October 9, 2025 2:50 a.m.  

In the KQEN Cultural Spotlight:

Riverbend Live! in Winston is one of 31 organizations statewide to receive a $10,000 grant from the Oregon Arts Commission’s Arts Learning grant program.

An OAC release said every funded project is a collaboration with local schools and communities across Oregon designed to strengthen K-12 arts education during the 2026 fiscal year.

Arts Education Coordinator Tiff Harker said, “Through this grant program, thousands of students will have an opportunity to engage with creative practices that enhance cognitive skills, problem-solving and self-empowerment through the arts”. Harker said, “We congratulate these awarded arts organizations that partner with educators to make these new learning projects possible for Oregon students”.

The grant to Riverbend Live! will support a free, six-week Summer Youth Theater Camp serving nearly 50 students from ages 8-17 in rural Douglas County, integrating acting, singing, choreography, and set design, culminating in two public performances at Riverbend Park.

For more information about the Oregon Arts Commission, go to: https://www.oregon.gov/biz/aboutus/artscommission/pages/default.aspx