Corvallis Arts and Culture — Opportunity knocks

We are entering a new era for arts and culture in Corvallis. While the Corvallis Arts and Culture Commission has designated 2013 as the Year of Culture, tightening economic conditions mean that the game has changed. Public/private partnerships continue to be critical to the financial
viability of arts and culture organizations, but OSU is an even more significant force. Collaborative and creative opportunities will shape the future of our cultural identity. 
At the April 8 Corvallis City Club meeting, two speakers will discuss challenges and steps forward in the development of the community’s arts and culture.

Brenda VanDevelder

Brenda VanDevelder is the Executive Director of the Corvallis Public Schools Foundation and chair of the Corvallis Arts and Culture Commission.The commission exists to advocate for the arts and to advise the city council in all matters pertaining to the arts.  
David Huff
David Huff is the Executive Director, Corvallis Arts Center and a member of the Corvallis Arts and Culture Commission.
They will address questions such as:
  • What role should city government play in supporting arts and culture?
  • What does the Year of Culture mean for the community?
  • How can a vibrant arts and culture scene serve as an economic engine for Corvallis?

In 2002, The Oregonian framed the state’s cultural issues in a way that rings true today: 
Tight government funding is only one of several financial problems that have bedeviled Oregon’s cultural scene. Cultural organizations traditionally rely on a combination of government, individual, corporate and foundation gifts in addition to earned income such as memberships and ticket sales. But Oregon has few corporate headquarters. Its foundations are inundated with requests for help with basic needs such as food, housing, health and education. And the tradition of individual giving, long established on the East Coast, is much weaker here. 

The meeting will begin at 12 noon in the Banquet Room of the Renaissance Building, 136 SW Washington. As always, attendance is free. A catered lunch is $8 for members and $10 for non-members. To register, send email by April 4 to nickhoutman8@aol.com with “City Club April 8” in the subject line.

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