News

For stories published before 2019, visit our archive site.

Oregon Legislature’s Arts Caucus rolls out its five-bill agenda for the current session

Bills announced at a Salem gathering range from increased funding to cultural construction projects to a merger of two state cultural agencies and a crackdown on ticket scalping.

Cappella Romana’s stalled NEA grant is released

The Portland choir's $35,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, snagged by the Trump Administration's freeze on approved grants, breaks free as the choir prepares for a key series of concerts.

Opinion: Trump’s sham ‘golden age’ of arts

Far from creating a flourishing new culture, the new administration's upheaval of norms could visibly weaken Oregon’s and the rest of the nation’s arts and cultural life.

Remembering theater and music artist Ernie Lijoi

The multi-talented actor, playwright, composer, singer, lyricist, and recording artist, who came to Portland from New York City, leaves a host of memories and fine work.

NEA cancels Challenge America grant and changes its guidelines and deadlines

In a sign of how the Trump administration is changing the funding landscape for the arts, the National Endowment for the Arts has eliminated its grant aimed at underserved communities.

Cappella Romana survives Trump Administration’s attempt to shut down federal grants

A $35,000 National Endowment for the Arts grant is still stalled, but private donations have helped fill the gap, and a crucial concert will go on. Meanwhile, nonprofits across the nation aren't sure what comes next.

Eugene Public Library Foundation wins national award for its ‘Love Your Library’ campaign

Patrons designed promotional logos for the library and, during a “Library Love-In,” wrote postcards about what the library means to them.

Literary Arts announces 2025 Oregon Book Award finalists

The awards, to be given April 28, will recognize authors in seven categories, as well as two Portlanders who have improved the state's literary landscape.

Better together: Oregon Arts Commission, Cultural Trust aim for a merger

The two state agencies are asking the Legislature to OK creating a new united agency, with the hope of more efficiency, creative thinking, independence, and impact on Oregon's art and culture.

IFCC, looking to renew, makes its Grant and Artist Residency program permanent

The short-term program has helped chart the Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center’s future as a thriving home for Portland Black arts and culture.

At the Portland Art Museum, a new gallery for Black art & expression is in the making

The museum and 1803 Fund team to provide a new home for Black art when PAM rolls out its rebuilt campus late this year. Also: PICA wins a $120,000 Warhol Foundation grant.

52 Oregon arts groups share $260,000 in grants

Oregon Arts Commission awards $5,000 Arts Build Communities grants to cultural groups across the state. Plus: A $50,000 national grant for Oregon artist Takahiro Yamamoto.

Chehalem Cultural Center celebrates MLK Jr. Day with music, film, and a call to action

Roughly 300 people gathered at Monday’s event in Newberg for a multi-media production by Denver’s Mizel Museum.

High Desert Museum scores two NEH grants

The museum's grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities will help fund projects on desert climate change and a website exploring the culture and nature of the High Desert. A third grant to historian Julie Weise will help underwrite a book on migrant workers in the U.S. and beyond.

Passages: Remembering the artists we lost in 2024

From Oscar-winning animator Mark Gustafson to 100-year old dancer Sahomi Tachibana and 108-year-old collage artist Eunice Parsons, honoring those who made their mark in Oregon arts.

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Oregon Cultural Trust: Giving and getting back

The state's innovative Cultural Tax Credit program lets you give money to any of 1,600 Oregon arts & cultural groups, match your gift to the Cultural Trust, and get a deduction on your state taxes. Deadline is Dec. 31.

Remembering Darcy White, talented music director and stellar cabaret figure

White, the much-loved pianist and director who made the music sing in theaters across Portland, was also the talent behind Cabaret White, which showcased many of the city's best singers.

Literary Arts opens a new chapter

Portland's 40-year-old nonprofit hub of all things literary celebrates the opening of its new eastside headquarters and bookstore.

Remembering Sahomi Tachibana

The brilliant Japanese American dancer and teacher, who died in October at age 100, left a deep and lasting imprint on the world of dance both nationally and in Oregon.

Portland artist Eunice Parsons dies at 108

Parsons, known and admired for her collage work and her long teaching career at The Museum Art School, was active as an artist well into the 21st century.

Rebuilding grants for Oregon arts groups

A continuing revitalization-grants program of the Oregon Community Foundation has awarded $578,000 so far to arts and cultural groups from Coos Bay to Bend to Baker City and beyond.

City announces $4 million+ in arts grants

General operating grants from Portland's new Office of Arts & Culture aid 80 organizations – and some smaller groups say the grants are going disproportionately to the city's big companies.

Candidates for Portland Mayor and City Council voice strong support for the arts in survey

As the critical November election approaches, City Hall candidates weigh in on how they would approach vital arts issues and policies.

Theatrical giant Tobias Andersen dies

The actor, director and writer, whose professional career spanned almost 60 years, is dead at 87, leaving a brilliant legacy ranging from Hollywood to Portland to Pakistan.

News & Notes: Wendy Red Star’s MacArthur Fellowship; Oct 7th peace vigil and installation

Portland-based artist Wendy Red Star wins a prestigious MacArthur Fellowship; In commemoration of October 7th, poet Mimi German will read poems to mourn lives lost; Mona Huneidi’s installation at PCC honors the war’s missing journalists.

Novelist, teacher, and Dangerous Writing founder Tom Spanbauer dies at 78

The Portland author of five books, including "The Man Who Fell in Love With the Moon," wrote about race, sexual identity, and making a family of choice.

Ani DiFranco and Richard Powers to headline 2024 Portland Book Festival

Other authors scheduled to appear at the Nov. 2 event include Robert Samuels, R.O. Kwon, Rachel Kushner, Willy Vlautin, Carson Ellis, and many, many more.

Russo Lee Gallery looks to recovery

An adjacent restaurant fire Aug. 5 poured smoke and soot into the blue-chip gallery, coating everything. Now restorers are beginning to clean 1,500 artworks, and the gallery hopes to reopen in December or January.