This was a big year for arts, culture and heritage in Pendleton, with the Arts Council of Pendleton, which operates the Pendleton Center for the Arts, and the Umatilla County Historical Society, which operates Heritage Station, celebrating 50 years of work in the community.

When considered along with our other cultural treasures, including College Community Theater, the Children’s Museum of Eastern Oregon, Tamastslikt Cultural Institute, the Pendleton Round-Up and Happy Canyon Hall of Fame, it’s not surprising that Oregon ranks among the highest, per capita, in donations to the arts and in art participation.

Oregon allows citizens who support cultural nonprofits to double the power of their donations. When you support one of the 1,650 cultural nonprofits in the state, then make a matching donation to the Oregon Cultural Trust by Dec. 31, you qualify for a 100% state tax credit for your gift to the Cultural Trust. You can make your donation online at CulturalTrust.org or pick up a form at the Pendleton Center for the Arts.

Since 2001, participation in the tax credit has enabled the Cultural Trust to award more than 10,000 grants totaling more than $40 million. Last year, the trust awarded a record $3.85 million to 148 cultural organizations, including funds for local regranting. Pendleton’s nonprofit organizations were awarded important operating and project support from the trust, allowing us to continue to do the work we do.

I hope you’ll take a moment to make your match and join other Oregonians in celebrating arts, culture and heritage.

Sincerely,

Roberta Lavadour

Executive director, Pendleton Center for the Arts

Commissioner, Oregon Arts Commission