Join us as we reminisce.
The Cultural Services Community Programs team, which is in charge of public art and events for the City of Eugene, tackled a handful of inaugural events in 2018, and we couldn't have done it without our community partners. From helping host a week-long visual arts celebration to convincing people a soapbox coffin derby would be a good idea, we had a blast. Everything we do is inspired by our mission to create a stronger, more resilient and creative community.
Wows & Woahs*
*Our favorite moments from 2018 (wows) and what we're looking forward to in 2019 (woahs).
Wows
New events, more street art and a focus on building diversity are just some of the reasons we're proud about 2018.
New signature events = new traditions
We alluded to the new events we had this year, and boy were there a lot of them. They pushed us in new ways and made us even more excited for improving them! The EUGfun Coffin Races in October were a roaring success with more than 2,000 people coming out to watch the action. We threw a week-long art party in July with the Visual Arts Festival, which included a revival of the Mayor's Art Show, Eugene Walls, the Eugene Biennial at the Karin Clark Gallery, the Salon des Refusés at New Zone Gallery and a brand-new contemporary art production of five outdoor pieces, BRIDGE Exhibitions. All that plus Sunday Streets and the First Friday ArtWalk in August. Whew. We're tired just remembering it all.
Downtown Program Fund creates a spark
Cultural Services leveraged more than $50,000 in programming by awarding matching grants to local organizations to help fund 34 events thrown by nine partners. Look for it again in 2019.
Fiesta Cultural
This year's four-month long celebration of Latinx arts and culture had more than 30 events throughout Lane County, all organized by the Lane Arts Council. The kickoff party downtown in September — co-sponsored by the City of Eugene and Lane Arts Council — had its highest attendance yet and its most partners.
Woahs
We think 2018 was just the beginning. We're looking forward to making deeper connections with our community in 2019. That's where you come in.
Street art goal = crushed
Three years ago we created 20x21 EUG Mural Project with the goal of getting 20 street art projects done by the 2021 IAAF World Track & Field Championships. With three years to go we have 18. We're looking forward to exceeding this goal in 2019. It's a win-win. More murals means a brighter, more vibrant city. Are you local and want to paint a mural? Apply through our program that matches artists with wall owners.
Improving our wintery offerings
We don't like it when the weather turns and people stay inside. We want to keep the fun going all-year long, so we're trying out some new things in 2019. Keep an eye out for a whole list of artistic installments downtown this winter and spring.
Bringing the gang back together
We're looking forward to engaging with even more partners — new and old! We are always looking for ways to improve our events, so drop us a line if you're keen to collaborate.
Fresh faces welcome
We're eager to book new artists. Want to perform at a EUGfun event? Click the button below to apply!
Looking for event producers
The Downtown Program Fund was such a success we are bringing it back. Want the City to fund your event? Click the button below to apply. Applications are due Feb. 1.
By the Numbers
115
Percentage increase of attendance at Community Programs events in 2018.
8
Number of murals created this summer as part of the 20x21 EUG Mural Project. Including one local artist, Eugene saw artists from New York, France, Afghanistan, Japan, Nepal, Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom come and grace our walls with art. The project is now up to 18 murals created by 20 muralists from 11 countries.
76
The total number of Community Program events in 2018. That's more than two months straight of free fun, dance and celebration around our city.
100
The percentage of survey respondents who reported they felt welcomed and included at the EUGfun event they attended.
Check out this screaming awesome video from our inaugural EUGfun Coffin Races.
Don't take it from us...
On Fiesta Cultural
"[Fiesta Cultural] created a positive environment that was welcoming with great and friendly people."
"Fiesta Cultural made me feel not like an outcast."
On Sunday Jams
"There was good music, friendly faces and it was family oriented."
On the Visual Arts Festival
"I just moved here. It was a great way to meet the community and the culture."
Thank you, thank you, thank you
2018 was our biggest year yet. We worked hard, learned heaps and can't wait to make 2019 even better.
If you have ideas or dreams for working with us to serve our amazing community, reach out and let's make it happen.
Sincerely,
