The history of Arts for All PDX

In January of 2011, twelve of Portland’s classical music organizations, operating under the auspices of Go Classical PDX convened by All Classical 89.9, announced a pilot project called “Music for All” offering $5.00 tickets to SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) cardholders.

Preliminary numbers for the six-month pilot program totaled 1,410 tickets used. Initial seed money for printing of promotional materials was provided by the Regional Arts and Culture Council, Work for Art, and the City of Portland.

On October 3, 2011, the official “Arts for All” program launched. In its new iteration the program expanded beyond classical music to modern dance, contemporary theater, immersive and gallery art, museums, and more.

In 2022, in collaboration with Friends of Chamber Music, RACC assumed the outreach and engagement efforts for the program.

In 2026, the Arts for All PDX group was founded to re-assume community stewardship of the project. This followed the recommendations of a RACC-organized Arts for All Steering Committee comprised of representatives from local organizations participating in the program.

Arts for All PDX is currently led by Pat Zagelow (Friends of Chamber Music) and Michelle David. For more information, contact info@artsforallpdx.org.