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40 °F 5 Day Forecast Tuesday, December 9, 2003 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | eSouthernOregon | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA Newspaper in Education Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find a Rental Place an ad eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Network Affiliate Email Story to a Friend November 26, 2003 Local group seeks advice on cultural access plan By BILL VARBLE Mail Tribune A citizens committee is seeking comment on its draft plan for guiding grants to area cultural groups and individuals. The plan focuses on increasing access to cultural activities for underserved groups such as young people and minorities. On the table are public art, old buildings, hiking trails, library buildings, places to dance, storytelling, literature, family recipes and almost anything from the past of value to members of the community. Copies of the draft plan are available at all county library branches and at www.sou.edu/JacksonCoCulturalPlan/ . "I think it’s a step in the right direction," said John Enders of the Southern Oregon Historical Society, one of the volunteers who hammered out the plan. The draft came at the behest of the Oregon Cultural Trust, which was established in December to nurture the state’s cultural assets. Advertisement "There was a lot of input," Enders said. "We submitted it to the Oregon Cultural Trust in Salem." The proposal calls for promotion of the arts and humanities in county schools, nonprofits and cultural organizations. "We hope the public will provide valuable input," said artist and co-chairwoman Victoria McOmie. Artists, musicians, history buffs, librarians and others interested in Jackson County’s culture were invited last spring to a public forum to kick off the process. The trust was designed as a protected fund to support cultural programs. Taxpayers earn a tax credit for contributions. The trust raised $1.65 million in the state last year. Counties were directed to start cultural coalitions if they wished to participate. Jackson County commissioners appointed nine committee members, including co-chairpersons McOmie and Steve Boyarsky. It is unclear how much could be awarded in Jackson County, since there was little money for the process, and it depended on the Oregon Legislature. "Hopefully it will mean money for arts and humanities," Enders said. "The Legislature has cut into the pot." One-third of the trust’s money is to be given out each year, with the balance becoming a permanent endowment to generate grants. to groups in Oregon counties or on Indian reservations. A first year’s award of about $7,000 went to set up the county’s planning committee. Reach reporter Bill Varble at 776-4478 or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2003 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback 3 WEEKS FREE! ADVERTISERS SPECIAL SECTIONS Auto Finder Job Finder Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Real Estate Showcase Food for Thought Hike of the Week Wellness Connection Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Openings Prime Times