Arts Council of Clatsop County

09/05/2026

On International Day of Charity we share a brief history of the Arts Council of Clatsop County

The Arts Council of Clatsop County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving the Northern Oregon Coast. Our mission is "to support, promote, and advocate for the arts and cultural enrichment in the county."

2014 - Formed as an advisory committee to the Board of Commissioners of Clatsop County with an annual allowance of $5K
2017 - One organized event, the Arts and Economic Prosperity 5 (AEP5) survey from Americans for the Arts. Council meetings are held in different county locations on a rotating basis.
2019 - First Arts Summit is held at the Seaside Civic & Convention Center.
2020 - First strategic plan to be developed
2021 - Second Arts Summit held virtually, a rack card featuring county public art is printed and distributed locally, the Council begins to participate in new bimonthly Arts Services meetings coordinated by the Oregon Arts Commission.
2022 - With encouragement and financial support from the commissioners, the Arts Council becomes a 501(c)(3). AEP6 data collection begins, becomes the fiscal sponsor of the Astoria Ukulele Orchestra, the first Make Music Days happen, the Council contributes to scholarships to Astoria Visual Arts’ Summer Camp and to the restoration of the Clatsop-Nehalem Confederated Tribe’s mural in Seaside, and starts participating in the Bottle Drop and Kroger Community Rewards programs.
2023 - Second annual Make Music Day, First High School Theater Workshop Symposium is held at the Coaster Theatre in Cannon Beach, Third Arts Summit, Starts Arts for All Clatsop County, grants are applied for, website and logo are created program.
2024 - Third Make Music Day, Second theater workshop, Fourth Arts Summit, and Astoria Ukulele Orchestra plays some fundraisers.
2025 - Astoria Ukulele Orchestra plays multiple fundraisers, Fourth Make Music Day, Request for funding policy is established, A bookkeeper is hired, Contributes to scholarships, Participates in public programming, Increases social media presence, More participation in Arts for All, Third theater workshop, First UkeFest in Astoria.

08/31/2026

‼️Attention people, businesses and nonprofit organizations involved in Oregon’s creative economy!
Oregon Cultural Trust has put out a brief survey for individuals and organizations to complete.
⬇ See original post for details and the link to the survey

Are you working in a creative field, whether as an independent artist or freelancer, for-profit or a nonprofit? We need to hear from you!

Oregon's Arts & Culture Program, which provides cultural infrastructure through the Oregon Arts Commission and the Oregon Cultural Trust, has launched a statewide survey to help define and measure our creative economy, in partnership with regional economics and policy firm ECOnorthwest.

Oregon's creative economy is a powerhouse, supporting thousands of jobs and fueling the identity, vibrancy and quality of life we love about this state. We want to see it more clearly, and we need your voice to do it.

It only takes about 5 minutes for individual creative workers, a bit more for organizations. Your input will help shape stronger policies, better planning and richer community conversations statewide.

Take the survey by September 11, 2026: https://bit.ly/4xwJ5sg

Photo: The Eugene Symphony plays an annual outdoor concert at the Cuthbert Amphitheater in Eugene.

08/27/2026

Quarter 3 Clatsop County Arts Summit mini workshop is next month!

Finding Funding for Artists and Arts Organizations with Jessamyn Grace West
When: Wednesday, September 16, 2026, 5:30 - 6:30 PM
Where: Flag Room at Astoria Public Library (450 10th St, Astoria, OR 97103)

Finding Funding for Artists and Arts Organizations is a practical, approachable workshop that walks participants through identifying funding needs, finding the right grants, and submitting strong applications. Learn how to navigate local, state, and regional opportunities, build compelling proposals, and strengthen your long term funding strategy. Perfect for artists, creatives, and small arts nonprofits.

No fees to attend, all are welcome.

Click here for more information: https://www.clatsopcountyartscouncil.com/artssummit

08/11/2026

The board will meet Tuesday, August 18th at 3:00 PM in the Media Room at the Astoria Public Library (450 10th St. Astoria, OR 97103).

The Media Room is located on the lower level - take the elevator immediately to your left upon entry or advance past the desk and to the left for the stairs. This meeting room is below the stairs.

Arts Council of Clatsop County meetings are open to the public, but please let us know to expect you so we have a spot at the table.

08/03/2026

October 1st deadline for art featured in 2027!

