Regional Arts & Culture Council announces 2012 project grants
The Regional Arts & Culture Council announced $693,268 in project grant awards for 2012 -- a record sum for project grants by the organization, according to Jeff Hawthorne, the council's director of community affairs. The total exceeds last year's figure -- $535,806 -- by 29 percent.One hundred and fifty-three recipients from Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington Counties -- 76 organizations and 77 individuals -- will receive money from the council for specific cultural projects next year. The recipients were selected from a field of 312 applicants, up modestly -- six percent -- from last year. Recipients span the spectrum of the local cultural world -- nonprofits and individuals in visual art, theater, music, and dance, as well as community-based organizations that use culture to promote civic involvement and educational values.
Some organizations include the environmental and cultural magazine Orlo , the Portland Jazz Festival and Marylhurst University's Art Gym. Individuals include visual artist Bruce Conkle, dancer/choreographer Tere Mathern and multi-disciplinary artist Tara Jane O'Neil.
Project grants are capped at $6,000. Nonprofits such as Disjecta and individuals like visual artist Horatio Hung-Yan Law are among those who received the maximum amount.
The council is the largest arts and culture grant-giving institution serving the Portland-area. The council was previously the Metropolitan Arts Commission and re-grouped into its present organization in 1995. Money for it comes from several public and private sources; the City of Portland's general fund is the biggest contributor. The council hands out about $2.6 million in cultural funding every year.
Beyond the rise in both the number of applicants and the amount given out for the year, Hawthorne says this year process stands out for the number of first time awardees.
Hawthorne Theater Portland Oregon - News
Information: 541-682-5000 or www.hultcenter.org. Total Chaos, 8 pm Jan. 12, 2012, Hawthorne Theatre, Portland. Admission: $10. Information: www.cascadetickets.com. OMEA All-State Middle School Concert, 5 pm Jan. 13, 2012, Silva Concert Hall,
Hawthorne says this year process stands out for the number of first time awardees. Of the 153 total recipients, 86 were first-time recipients -- a record for the council -- including visual artist Wayne Bund and Portland Story Theater.
This year, two Oregon employers – both located within the BEE's sphere of influence – were recognized for significant contributions to their communities. This year's honorees were: (1) Hawthorne Auto Clinic, whose co-owners are Jim Houser and Liz Dally
McMenamins Bagdad Theater, 3702 SE Hawthorne Blvd.; $3 adults, $1 ages 11 and younger 503-467-7521 Fleur de Lethal presents the screening for the third year in a row. Little ones are allowed to sing, dance and bring props to interact with the film.
They are available at the door and at certain McMenamins outlets: The Crystal Ballroom, 1332 W. Burnside, Portland; Bagdad Theater & Pub, 3702 SE Hawthorne St., Portland; Edgefield Power Station, 2126 Halsey St., Troutdale; and East 19th Street Café,