The Origins of Arts for All

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.

Plans immediately began to include additional arts organizations in the next iteration of the program and to expand it beyond classical music. The result, “Arts for All,” was launched on October 3, 2011.