Nine arts, heritage, and humanities projects in Clatsop County will be funded in the coming year from money provided by the Oregon Cultural Trust. These successful projects will be revealed at an Awards Ceremony held at 7 PM, Tuesday, December the 4th at the Coaster Theater in Cannon Beach.  While the focus will be on those organizations and individuals receiving the awards, the public is also welcome to attend. The evening will include entertainment and refreshments, as well as congratulations to those who are developing the funded events.

Each year, we in Clatsop County receive approximately $8,500 from the Oregon Cultural Trust. This money comes from the free donations made to the Trust by you and me. As you donate to arts, museums and cultural groups through the year, you may match that amount up to $500 per individual or $1,000 as a couple, and give that amount to the Oregon Cultural Trust.  You can then claim a tax credit in the same amount directly from the taxes you pay to the State of Oregon. 

Or, to claim your tax credit you simply make a matching gift or gifts – same or greater dollar amount – to any combination of cultural nonprofits in Oregon. Much of the money goes to create an endowment, and a portion is given annually to each county in the state to fund arts, heritage and humanities programs. 

Each year,the Clatsop Cultural Coalition receives applications by the 1st of November, reviews proposed projects, and distributes the money. An effort is made to fund arts, heritage, and humanities and to have as much of a geographic distribution – from the east to the South County- as is possible. The Coalition is composed of volunteers who have an interest or involvement in local arts, heritage and humanities, and functions actively from August through December. Information can be found on our website at www. clatsopculturalcoalition.org

The Clatsop County Cultural Coalition thanks you for your support of arts and cultural groups in this county. We encourage you to also give to the Oregon Cultural Trust, as it benefits our communities and our shared cultural life.

Written by Jan Mitchell, Co-Chair Clatsop County Cultural Coalition.

Photo caption: Sam Johnson, executive director of the Columbia River Maritime Museum. Astoria.  Photographed by Holly Andres.