Oregon Arts Commission Tourism Grant Program

Oregon Arts Commission Announces Deadline for Next Round of Arts & Cultural Tourism Grant Program Applications due January 31, 2010. The Oregon Arts Commission announces that applications for its Arts & Cultural Tourism Grant program will be accepted from Oregon arts organizations and units of local governments through January 31, 2010. The Oregon Arts Commission established the Cultural Tourism Grants to support projects and partnerships that advance arts-based cultural tourism activities. The program, part of the Commission’s Creative Oregon Initiative, fosters stronger links between the arts, culture, the tourism industry and local economic development. The program supports activities undertaken by arts or tourism groups – and especially projects in which both collaborate – designed to increase tourism motivated entirely or in part by the arts-related offerings of a community or region. By attracting Oregonians and non-residents, Commission-funded projects increase the economic benefit of cultural tourism to communities, regions and the entire state. Proposed projects may enhance an existing cultural tourism project or fund a new initiative. Grants in 2009 supported a variety of projects. Applicants for Cultural Tourism grants must have IRS 501(c)(3) federal tax-exempt status and corporate nonprofit status in the state of Oregon; or be a unit of local government. Up to $10,000 in matching grant funds may be requested. The guidelines and applications for the Cultural Tourism grants are available online through the grants section of the Arts Commission’s website: www.oregonartscommission.org. Additional information is available by calling the Arts Commission at (503) 986-0082.