MISSION
We gather to make, explore, and celebrate, by creating and presenting arts, literature, media, and opportunities for public dialogue and learning. Our programming engages with the natural environment, sustainability, and outdoor space.
Mission Statement: New Oregon Arts & Letters encourages collaboration, supports interdisciplinary practices, and contextualizes creative culture. We are committed to fostering innovation, integrity, and critical dialogue across a broad range of communities.
NOTE: New Oregon has ceased operations as an active 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, as of 2020. We are no longer accepting tax-deductible donations or presenting work.
SUPPORT
We are deeply thankful to the artists, writers, designers, performers, nonprofiteers, donors, sponsors, & adventurers who have made our programming possible. We'd also like to thank the following for awarding us grants that made our programming possible:
Deschutes Cultural Coalition (DCC)
RACC, the Regional Arts & Culture Council
Oregon Arts Commission
Oregon Community Foundation
Equity Foundation
Performance Works NW
ARTISTS, BOARD, STAFF, & VOLUNTEERS
Big thanks to 2 Gyrlz founders Lisa Newman and Llewyn Máire, who gave us a big corner of their very amazing Portland sandbox to play in. We called it 2GQ. When Lisa and Llewyn moved to the UK and then Ireland, they graciously allowed our group to evolve the 2 Gyrlz nonprofit into New Oregon Arts & Letters. They are incredible artists, leaders, and community activators.
Thanks to all the Gyrlz from that excellent era in Portland performance—artists and musicians, the BOD, the Enteractive Language Festival EL-fest crew, Drift Catalyst crossovers, and many more. George, Noah, Anabel, Yvette, Jonas, Joshua, Tamara, and everyone: thanks and love.
Many thanks to the core 2GQ crew, especially Clare Carpenter (artist and Board Chair), Tiffany Lee Brown (executive director and artist), and the late Steve Fritz (photographer and Chair of Vices). Some of Steve’s work is archived on this site under “Programs.” We will provide additional archives of his photography as well.
NEWSLETTER SIGNUP
Kindly pop over to our newsletter signup page if you’d like to receive occasional updates via email.
CONTACT
Email: neworegonarts@gmail.com
EIN Number: 93-1313866
NOTE: New Oregon has ceased operations as an active 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, as of 2020. We are no longer accepting tax-deductible donations or presenting work.
art resists containment
New Oregon Arts & Letters was a 501c3 nonprofit organization that relocated to Sisters, Oregon in 2016. Formed in Portland in 2001 as part of 2 Gyrlz Performative Arts, New Oregon has presented interdisciplinary works and performances, published books and magazines, and hosted panel discussions and literary readings. In our new Central Oregon home, we collaborated with Sisters Farmers Market and Sisters Community Labyrinth to celebrate tea, poetry, Tarot, nature education, and Solstice.
Our organization’s history is one of experimentation and collective effort. We blur the boundaries between presenter, artist, writer, producer, performer, board member, writer, staff, and volunteer. Influenced by artists like Allan Kaprow and Linda Montano, we smudge the artificial line between art and life.
Traditional art spaces can be useful, but we also like to make the entire world an unsanctioned space for art, music, and literature. We’ve brought art and creativity to deserts and cemeteries, farmers markets and campgrounds, homes and forests.
CREATIVITY FOR ALL
We believe that art is not just for artists. Poetry isn’t just for poets. Media, from community journalism to literary journals, isn’t just for writers. Creative expression—in its myriad forms—is for everyone, everywhere, of all ages. It connects us to spirit, to Earth, to community, and to each other.
Creative expression can also challenge us. As makers, presenters, and participants, we reach out to strangers. We open our minds to the experiences of others. We express not only what is considered aesthetically pleasing, but what is real and personal.
If this sounds like your cup of tea, please join our email list below. We look forward to meeting you.
NOTE: New Oregon has ceased operations as an active 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, as of 2020. We are no longer accepting tax-deductible donations or presenting work.
DIVERSITY & DISABILITY STATEMENT
American society promotes racism, sexism, ableism, homophobia, and other problematic beliefs and prejudices. The arts, writing, and creative expression can help people deal with, learn about, and explore these issues, sharing stories and experiences. We welcome involvement from those who have been systemically marginalized, discriminated against, or denied a voice. That said: we have very few resources and do the best with what we have. For example, our Executive Director has a disability that prevents her from putting on shows at many traditional venues. Rather than protest the building practices of those venues, or undertake a capital campaign to build her dream venue, she produces programs in outdoor spaces. If you have a disability and are concerned about an event’s ability to accommodate you, drop us an email to neworegonarts (at) gmail.com.