The Guardian - Ernesto Maranje, 2016 - 81 SE Yamhill Street, Portland, OR
No time for cuts to arts and artists
We stand to lose the very things that are vital to rebuilding connectivity, understanding, and joy. Now, more than ever, we need a strong and vibrant arts ecosystem and you can help.
The Mayor’s FY21 budget shows RACC facing a 9% reduction. Can you help us convince City Council that now is not the time to cut ANY arts funding – especially to RACC?
The decision rests in the hands of the Mayor and City Council. We only have today and tomorrow to come together and push for full Special Appropriations (SA) funding for RACC. Full funding will enable us to continue the grants, programs and services we run that support thousands of artists and more than 100 arts organizations of all sizes. Full funding also allows RACC to be your advocate at decision-making tables.
Email City Council today - tell them how funding for RACC supports you and your work.Let them know these cuts will impact our ability to preserve Portland’s arts and culture community and rebuild.
So much is at stake. In addition to cuts to RACC, the City has also proposed a 100% cut to the Film Office. Over 100 independent venues are facing closure or possible takeover by corporate interests like LiveNation. And massive anticipated reductions in the Arts Education Access Fund (the “Arts Tax”) makes it more critical that we hang on to every dollar of city funding, for the benefit of us all – artists and arts organizations alike.
Please contact City Hall directly and pass on this message to everyone you know who works in and depends on arts and culture in Portland.
