09/05/2026
On International Day of Charity we share a brief history of the Arts Council of Clatsop County
The Arts Council of Clatsop County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving the Northern Oregon Coast. Our mission is "to support, promote, and advocate for the arts and cultural enrichment in the county."
2014 - Formed as an advisory committee to the Board of Commissioners of Clatsop County with an annual allowance of $5K
2017 - One organized event, the Arts and Economic Prosperity 5 (AEP5) survey from Americans for the Arts. Council meetings are held in different county locations on a rotating basis.
2019 - First Arts Summit is held at the Seaside Civic & Convention Center.
2020 - First strategic plan to be developed
2021 - Second Arts Summit held virtually, a rack card featuring county public art is printed and distributed locally, the Council begins to participate in new bimonthly Arts Services meetings coordinated by the Oregon Arts Commission.
2022 - With encouragement and financial support from the commissioners, the Arts Council becomes a 501(c)(3). AEP6 data collection begins, becomes the fiscal sponsor of the Astoria Ukulele Orchestra, the first Make Music Days happen, the Council contributes to scholarships to Astoria Visual Arts’ Summer Camp and to the restoration of the Clatsop-Nehalem Confederated Tribe’s mural in Seaside, and starts participating in the Bottle Drop and Kroger Community Rewards programs.
2023 - Second annual Make Music Day, First High School Theater Workshop Symposium is held at the Coaster Theatre in Cannon Beach, Third Arts Summit, Starts Arts for All Clatsop County, grants are applied for, website and logo are created program.
2024 - Third Make Music Day, Second theater workshop, Fourth Arts Summit, and Astoria Ukulele Orchestra plays some fundraisers.
2025 - Astoria Ukulele Orchestra plays multiple fundraisers, Fourth Make Music Day, Request for funding policy is established, A bookkeeper is hired, Contributes to scholarships, Participates in public programming, Increases social media presence, More participation in Arts for All, Third theater workshop, First UkeFest in Astoria.