⏰Time is running out to apply to be our next Artist of the Year! The Artist of the Year will design original artwork for the 63rd Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest and the 40th Stormy Weather Arts Festival

Email your proposals to [email protected] by October 1st, 2026, to be considered.

✨ What to submit:
🖌Original artwork featuring Haystack Rock
🎨Two prototypes (sketches or past work showing your style – examples of the 2027 poster are encouraged)
📝Letter of interest
💵 Compensation for Artist of the Year starts at $1,000

07/30/2026

CALLING PUBLIC ARTISTS - Mural Opportunity

TL;DR
Request for Mural 28'x27'
Create a memorable visual experience
Submission requirements (individually or as team): Letter of interest, artist résumé or biography, portfolio of previous work, project narrative, color rendering of the proposed mural, preliminary project timeline, complete project budget, list of requested site support, and three professional references.
Proposals due: 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on Monday, August 3, 2026.
Selected artist: Announced in August.
Project completion anticipated around September 1, 2026.

~~~
Seaside Downtown Development Association is inviting artists from across the Pacific Northwest and beyond to submit proposals for a new large-scale public mural that will transform the north side of the downtown parking garage into one of Seaside's newest public art destinations. This project is funded with Grant Money from the City of Seaside Tourism Advisory Committee.

The mural will be installed on the north wall of the downtown parking garage, overlooking an alley that serves as a pedestrian connection through Downtown Seaside. Measuring approximately 28 feet wide by 27 feet high, the project is intended to create a memorable visual experience that encourages visitors to explore downtown while enhancing the surrounding public space.

This project is about more than creating a beautiful mural ...We're investing in placemaking that encourages people to discover more of Downtown Seaside, spend more time exploring our businesses, and experience our community in a new way. Public art has the power to create destinations, strengthen community identity, and support local economic vitality.

Since 1993, the Seaside Downtown Development Association has worked to enhance the environmental and economic viability of Downtown Seaside through beautification projects, business support, events, and strategic investments that strengthen the downtown experience for residents and visitors alike.

The selected mural is expected to advance several community goals, including:
- Expanding public art opportunities in Downtown Seaside.
- Creating a vibrant, welcoming pedestrian environment.
- Improving perceptions of safety within the alley.
- Encouraging additional foot traffic to nearby businesses.
- Creating a highly photogenic destination that inspires repeat visits and social media engagement.

Rather than prescribing a specific artistic theme, SDDA has intentionally left the creative direction open, encouraging artists to develop original concepts that complement the character of Downtown Seaside while creating an engaging and interactive public experience.

Artists may submit proposals individually or as teams. Each submission should include a letter of interest, artist résumé or biography, portfolio of previous work, project narrative, color rendering of the proposed mural, preliminary project timeline, complete project budget, list of requested site support, and three professional references.

Unlike many public art commissions, SDDA is asking artists to propose a complete project budget rather than working within a predetermined funding amount. This approach allows the selection committee to evaluate a variety of creative approaches while gaining a clear understanding of the resources required for each proposal.

Proposals are due by 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on Monday, August 3, 2026.

The selected artist will be announced in August, with project completion anticipated around September 1, 2026.

Proposals may be submitted electronically to [email protected] or mailed to:
Seaside Downtown Development Association
P.O. Box 133
Seaside, OR 97138

Artists interested in the project may request site photographs or additional information by contacting the Seaside Downtown Development Association.

For the complete Request for Proposals and additional project information, visit www.seasidedowntown.com or contact SDDA at [email protected].

About SDDA:
The Seaside Downtown Development Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the environmental and economic viability of Downtown Seaside through business development, beautification, promotions, events, and community partnerships. Working alongside local businesses, property owners, residents, and community organizations, SDDA invests in projects that strengthen Downtown Seaside as a vibrant destination for both residents and visitors.

07/21/2026

This could be you!
Interested in the arts of any kind? Love working with community partners? Looking for a creative outlet?
The Arts Council of Clatsop County could be a good fit for you!
Send us a message or email for more information.

07/17/2026

The Astoria Ukulele Orchestra is performing during Astoria Downtown Historic District Association (ADHDA) Astoria Column Centennial Celebration hosted at Heritage Park on Saturday, July 18th.

This family-friendly event will honor the people, the history, and organizations that have shaped Astoria over the last century, while looking forward to the future. Multicultural music & food, arts & Crafts, and more!

The Orchestra will perform from 1:45 - 2:30 PM at the Cultural Main Stage directly after the Nordic Candia Dancers and before Aaron Nigel Smith reggae band.