About the Arts Access Fund
In November of 2012, 62% of Portland voters approved an Arts Access Fund. The “arts tax,” as it is commonly known, was placed on the ballot by The Creative Advocacy Network and championed by then-Mayor Sam Adams.
The City of Portland collects the tax and administers the funds. An oversight committee reviews expenditures, progress and outcomes.
Thanks to the Arts Tax, every elementary school in Portland’s six school districts (Centennial, David Douglas, Parkrose, Portland Public, Reynolds and Riverdale) now has at least one art, music or dance teacher on staff. The AAF funds arts specialists primarily based on student enrollment. Prior to the Arts Access Fund providing funds to Portland's school districts, there were 31 K-5 Arts Teacher FTE (Full Time Equivalents) across the six districts serving Portland. In 2022, there were 102.
