Press Release

September 16, 2009

State Representative David Edwards Appointed to Cultural Trust Board

(Salem) State Representative David Edwards (D-Hillsboro) was appointed last week to the managing board of the Oregon Cultural Trust, which supports arts and culture programs throughout the state. “I‘m honored to play an active role in improving access to local arts and culture programs,” stated Rep. Edwards. “These programs make important contributions to our economy and quality of life. It’s important we preserve and strengthen them.”

The representative will serve as a nonvoting advisory member of the Trust for Cultural Development Board. Administered by the Oregon Business Development Department, the Trust for Cultural Development Board oversees the management of the Trust for Cultural Development Account, and provides direction to the Administrator of the Arts Program for the coordination, administration and evaluation of the Cultural Development Grant Program, the Community Cultural Participation Grant Program and the use of funds received by core partner agencies.

The “core partner agencies” of the trust include the Oregon Arts Commission, the Oregon Council for the Humanities, the Oregon Heritage Commission, the Oregon Historical Society and the State Historic Preservation Officer.

The Trust invests in communities in three ways: through direct funding partnerships with county and tribal cultural coalitions; through competitive matching grants to support, protect and stabilize cultural organizations; and through increased funding to state cultural agencies to strengthen current programs and to encourage new ones.

Rep. Edwards brings a unique mix of experiences to the board. He attended the University of Southern California's screenwriting program and ultimately, received bachelor’s and master's degrees in English Literature from the school. He makes his living, however, using his analytical skills as the owner of a high-tech market research firm. "My background as an artist and small business owner will certainly inform my guidance on the board," said Rep. Edwards.

In the most recent session of the State Legislature, Rep. Edwards helped pass legislation that extended the income tax credit allowed for contributions to the Oregon Cultural Trust as well as extended the period money from designated license plates may be used for marketing and promoting the organization. As a member of the state's chief budget-writing committee, Rep. Edwards hopes to help stabilize funding for the Cultural Trust and its core partner agencies.

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