Thriving Arts & Culture Scene Found throughout Eastern Oregon

23 May 2024

Arts & culture are often considered valuable contributors to a region's quality of life. But its impact goes well beyond a nice sidebar to a community’s offerings. In fact, arts and culture drive economic development nationwide, encompassing major metropolitan areas and rural counties. In 2022, the National Endowment for the Arts reported that the arts and culture industries contributed $1.1 trillion to the U.S. economy. That economic impact plays a significant role for communities seeking to attract businesses, create jobs, grow their tax base and general placemaking.

Eastern Oregon has a diverse, thriving arts and culture scene reflecting the various peoples and landscapes. The incredible outdoor beauty and numerous small towns offering a welcoming pace of life result in many organizations yearning to reflect this vibrancy in local arts and culture. Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative (OTEC) proudly serves such communities throughout its Baker, Grant, Harney and Union County service areas. Please peruse the arts and culture offerings below or continue your research here.

Baker City is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2024. One notable attraction is the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, re-opening on May 24 after reconstruction. Another is the Crossroads Carnegie Art Center, which hosts a retrospective show from May 24 to July 21, titled Towards Home: The Art Of Gary Ernest Smith, featuring the local artist's works returning to his high school days.

John Day’s Painted Sky Center for the Arts is a community art center dedicated to advancing arts education and entertainment, thereby enhancing the quality of life and cultural development through education and programming in multitudes of artistic forms for youth and adults.

The Harney County Historical Society and Museum offers a trip back through time to experience the county’s history through the lives of the settlers who pioneered the area.

Art Center East, in La Grande, is a member-based arts services non-profit organization in a historic Carnegie Library where residents access education classes, music ensembles and gallery exhibits featuring notable works from local to international talents.

Other “must-see” cultural experiences in eastern Oregon include:

Historical/Cultural Attractions

Performance Art

Art Galleries and Education

Live Music

Experience the Culture of Eastern Oregon

OTEC is a one-stop-shop for business development efforts, focusing on the five main pillars of service: business development, entrepreneurship, livability, workforce development, and investor services. Arts and culture are vital to a thriving local economy that benefits all companies and residents in our region. Contact us today to learn more about the vibrant quality of life in eastern Oregon

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