Why Supporting Oregon Cultural Trust Should Be a Priority For Every Oregonian
Located in the Pacific Northwest region of the US, Oregon is a state with a rich cultural heritage. The state is home to museums, galleries, theaters, music venues, and other cultural institutions that add to the quality of life for Oregonians. However, many of these institutions are underfunded and struggling to stay afloat. That’s where the Oregon Cultural Trust comes in. In this article, we will explore why supporting the Oregon Cultural Trust should be a priority for every Oregonian.
What is the Oregon Cultural Trust?
The Oregon Cultural Trust is an organization that was created by the Oregon Legislature in 2001. The trust’s goal is to support and preserve Oregon’s unique cultural heritage by providing funds to cultural organizations throughout the state. It does this by encouraging Oregonians to make donations to the Trust, which can then be distributed to cultural organizations of their choice.
Why is the Oregon Cultural Trust important?
The Oregon Cultural Trust is important for several reasons. Firstly, it supports the state’s many cultural institutions. These institutions not only contribute to the state’s economy and tourism industry, but also enrich the lives of Oregonians by providing access to art, music, theater, and other cultural experiences.
Secondly, the Oregon Cultural Trust helps to preserve Oregon’s cultural heritage. Many of the state’s cultural institutions are small, grassroots organizations that may not have the funding or resources to maintain their collections or programs. By supporting these organizations, the Oregon Cultural Trust ensures that Oregon’s cultural heritage is preserved for future generations.
Finally, the Oregon Cultural Trust helps to foster a sense of community among Oregonians. When people donate to the Trust, they have the opportunity to choose which cultural organizations they want to support. This allows people to connect with the cultural institutions that are important to them and to feel like they are a part of something bigger than themselves.
How does the Oregon Cultural Trust work?
The Oregon Cultural Trust relies on donations from individual Oregonians. When people donate to the Trust, they are eligible for a tax credit on their state taxes. However, in order to be eligible for the tax credit, donors must also make a matching donation to a cultural organization in Oregon. This ensures that the funds raised by the Oregon Cultural Trust are distributed to cultural organizations throughout the state.
What impact has the Oregon Cultural Trust had?
Since its creation in 2001, the Oregon Cultural Trust has raised over $75 million for cultural organizations throughout the state. This money has helped to support everything from small community theaters to large art museums. The trust has also helped to preserve important cultural heritage sites, such as the Kam Wah Chung State Heritage Site in John Day, Oregon.
Conclusion
In conclusion, supporting the Oregon Cultural Trust should be a priority for every Oregonian. By doing so, we can ensure that our state’s rich cultural heritage is preserved and that our cultural institutions continue to thrive. Donating to the Oregon Cultural Trust is not only a way to give back to our community, but also a way to enrich our own lives by supporting the arts, music, theater, and other cultural experiences that make Oregon a special place to live.
