City to support local performing arts, festivals and other cultural projects

COURTESY PHOTO: CITY OF GRESHAM - The Portland Columbia Symphony used their grant funds to host a free brass quintet concert at Nadaka Nature Park this year.The Gresham Arts and Culture grant is awarding local art and culture nonprofits up to $6,810.

Application forms can be found on the city’s website and are due Nov.15 at 12 p.m.

Applications can be sent via email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Applicants can also deliver or mail their forms to Sasha Konell at 1333 NW Eastman Parkway, Gresham. COURTESY PHOTO: CITY OF GRESHAM  - The Mt. Hood Jazz Festival was able to host their event virtually and showcased local jazz artists, world-renowned headliners and school-based jazz ensembles.

Only nonprofit organizations physically located within Gresham city limits and Gresham residents who have partnered with a qualifying nonprofit are eligible for the funds.

Prospective projects must show at least two of the grant’s program objectives:

  • Encourage collaboration between artists and community organizations.
  • Enhance Gresham’s arts and culture resources by strengthening and supporting arts, heritage and humanities organizations, and/or individual artists, musicians, performers and historians.
  • Promote activities that tell and build upon the stories of Gresham as a community.
  • Promote projects that will be visible in the community.
  • Promote projects that support improved outcomes for underrepresented communities and/or promote culture/heritage.
  • Other requirements and details are found on the application.

    According to the website, the purpose of the grants is to, “support Gresham-based activities and projects that foster community development, with an emphasis on the enrichment of the arts, culture and heritage of the community.”

    Last year ten organizations were awarded grants including the Gresham Japanese Gardens for their “Rebirth after ten years” project and the Mt. Hood Community College Foundation for 2021 Mt. Hood Jazz Festival. COURTESY PHOTO: CITY OF GRESHAM  - 2021-2022 grant recipient Laverne Lewis, founder of the We Sew Collective, works in the community to engage underserved women and girls of color to express themselves creatively through the art of sewing, textile art and dress-making.


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