The Oregon Arts Commission is a governor-appointed body of nine commissioners who allocate grants for artists based in the U.S. state of Oregon.[1] It receives the bulk of its funding through the National Endowment for the Arts, the state, and the Oregon Cultural Trust.[1] The commission provides funding for local artists through their fellowship programs.[2]
Established in 1967, the Oregon Arts Commission was initially a stand-alone governmental entity. However, it became a division of the Oregon Economic and Community Development Department in 1993.[1]
From 1980 to 1984, the Commission was chaired by John Frohnmayer,[3] who later became chair of the National Endowment for the Arts and a candidate for the United States Senate.
As of January 18, 2008, the Oregon Arts Commission has added support for film,[4] in addition to the other projects it funds.