Fifty-two organizations will receive $5,000 Arts Build Communities grants this year, totaling $260,000 for projects that address community issues or needs through the arts.
The Oregon Arts Commission's "Arts Build Communities" program is committed to promoting arts access for underserved audiences and targets broad geographic impact throughout the state.
In recent years, the program has generated more than $600,000 in additional community investment, much of it representing salaries paid as well as products and services purchased in the funded communities. These grants are made possible through a funding partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts.
Local grant recipients include Ashland High Arts Advocates to support the SAM Project, which partners with local performing and fine artists, teachers and the Ashland School District to match students with arts mentors.
A grant was also awarded to Ashland New Plays Festival to support the 2025 playwriting competition and festival, which fosters new work by diverse emerging and established playwrights.
The Cave Junction Farmers Market was awarded a grant to support a theater class and performance of "The Great Melt" at the farmers' market site. Participating youth will explore how to mitigate climate issues such as the frequent high temperatures and poor air quality days.
