Local dentists have one. Farmers have one. Heck, even funeral directors have one. But Oregon's art and culture community does not.

Maybe that's another reason why Oregon ranks 48th per capita in public funding for the arts (ugh!) and the Portland region ranks 24th (too low!).

With your help, we are changing that.

Welcome to the Oregon Arts and Culture Political Action Committee, also known as 'Oregon artPAC.'

Former Mayor Vera Katz and Lynn Peterson at 2006 artPAC Reception

We are a non-partisan PAC with the mission to support state and local candidates who are committed to increasing public funding for arts and culture.

No other organization in Oregon does what artPAC does.

Most arts and culture organizations are granted tax exempt non-profit status, so they are limited to how politically involved they can get. Oregon artPAC has been created to fill that void.

Oregon artPAC is a volunteer-powered effort founded in 2006 by several local art advocates who were seeking another avenue to help promote public funding for the arts. It is co-chaired by former Portland Mayor Vera Katz, Oregon City Mayor Alice Norris and Portland art uber-philanthropist Arlene Schnitzer.

The PAC’s first efforts were focused on two local County Commissioner races in the November 2006 General Election. In the 2008 Primary we focused on the following contests:

In the 2008 general election we focused on the following run off contests:

Susanne Penkin, Jeff Cogen, Lynn Peterson, Stan Penkin and Mayor Alice Norris at the 2006 Oregon ArtPAC Reception.

Each candidate was asked to respond to a written questionnaire. You can read the questionnaire as well as read the candidates' responses. The responses were evaluated by a committee comprised of art patrons from Washington, Clackamas and Multnomah Counties. We invite you to view our endorsements here.

The arts and culture community can make the winning difference, but only if you make a contribution of $1000, $500, $250, $100 or whatever you can. It all helps demonstrate the important role that arts & culture play in our economy, in our communities and in our schools.

Contribute, right now, online, with a credit card. Or, mail your contribution.

In Oregon, a political contribution up to $50.00 per person and $100.00 per married couple is eligible for a credit on your Oregon income taxes. A tax credit!

Even if you owe no Oregon taxes, you can still get back a credit for your contribution to Oregon Art PAC.

Please give today.