COTTAGE GROVE, Ore. — The Lane Arts Council received a $1,500 grant from the PacifiCorp Foundation for Learning for its YouthArts program, specifically to provide summer arts activities and education programs for Cottage Grove youth. 

The Lane Arts Council’s SummerArts program attracts about 100 Cottage Grove children to participate in affordable, 2-4 week summer programs guided by professional visual, performing and literary artists. A portion of the program trains nearly a dozen teens to build arts teaching and job skills.
 
“We’ve been supporting the arts and artists in Lane County for 30 years,” said Andrew Toney, executive director  of the Lane Arts Council. “This grant helps us increase our visibility outside Eugene and have a greater impact throughout the county.”

As the charitable arm of Pacific Power, the PacifiCorp Foundation awarded close to $205,800 to arts and cultural nonprofit programs in its service area, and donated another $13,000 in small community grants.

“When community budgets become tighter, arts programs often suffer,” said Doris Johnston, regional community manager for Pacific Power. “We believe the arts are an important, integral part of a healthy community and a well-rounded education; so we think it’s a smart investment.”

Johnston said that, according to research, less than 21 percent of Oregon children engage in any art form due to diminished  school budgets and class offerings. The Foundation’s arts and culture grants are one of four groups of awards each year. Other award categories include education, civic and community groups, and health and human services.

For more information on SummerArts and other Lane Arts Council programs, log on to www.lanearts.org .

The Foundation’s mission is to foster strategic sustainable learning initiatives that serve the best aspirations of individuals, organizations and communities, and that enhance and develop their capabilities to address significant challenges and opportunities.

To apply for a grant, and to review specific eligibility requirements, please go to www.pacificorpfoundation.org .