The Oregon Cultural Trust
is a statewide program established in 2001 by the Oregon Legislature to protect cultural vitality in our vibrant state.
The Oregon Cultural Trust’s mission “is to lead Oregon in cultivating, growing and valuing culture as an integral part of communities. We do this by inspiring Oregonians to invest in a permanent fund that provides annual grants to cultural organizations.”
Ben Westlund Memorial Award
​The DCC initiated the annual Ben Westlund Memorial Awards in 2012 to honor an individual or organization who has worked tirelessly to forward the cause and development of arts and culture in central Oregon. As a member of the Oregon House of Representatives, Ben Westlund co-sponsored the bill that created the Oregon Cultural Trust. As a representative Westlund represented much of Central Oregon, driving every road and cow path to assess the needs of his district. He was by nature a great supporter of unsung heroes and believed in creating access to arts and culture to everyone in this state. As a resident of Tumalo he was a true advocate for the arts in Central Oregon. Ben was taken too early by cancer in 2010 at the age of 60 while serving as our Oregon State Treasurer.
2024 Ben Westlund Memorial Award Winner: Cate o'Hagan
As an arts and cultural leader, administrator, and advocate for more than four decades, Cate is recognized for her contribution to Central Oregon’s cultural landscape. She was a founding member of the Deschutes Cultural Coalition. Cate also served as the executive director of Arts Central for many years.
Past Awardees
Jason Graham, aka MOsley WOtta
As a spoken word artist, musician and visual artist, Jason is recognized for his contribution to the cultural richness of central Oregon
and for his work in the field of cultural diversity, equity and inclusion.
Pam Beezely,
Sunriver Music Festival
Recognized for broadened SMF’s youth and after school programs.
​
​
City of Redmond
​
​
Recognized for its high aesthetic standards in urban renewal planning and development.
​
Brad Tisdel,
Americana Project
​
Recognized for his roll in music creation and education for children through the Americana Project .
Deschutes Public Library
For ts extraordinary level of delivery and access to library services and programs to the citizenry of Deschutes County​ during the pandemic.
.jpg)
Les Joslin,
U.S. Forest Service
​
Recognized for his contributions to the preservation and education of the Forest Service buildings.
Carol Leone,Museum at Warm Springs
​
Recognized for being instrumental in creating programs that promote and teach about the arts.
Jean Wells Keenan, Sister Outdoor Quilt Show
Recognized for role as founder and long time leader of the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show.
​
Bob Boyd, Curator,
High Desert Museum
​
Recognized for his role in curation and preserving the cultural heritage of Central Oregon
Brad Porterfield, Latino Community Association
Recognized for his contribution to the arts and cultural of Central Oregon's Latino community.