Leaders of small and midsize Portland nonprofit arts organizations are praising a recent city audit that documented a long history of multiple problems with the city’s controversial Arts Tax.
The audit was released on March 18, shortly before the deadline for commenting on changes being proposed to the program that are also controversial. The city Office of Arts and Culture is accepting public feedback on them until April 1.
The co-chairs of Portland Arts and Culture for Equity, which advocates for equity and increased funding for the city’s arts groups, say the audit confirms complaints its members have been making about the administration of the tax-funded grants by the Office, including reduced funding, a shift in the remaining funds from smaller to larger organizations, and vague guidelines about the purpose of the grants…