We CAN in 2012: Establish a new public fund for the arts in Portland!
Here at CAN we believe that the arts are more than just a luxury. That in fact, they are a necessity for the livability of our city – shaping our neighborhoods, encouraging creativity in our kids, bolstering economic development and inspiring the innovation that keeps Portland vital.
Professional arts and music experiences and creative learning opportunities remain out of reach for many, in our communities and our classrooms. In fact, the public funding that supports these experiences in metropolitan regions across the country is markedly lower here in Portland – less than half of the national average. It is clear that without a significant increase in dedicated and stable public funding, our children will face a public education seriously lacking in art and music, while income limits arts and cultural access for thousands.
Recent polling revealed that 77% of Portland residents support the idea that arts and arts education need additional dedicated and reliable funding to serve the public. In 2012, CAN will make it happen by proposing a ground-breaking new public funding stream to increase access to arts and culture for every Portland visitor and resident, make free arts and culture experiences available to every school age-child in their classrooms and communities and strengthen our highest-quality arts and culture institutions.
Join the movement today. Together we CAN!
