Did you know that revenues from the Arts Tax are distributed to Portland’s six school districts via the Arts Access Fund? Schools use those funds to hire certified K-5 teachers to the tune of $7.8 million for the 2024-25 school year! After school districts receive their allotment, remaining funds are distributed as grants to local arts organizations through the Office of Arts & Culture’s General Operating Support and Small Grants for Artists & Arts Organizations programs.
“Prior to the Arts Access Fund, there were 31 full-time arts teachers and educators serving K-5 students across Portland schools,” Dawn Isaacs, the City of Portland’s arts education coordinator said. “Last year, during the 2023-24 school year, there were 111. That increase is directly related to the Arts Access Fund.”
This year’s Arts Tax notification letters are starting to hit mailboxes across Portland. As part of that, the Office of Arts & Culture invites you to get involved, exercise your creative muscle, and create a unique piece of art—then share it. Here's how:
🖌️ Watch your mailbox and open up your Arts Tax mailer
🖌️ Grab your markers, crayons, paints, or other medium of choice
🖌️ Add your twist to the coloring sheet portion of the enclosed Arts Access Fund flyer
🖌️ Share a photo of your creation—tag us at @pdxartsculture and/or #pdxartsaccess