Overview
Arts Central manages the Deschutes Cultural Coalition (DCC), which was created under the Community Cultural Participation Grant Program of the Oregon Cultural Trust in 2003.  Funds from the Oregon Cultural Trust are distributed to the DCC, which in turn, gets re-granted to local cultural organizations through a formal process run by Arts Central.

Oregon Cultural Trust
The Oregon Cultural Trust is a statewide cultural plan to raise significant new funds to invest in Oregon's arts, humanities, and heritage.  Funds will be distributed to local communities to support their cultural priorities, through competitive grants for projects of regional and statewide significance, and through grants to Oregon's statewide cultural agencies to support their ongoing efforts.

The Oregon Cultural Trust was created by civic, business, and cultural leaders to preserve and strengthen every aspect of Oregon culture.  Its goal is to create a protected endowment of over $200 million to provide long-term support for culture in Oregon. 

Deschutes Cultural Coalition
The Deschutes Cultural Coalition is committed to growing and protecting the county's unique cultural resources, advocating for investment of Oregon Cultural Trust funds that have been given to the Deschutes Cultural Coalition to distribute, and encourage donors to add to the statewide endowment of the Oregon Cultural Trust.

Deschutes County is a showplace for a rich array of heritage sites, museums and events, folkloric traditions and activities; a growing number of literary, visual, and performing artists and crafts people; a host of well received musical, theater, poetry, arts and other events; and exceptional recreational opportunities.

As Deschutes County continues to grow so do the challenges and opportunities that impact the region's cultural assets.  On the other hand, the steadily increasing population base has resulted in more interest in, and demand for, local cultural activities and events.  Likewise, Central Oregon enjoys a growing reputation as a prime tourist destination giving us an opportunity to feature local heritage, arts and culture activities--which benefits the region economically.

Which such growth, however, come challenges.  It is increasingly important that the area's cultural resources--both creative and historic--be protected; that all residents have access to cultural activities regardless of income level; and that a diversity of cultural groups, activities and individuals be maintained--especially those which are grassroots and/or in more rural areas.

Resources:

Oregon Historical Society

Oregon Arts Commission

Oregon Council for the Humanities

Oregon Cultural Trust

Oregon Parks & Recreation: Historic Programs: State Historic Preservation Office