Jonathan Bucci, curator of collections and exhibits at Hallie Ford Museum of Art, pulls out a print by artist Rick Bartow. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)

Eight Salem arts organizations have received tens of thousands of dollars in state grants to help cover operating costs in 2021.

The Oregon Arts Commission announced the recipients Friday. They include 150 arts and culture organizations around Oregon, receiving a total of $910,000 in support.

The program is intended to support arts programming and predates the Covid pandemic, though the commission noted such grants are particularly helpful after a year where many organizations have seen declining revenue because of canceled events and reduced donations.

“We often hear that operating support is the most important type of award,” said Arts Commission Chair Anne Taylor in a statement. “Especially now, as arts organizations continue to suffer great losses due to the pandemic, these awards can help relieve a bit of the economic pressure.”

Award recipients in Marion and Polk counties received $38,865. They are:

Children’s Educational Theatre, Salem: $3,057

Hallie Ford Museum of Art, Salem : $5,656

Historic Elsinore Theatre Inc., Salem: $4,072

Oregon Symphony Association in Salem, Salem: $3,728

Pentacle Theatre Inc., Salem: $4,121

Salem Art Association, Salem: $9,539

Salem Multicultural Institute, Salem: $5,278

Willamette Art Center, Salem: $3,414

-Rachel Alexander

By Salem Reporter