Sen. Dick Anderson (R-Lincoln City)

Salem, Oregon – Sen. Dick Anderson (R-Lincoln City) will join Rep. Rob Nosse (D-Portland) in organizing Oregon’s Arts and Culture Caucus, establishing bipartisan leadership of the Caucus.

“Senator Dick Anderson has been a wonderful partner in showing that arts funding truly is a bipartisan, bicameral priority,” said Rep. Nosse, who has coordinated the Caucus since its formation. “We look forward to growing our coalition together in the 2025 long session, as the Arts and Culture Caucus seeks to further advocate for arts and cultural venues of all parts of Oregon.”

The Arts and Culture Caucus launched in early 2023 in recognition of the vital role arts and culture play in the livability and prosperity of Oregon communities – and in enriching the lives of Oregonians. It serves as a resource to the Oregon Legislature on key issues impacting the arts and culture sector.

Sen. Anderson was one of the inaugural members of the Caucus, which now includes 23 Legislators and is one of Oregon’s largest bipartisan caucuses.

“Inside the Legislature, we can find strong bipartisan bonds across the aisle with the Arts and Culture Caucus,” said Sen. Anderson. “I have witnessed the value of having a thriving arts and cultural community within the cities I represent. Recognizing this value and assisting its growth throughout all of Oregon is needed; it is an endeavor I am excited to be part of.”

Membership of the Caucus also includes Rep. Ben Bowman (D-Tigard/Metzger/South Beaverton); Rep. Janelle Bynum (D-Clackamas); Sen. Michael Dembrow (D-Portland); Rep. Maxine Dexter (D-Portland); Sen. Lew Frederick (D-North/Northeast Portland); Rep. David Gomberg (D-Otis); Rep. Dacia Grayber (D-Southwest Portland/East Beaverton); Sen. Bill Hansell (R-Athena); Rep. Annessa Hartman (D-Gladstone); Rep. Emerson Levy (D-Bend/South Redmond/Tumalo/Sisters); Rep. John Lively (D-Springfield); Sen. James Manning Jr.(D-North Eugene/West Eugene/Veneta); Rep. Kevin Mannix (R-Keizer/North Salem); Rep. Pam Marsh (D-Ashland); Sen. Mark Meek (D-Clackamas County); Rep. Daniel Nguyen (D-Lake Oswego/ Southwest Portland); Rep. Hoa Nguyen (D-East Portland/Damascus); Sen. Deb Patterson (D-Salem); Rep. Lisa Reynolds (D-Northeast Washington County); Rep. Ricki Ruiz, (D-Gresham); and Rep. Thuy Tran (D-Northeast Portland).

Rep. Rob Nosse (D-Portland)

“The interest in this Caucus, and its rapid growth, just show how much people value the arts and culture organizations in Oregon and how important it is that we support this sector,” said Rep. Nosse. “We look forward to working with the arts community and our colleagues in the Legislature on a package of bill(s) in 2025.”

“Arts and culture are so important to Oregon,” added Rep. Nosse. “All around our state, every day there are concerts, comedy events, public hearings, podcasts, theatrical performances, debates and community events that bring the people of our state together. We must support the cultural and community hubs in our neighborhoods and I hope this caucus will continue to ensure arts and culture thrive in this state.”

Caucus members work closely with stakeholders including the Oregon Arts Commission, the Oregon Cultural Trust (and its Statewide Partners) and the Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon to stay informed on the latest research and issues. It also sets the agenda on priorities for arts and culture legislation.

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