginalized communities, strengthen our organization, provide fresh perspectives, nurture a new generation of cultural journalists, offer sustainability.

KEY PROJECTS

● Arts Education: Much evidence points to the importance of the arts as a key to learning. An expansive series explains what is working, what is still needed, and what points the way forward.

● Gender Deconstruction: A series of written and photo essays spotlights the experiences of the gender nonconforming and trans community.

● Cultural Hubs: Cultural centers are essential gathering places that uniquely serve and reflect their communities.

● Indigenous History and Resilience in Oregon: An expansive series of stories explores the shift from the intended erasure of tribal identities in the past to institutions and groups that are actively claiming, fostering, and celebrating Indigenous identity in the present

STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT

Oregon ArtsWatch is deeply committed to amplifying voices of historically marginalized communities, being inclusive of significant issues pertaining to them, and continuing to raise mutual awareness and understanding of our shared heritages, humanity and future together.

NONDISCRIMINATION NOTICE

Oregon ArtsWatch does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Osiyo nigada,

We are on traditional village sites of the Multnomah, Wasco, Cowlitz, Kathlamet, Clackamas, Bands of Chinook, Tualatin, Kalapuya, Molalla, and many other Indigenous Peoples who lived in intricate rhythm with our natural systems. For at least 11,000 years, they have created communities and encampments to embrace and harvest the pulses and resources of this area, they still do.

We recognize that our area today includes many diverse Native people who continue living in cadence with the natural ebb and flow. We respectfully acknowledge and honor all Indigenous communities, past, present and future, and support their ongoing influence.

Native peoples continue to suffer the effects of genocide, relocation and cultural destruction, but ultimately, we are all, every form of life on the planet, sisters, brothers and others, together. As we acknowledge our Native ancestors’ resilience, wisdom and grasp of natural reality, may they inspire us to find more of it within ourselves, in confluence for all.

Wado

Joe Martin Cantrell
Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma
Modified from an acknowledgment from the Portland Parks Foundation
This version initially given at the Oregon Symphony Concert at Waterfront Park, September 2021