Arts Central Receives Major Grant

Bend, OR – Arts Central announces that it is the recipient of a $15,000 grant award from The Collins Foundation to expand its staff and upgrade equipment, all to deliver enhanced services throughout Central Oregon.

The Collins Foundation exists to improve, enrich and give greater expression to humanitarian endeavors in the state of Oregon and to assist in improving the quality of life in the state. The majority of their one-year grant to Arts Central will help fund an existing full-time administrative position, which will allow other staff members to focus on programming and outreach efforts. Deborah Allen, Arts Central’s Interim Executive Director, states, “The Collins Foundation is an ongoing supporter of Arts Central and we are so pleased to receive this latest grant. We pride ourselves on delivering great customer service and being able to bring on an additional staff member means we can take that customer experience to the next level.”

Grant proceeds are also being used to purchase new fixtures and repair pottery equipment at Art Station, the organization’s visual arts school in the Old Mill District. As Allen explains, “Art Station is busier than ever, which is fantastic. That means our kilns, pottery wheels and other equipment are getting heavy use. Funding from The Collins Foundation ensures we protect our investment by maintaining our equipment so students can enjoy the creative process and refine their skills in our studio.”

About Arts Central
Arts Central’s purpose is to inspire creativity through arts education and to advocate for integration of the arts in all aspects of community life in Central Oregon. Through Art Station, VanGo and Artists in Schools residencies, we provide arts services to individuals, artists and arts organizations in Deschutes, Jefferson and Crook counties. We accomplish our purpose through three distinct initiatives: arts education, advocacy and cultural trust, and we receive support for our services from the Oregon Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts.
www.artscentraloregon.org