Portland City Council approved the FY10 city budget with a $4,325,300 allocation to the Regional Arts and Culture Council (RACC), including whole funding for most RACC programs. The budget, which was approved 5-0, also includes additional one-time funds for the Creative Advocacy Network to deliver a regional, sustainable dedicated funding solution for arts and culture funding; The Right Brain Initiative to support integrated arts education programs; and fulfillment of the City’s $190,000 pledge to the Artists Repertory Theatre to help pay for ADA accessibility improvements in their new theater.
For all of you who packed Portland City Council chambers, and sent post cards and emails urging City Council to pass RACC’s budget request, thank you. There is no doubt that the demonstration of support by the arts community, businesses and parents who spoke out about the importance of the arts and arts education made all the difference.
The arts CAN and must live here.