‘Radical de-investment': $600K cut to Oregon arts groups
The grant was initially awarded to help fund the show about Black history. Since it was withdrawn, the public stepped up to help cover the financial loss.
'If you're saying , 'Could people just pay for it directly?' I would say yeah, they could,' Weaver told KOIN 6 News. 'They could pay for roads, too. They could pay for schools. If you strip away public money, individuals will pay for it, but it will leave a lot of people behind.'
The head of the said so far nearly $600,000 promised to dozens of Oregon organizations have been cut.
While some arts organizations can get large donors to help fill gaps, that's not the case at most performing arts locations, especially in smaller communities. The shows and performances often help local economies as people dine out and explore the area.
'I think what we're seeing at every level of government is a radical de-investment in arts,' said Josh Hecht of the . 'And if we think that art and culture does a public good, then the public needs to support the art.'
On Monday, US Rep. Suzanne Bonamici brought groups together to talk about a strategy going forward.
Bonamici pledged to continue to fight to restore the NEA funding that was promised but taken away. Meanwhile, arts groups will try and figure out how to plan for the future.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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