Dry Canyon Arts Association receives $34,000 Cultural Trust grant for remodel of new community art center
KTVZ
REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Dry Canyon Arts Association is among 91 cultural organizations to receive a grant from the Oregon Cultural Trust, which awarded a record $4.15 million statewide this year. This first-time recipient will receive $34,000 to support the remodel of a new community art center in downtown Redmond.
“Art and culture thrive in every corner of Oregon, and the Oregon Cultural Trust is proud to support this essential work in communities large and small,” said Sean Andries, Cultural Trust board chair. “We invite all Oregonians to take advantage of our unique cultural tax credit and help ensure a steady, reliable endowment for culture both now and for generations to come.”
The Cultural Trust’s competitive grants, which saw 44 percent of eligible applicants receiving an award, ranged from $5,000 to $40,000. These Cultural Development Program grants fund projects that increase access to culture, support community creativity and preserve local heritage.
About the Dry Canyon Arts Association Award
For years, the rapidly growing city of Redmond (pop. 40,000) had no dedicated art center or gallery, despite a vibrant community of artists and an evident need. The Dry Canyon Arts Association held the long-term dream of a physical space to serve its 200 members and the wider public.
That dream is now a reality, thanks to a $34,000 Trust Development Grant supporting the renovation of a large downtown space into the Dry Canyon Community Art Center. KTVZ News first reported on the grant in late September.
“$34,000 is such a vote of confidence in what we’re doing!” said Beth Hanson, secretary for the Dry Canyon Arts Association.
This grant award is covering about a third of the $100,000 remodel budget for what will be the area’s only community art center. The excitement is palpable as the project nears completion.
The new center, set to open in phases starting this December, will be a gathering place and creative hub. The first phase features a large 2,000-square-foot gallery space where local artists can display and sell everything from paintings to pottery.
Critically, the center will also feature space for hands-on instruction, fulfilling the community’s biggest need for classroom space. It will host the association’s JumpStart program, which brought art education to 3,000 elementary children this year, and will foster social connections and learning among all ages.
The Dry Canyon Arts Center is finally providing a permanent home to celebrate the arts in Redmond.
“The greater community is so looking forward to it! There is just an excitement that is re-energizing downtime. I’m thrilled for all these local artists to have a place to show their work,” Hanson said.
About the Oregon Cultural Trust
Created in 2001 by the Oregon Legislature, the Oregon Cultural Trust was established as an ongoing funding engine for arts, heritage and humanities across the state. Funding comes through the Cultural Tax Credit, which empowers Oregonians to direct more of the taxes they pay to supporting cultural opportunities for all. Oregon is the only state in the country that gives its citizens this choice. Fifty-eight percent of the money goes directly to cultural organizations and agencies in the form of grants. The remaining 42 percent helps grow a permanent fund for culture. The Trust’s three grant programs fund five Statewide Partners, 45 County and Tribal Coalitions and qualified cultural nonprofits through competitive Cultural Development grants. Learn more at CulturalTrust.org.