Interim executive director Tyler Hokama: ‘We’re really happy about what this means for our future’

By Holly Dillemuth, Ashland.news 

With Oregon Shakespeare Festival’s official season starting next week, the world renowned nonprofit theater is celebrating its latest major contribution: A $5 million contribution from the Oregon Community Foundation, as part of a $52 million “love letter” to arts and culture organizations statewide announced Wednesday by OCF and the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation, each of which contributed $20 million to the statewide fund.

The contribution will be distributed over the next three years. The $5 million is part of a multimillion investment statewide. The total contribution to the arts provides flexible funding for arts and culture nonprofits across the entire state, according to a news release, including Bend’s High Desert Museum, which did not receive $2 million in funding it had expected the Oregon Legislature to approve in February.

The Miller Foundation contributed $2 million to OSF in 2023, and has been a donor to the organization since 2004.

Foundation program officers will advise potential grantees on further details of the three-year investment, according to the news release. This commitment is intended to inspire additional contributions from supporters across the state. 

“We’re really happy about what this means for our future,” said Tyler Hokama, interim executive director at OSF, in a phone interview with Ashland.news Thursday.

Hokama attended the contribution announcement in Portland on Wednesday, a gathering held at Portland Center Stage. He said the funds will be distributed to general operating funds at OSF and “where we need it most,” this year through 2026.

“The broad investments across Oregon Community Foundation, the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation, and the Oregon Legislature creates resiliency and stability not only for our current season, but also as a tailwind for our 2025 season-planning process,” Hokama said, in the OCF news release. “Next year, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival enters its 90th Anniversary Season, and we look forward to bringing an exciting lineup and experience to celebrate with our patrons and supporters.”

Hokama said the additional funding helps the 2024 season, but also gives organizers  confidence as they look ahead on the calendar.

The Oregon Legislature also approved a contribution of $2.56 million to OSF in February, pending approval from Gov. Tina Kotek. 

“Between the Oregon Legislature and the two foundations coming together, that’s huge for us,” Hokama said. “It’s a pretty astounding statement of support for, really, arts and culture across the state — but for OSF specifically, it’s a great time for us as we really look at what we want to do for next year’s 90th anniversary because we want to make that a special season for longtime fans and new fans alike.”

Exhibitions, performances and other live art gatherings have seen seismic shifts in attendance levels since the pandemic, according to OCF. Arts leaders testified in Salem earlier this year that diminished ticket sales put at risk the significant economic impact of Oregon’s arts sector.

“Oregon legislators took a major step toward building back the vibrancy of the arts in Oregon. They’re not settling for merely ‘keeping the lights on’ and neither are we. Arts are essential to what makes Oregon, Oregon,” said Lisa Mensah, President and CEO of Oregon Community Foundation. “Together, Oregon foundations are stepping forward proactively to send a love letter to Oregon’s arts and culture ecosystem that says, ‘we believe in you.’”

A study released by Americans for the Arts found Oregon’s arts and culture sector contributed $829 million to Oregon’s economy in fiscal year 2022. The National Assembly of State Arts Agencies ranks Oregon 41st in the nation for spending on the arts per capita. 

“Artists inspire us and connect us to one another as Oregonians and provide opportunities for children and adults alike to explore their shared humanity. The arts are an economic driver throughout our state, providing a huge boost to restaurants, shops, and businesses,” said Carrie Hoops, executive director of the Miller Foundation, in a news release. “A diverse ecology of arts organizations brings us together and inspires creative expression in each vibrant and unique community across Oregon.”

Oregon Community Foundation’s commitment is possible thanks to a 2012 charitable gift from the estate of Fred and Suzanne Fields that has delivered millions of charitable dollars over many years to hundreds of diverse arts, artists and education efforts in Oregon. 

The Fred W. Fields Fund, OCF said, is an example of how wisely stewarded funds can create positive benefits for decades.

Oregon Community Foun4dation release can be seen here. Reach Ashland.news reporter Holly Dillemuth at hollyd@ashland.news.

March 22: Headline and text corrected to say that the $5 million over three years for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival will come from the Oregon Community Foundation, not the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation.