PORTLAND, Ore. — Children’s voices filled with anticipation echoed throughout a section of Buckman Elementary School early Monday afternoon. A movement teacher called out cues amid a sea of blue ribbons waved by the dancing students, during a rehearsal for a performance the students would put on Tuesday night.
It’s an annual event held at the Portland Art Museum linked to the Portland arts tax that voters approved back in 2012. People living in Portland must pay an annual separate tax, a $35 fee to support arts education in elementary schools.
“I really enjoy doing dance and it was fun to help choreograph this,” said fifth grade student Ada Weigand during the Monday afternoon rehearsal.
So far, the tax has generated over $112 million for grants to local arts organizations and art teacher salaries, like Buckman Elementary School’s dance specialist Hannah Downs. “So that tax goes directly to helping pay for arts positions. I know that my position would be in jeopardy without it,” Downs said.
“The arts in our schools are incredibly important. Mainly kids are able to feel a sense of belonging and validation in arts classrooms,” added Kristen Brayson, the arts education director for Portland Public Schools.
Prior to the arts tax, there were 31 elementary art teachers across six Portland school districts. Now, there are more than 100. Yet some Portlanders still don’t know where the money goes or why they have to pay.
“All I know is that I get a little letter in the mail right before Tax Day that says you have to pay this tax,” said Ellie who lives in Portland. "It would just be easier to do instead of going out of my way to pay additional tax."
“I don't really know exactly what it goes to, but I do like that we're supporting the arts,” added Zoe who also lives in Portland.
“People like to see the results and it seems kind of hidden to discover where it's going to,” said another Portland resident.
The $35 arts tax is due on April 15th and can be paid online here. Tuesday night starting at 6:30 p.m. is the opening ceremony for an event at the Portland Art Museum celebrating student work and performance. Admission is free and open to the public. More details regarding the event can be found here.