Center for the arts foundation
We envision a community where creativity is part of everyday life—where arts and culture are woven into the fabric of Gresham’s identity, and where every resident feels a sense of belonging through shared cultural experiences.
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The Center for the Arts Foundation (CFTAF) is a non-profit organization, led by and for the community, with a vision to enrich our community with vibrant and diverse artistic experiences that reflect the diversity of our region. The Foundation believes that arts make a city come alive-building connection, civic pride, visibility and vitality. Everyone should have access to the arts. As a multi-faceted organization, CFTAF promotes sustained development of the arts by developing, supporting, promoting, and celebrating all art endeavors in the Greater Gresham area.
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We create and support accessible artistic experiences that reflect our community’s diversity as both a producer and a hub for the arts. From large-scale community events to partnerships with local artists and organizations, our work is rooted in building a sense of belonging, honoring the voices and stories that shape our region, and ensuring that the arts are woven into the fabric of Gresham’s identity.
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We collaborate across sectors to expand access to the arts, partnering with organizations to amplify impact and investment in the sustainability of our local creative economy.​​ By investing in the sustainability of the creative economy, we help ensure that arts and culture remain a shared civic responsibility and opportunity.
Our programs support artistic expression, create economic activity, and expand access to experiences many might not otherwise have.
Our Origins
Founded in 2005, the Center for the Arts Foundation began with a vision: to help shape a community where the arts are not an afterthought, but an essential part of everyday life.
That vision took form in the development of the Gresham Arts Plaza—designed as the city’s “living room,” a welcoming, flexible space where people gather for everything from quiet moments to vibrant festivals, concerts, and markets. But the plaza is more than a venue—it is an expression of what we believe. Art is woven into its very design, with the integration of light, water, and sound, and functional elements that invite interaction and creativity. As one of the Foundation’s first major projects, the plaza embodies our commitment to advocating for spaces where creativity and community meet.
Our early work also includes sponsoring public art that tells the story of our city, such as the mural at 3rd and Roberts by artist Lee Lauritzen, depicting scenes from Gresham’s historic development. These efforts reflect our belief that the arts not only beautify a place, but honor its history and strengthen its identity.
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From the beginning, our role has been clear: to champion the arts as a shared civic responsibility and opportunity—laying the groundwork for a more vibrant, connected community.
Our Mission
Our mission is to promote, facilitate, and advocate for the arts in Gresham and the surrounding areas. We do this by cultivating financial and other necessary resources to support the arts.
Our Vision
Our vision is as a catalyst for creativity and innovation in Gresham & our East County neighbors, creating a more vibrant and connected community through arts, culture and events.
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Our values
The Center for the Arts Foundation believes in fostering equal opportunities for all individuals within the arts and cultural sectors. We are committed to cultivating a welcoming environment that encourages broad participation and celebrates the diverse contributions of our community.