Portlanders invited to provide feedback on Arts Culture grant guidelines by April 1

Arts & Culture plans to launch new funding programs for local arts organizations in summer 2026, encouraging community feedback on draft guidelines by April 1, 2026. The upcoming Operating Support program will raise the minimum budget requirement from $75,000 to $200,000 and increase the smallest grant from $15,000 to $25,000. These revisions adhere to the City’s grants policy adopted in October 2024, which mandates a competitive awarding process and enhanced data collection. The Arts Access Fund, established by Portland voters in 2012, will continue to fund these initiatives, aiming to improve arts access for all residents. Arts & Culture recognizes that smaller organizations may struggle with the new requirements and plans to provide alternative support systems.

These include grants for organizations with budgets below $200,000 and for individual artists lacking 501(c)(3) status. The final guidelines will be completed by May 2026, with applications opening post-budget adoption in June. Community engagement remains crucial as Portland navigates its economic recovery through arts and culture.