Discovering the Riches of Portland’s Art Scene with Regional Arts and Culture Council
When we think of Portland, many things come to mind: bikes, coffee, and roses, to name a few. However, Portland is also home to a rich and diverse art scene that often goes unnoticed. The Regional Arts and Culture Council (RACC) is an organization that brings together artists, communities, and funders to support and enhance the arts in the Portland metropolitan area. In this article, we will explore the ways in which RACC is discovering and promoting the riches of Portland’s art scene.
Supporting Artists
One of the primary ways RACC supports artists is through grants. Each year, RACC distributes over $1 million in grants to individual artists and nonprofit organizations in the visual, performing, and literary arts. These grants help artists fund everything from performances and exhibitions to marketing and technical assistance. Additionally, RACC has an Art Career & Livelihood Program that offers resources and support to help artists build sustainable careers in the arts.
Community Engagement
RACC also works to engage the community in the arts through various initiatives. For example, The Right Brain Initiative is a program RACC administers that promotes creativity and the arts as essential to K-8 education. The program provides schools with artists to work with teachers to infuse arts education into core curriculum subjects. Additionally, RACC works with the Portland Parks & Recreation to bring free concerts and performances to Portlanders in parks all over the city, encouraging participation and engagement with the arts.
Public Art
Perhaps one of the most visible ways in which RACC is enriching the city’s art scene is through its Public Art Program. RACC works with artists and communities to create public art installations throughout the city. From murals and sculptures to interactive installations, the public art program provides a platform for artists to engage with the community and for communities to celebrate their unique identities through art.
Celebration of Diversity
Finally, RACC celebrates the diversity of Portland’s art scene by supporting artists and organizations that represent a range of identities and experiences. RACC’s grants and programs prioritize funding for organizations led by people of color and those that serve traditionally underserved communities.
In conclusion, the Regional Arts and Culture Council is one of Portland’s most important institutions in discovering and promoting the riches of the Portland arts scene. Whether it’s through grants, community engagement initiatives, public art installations, or supporting diverse artists and organizations, RACC is committed to enhancing the artistic richness of the city. We should all celebrate and support the vital work they do!
