The arts are thriving in Central Oregon. If our jam-packed magazine of literary, theatrical, musical and artistic events each month doesn’t reveal the fact, then you can just look to the Arts & Cultural Alliance (ACA) survey results (here). Of the 30+ arts and cultural organization in Central Oregon that make up the Alliance, over a million arts and culture experiences were generated just last year with over $16 million spent on the arts.

These results come on the heals of the decision to put Measure 9-94 on the ballet to Bend voters this November. The measure would raise transient room tax rates one percent the first year and .4 percent the following year. In addition to providing additional funding for police and fire, the increase would establish a long-term funding source for the arts, at no cost to local residents.

Even though the numbers provided by the ACA are impressive, funding sources can be hard to come by for many of the smaller organizations that provide incredibly rich and diverse art and cultural opportunities to residents and visitors alike. The formation of a permanent source of funding for arts and culture organizations could increase these numbers dramatically.

Cascade Arts & Entertainment is a proud member of the ACA and strongly supports Measure 9-94. We encourage you to support this measure on the November ballot. Find out more at www.bendtaps.com (Bend Tourism, Arts & Public Safety) and www.artsandcultureco.org. Central Oregon has a thriving cultural community, and together we can attain even more.

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