[OR_Archaeology] OR Arts Commission announces deadline for Cultural Tourism Grants Jan 31, 2009

[Susan White]

Oregon Arts Commission Announces Deadline for 2nd Round of Arts &
Cultural Tourism Grant Program

Program Made Possible through Commission*s Creative Oregon
Initiative

The Oregon Arts Commission will accept proposals for the Arts &
Cultural Tourism Grant program from Oregon arts organizations and units
of local governments through January 31, 2009.  

The 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.  The grants may support, for example, target
marketing for arts and cultural events and activities  designed to
attract visitors; the development of packages or special promotions for
arts and cultural tourism activities; and the development of new uses of
media and technology for arts and cultural tourism activities.

Applicants 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.  Applicants  may request up to $10,000 in grant funds with a
limit of one grant project request per cycle.

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.
   
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The Oregon Arts Commission believes that the arts and culture are
touchstones of community and civic life and that it is essential to
preserve, stabilize and develop their central role in Oregon. The
Commission provides leadership, funding and arts programs through its
grants, special initiatives and services.   Nine commissioners,
appointed by the Governor, determine arts needs and establish policies
for public support of the arts. The Arts Commission became part of the
Economic and Community Development Department in 1993 in recognition of
the expanding role the arts play in the broader social, economic and
educational arenas of Oregon communities.   In 2003, the Oregon
legislature moved the operations of the Oregon Cultural Trust to the
Arts Commission, streamlining operations and making use of the
Commission*s expertise in grant-making, arts and cultural information
and community cultural development.  More information about the Oregon
Arts Commission is available at www.oregonartscommission.org 

The Arts Commission is supported with general funds appropriated by the
Oregon legislature, federal funds from the National Endowment for the
Arts and funds from the Oregon Cultural Trust.