In tumultuous political times such as we are seeing right now, nonprofits tend to be among the first entities to see the impact. When federal funds run short, as they are now, basic needs begin to go unmet. Kids go to school hungry. People of all ages skip out on necessary health care, and on and on. These are frightening prospects for so many living on the margins.
When this happens, communities aim to lean on those who are most able to give. With the deaths by a thousand cuts that we are currently seeing from the federal government, local philanthropy becomes more important than ever to help keep food banks stocked, medical clinics staffed and so much more.
In this vacuum, where people’s basic needs and basic humanity is challenged, it might sound counterintuitive to make a case for supporting the arts as well. But in troubling times, the arts have immense value. Performing arts programs can improve mental health and offer a measure of catharsis when everything else seems hard. What’s more, tough times often inspire artists to create some of their best works. During the Great Depression, murals became a flourishing form of expression that helped to make public spaces more beautiful. In some cases, public funds even paid for these works as a way to boost morale and keep artists employed.
Last week, the Source reported on a relatively new effort to build a large indoor performing arts venue in Central Oregon. With over 100,000 people in Bend alone, our community is certainly large enough to support one — and indeed, many communities of similar or smaller size already have such facilities in place. In summer, the community is bursting at the seams with concerts and gatherings that largely take place outside. In colder weather, beloved venues such as the Tower Theatre are simply too small to accommodate large-scale performances. Other venues, such as the local high schools, have limited availability. The recent loss of the auditorium at Bend Senior High School certainly didn’t help — and let’s be honest, that is not a performing arts center.
Of course, these things don’t pay for themselves. With a need identified, what creative solutions can a community come up with to see this idea to completion? As is the case for many places, Central Oregon’s performing arts organizations tend to operate in their own silos — raising funds for their purposes, without a larger vision. Is it possible to see them connect and collaborate under the banner of a Central Oregon Center for the Arts, where all could benefit? What could they accomplish if they joined forces?
In difficult times, when those with means are being called upon to help meet the basic needs of a community, it might feel tough to advocate for the “nice to haves,” like a performing arts center. But there are other forms of funding out there. While we’re dreaming, we wonder what it could look like to use some of the transient room tax funds that are allocated to Visit Bend and Visit Central Oregon — and that can be used for tourism promotion — for such a purpose. In a city where our outdoor venues are a big draw in the summertime, having a similar draw during the colder months could certainly be worth the conversation.
It’s been wonderful to see the Bend Cultural Tourism Fund, for example, pay for some of the area’s most beloved events. Now it is time to go one step further.
This article appears in the Source October 2, 2025.
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I couldn’t agree more. I commented on the original article about how our community needs to step up and support this effort. Instead of spending $2.3 million on red-light cameras—with an additional $800K in annual contracts—let’s invest in the arts and projects that truly enrich our community.
Our City Council needs to act with greater fiscal responsibility and focus on sustainable initiatives that bring people together rather than create division. Before approving $10 million tax deferments for developers, funding an overly expensive bridge, implementing “road diets,” or building low-barrier housing that fails to address root causes, let’s prioritize something that uplifts everyone—an arts center.
An arts center would not only inspire creativity and connection, but it would also generate revenue—without relying on traffic fines. Come on, City of Bend—you can do better. Now more than ever, our community deserves investments that bring lasting value and joy. And it should be a community effort including Visit Bend, Central Oregon Tourism Fund, maybe use the unused money from Neighborhood Associations use it or lose it funds, Deschutes County should participate as well. This is very much needed.