Our Mission
"Art is not a treasure in the past or an importation from another land, but part of
the present life of all living and creating peoples." With those words, Franklin Delano Roosevelt recognized the importance of the arts as an integral and vital part of our society. The Oregon artPAC’s mission is to help promote that concept and expand the voice of the arts in the political process by
reaching out with a more global perspective to encourage public support from all communities within the entire region. While the City of Portland is by far the primary source of public funding for the local arts through the Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC), artPAC believes that more can and should be done by other communities who partake in the pleasures of the arts, but need to do more in the way of public support. To that end, artPAC seeks to support those candidates for public office who commit to increase public funding for the arts in the region. artPAC recognizes that the funding of arts and culture is crucial to preserving and advancing the vibrancy of the region and all of Oregon by the many benefits it provides:
:: Fostering education and enhancing academic performance
:: Encouraging children’s confidence and creativity
:: Stimulating economic development
:: Promoting cultural tourism
:: Expanding access to the arts for all
:: Improving overall quality of life
:: Creating a unique community character and identification
:: Attracting talent and encouraging innovation
:: Promoting critical thinking
“It is art that makes life, makes interest, makes importance ... and I know of no substitute whatever for the force and beauty of its process.” - Henry James
