Emma Keen From Oregon School For The Deaf Named Oregon's 2026 Poetry Out Loud Champion (Photo) - 03/07/26

Salem, Oregon – Emma Keen, a high school junior at Oregon School for the Deaf in Salem, is Oregon’s 2026 Poetry Out Loud champion. Keen received the top score at Saturday's Poetry Out Loud State Contest, held at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. She will now represent Oregon at the Poetry Out Loud National Finals, to be held April 27-29 in Washington, D.C.

Bena (Bee-nah) Rodecap, a senior who attends Grant High School in Portland, was named runner up. Rodecap would be invited to represent Oregon in the national competition should Keen be unable to attend.

Watch video of Keen's performance and the moment she was named champion by Oregon First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson, who attended the event. View and download event high-resolution photos, also featuring the First Lady and 2020-2024 Oregon Poet Laureate Anis Mojgani, who performed at the event.

Since 2005, over 4.5 million high school students across the nation have participated in Poetry Out Loud. The program in Oregon is made possible by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Oregon Arts Commission and jurisdictional arts agencies.

During Poetry Out Loud, students recite works in a dynamic competition and performance. They select poems from an anthology, memorize them, and are judged on criteria like physical presence, voice and articulation, and dramatic appropriateness. Poetry Out Loud helps students improve public speaking skills, build confidence and grow their appreciation for poetry.

Keen, who is student body president at Oregon School for the Deaf, decided to participate in Poetry Out Loud with the encouragement of her educator, Gayle Robertson. She chose to recite “Low-Tide," by Edna St. Vincent Millay, “From One Who Stays" by Amy Lowell and “I am Like a Leaf" by Yone Noguchi.

“I am so grateful for this experience," Keen said after being named champion. “I loved having my family here to support me. It’s been really amazing.”

Oregon First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson, who attended the event, announced the winner from the 11 contestants.

“These students demonstrated the transformative power of poetry and the importance of investing in arts education,” Kotek Wilson said. “These students are creating connections, expressing themselves freely, and showing us the bright future of Oregon's arts community.”

Rodecap, the runner up, said she has a love of poetry and writing, and thanked her English educator, Paige Battle, for her “tireless dedication.”

“Poetry Out Loud provides an incredible opportunity for students to practice resilience through art,” said Carli Jones, an American Sign Language and interpreting educator who for a second year helped judge the state competition. “It was wonderful to be in community with such talented and kind artists."

The other nine students who competed Saturday, after winning their school competitions and advancing from the semifinals, are:

• Alida Shi Lyons, Cleveland High School (Portland)
• Ariana Morris, Redmond High School (Redmond)
• Drishti Singh, Lakeridge High School (Lake Oswego)
• Gabriel Hall, St. Stephen’s Academy (Beaverton)
• Josiah Gaither, St. Stephen’s Academy (Beaverton)
• Kaydence Pope, South Medford High School (Medford)
• Molly Wheeler, South Medford High School (Medford)
• Rain Obiesie, Lakeridge High School (Lake Oswego)
• Samantha Faulkner, Trinity Academy (Portland).

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The Oregon Arts Commission provides leadership, arts programs and funding for nonprofits and artists through its grants, special initiatives and services. Commissioners appointed by the Governor establish policies and provide advisory support for public investment in the arts. The Arts Commission is part of Business Oregon in recognition of the vital role the arts play in supporting the economies, educational opportunities and vibrancy of communities throughout the state.

The Arts Commission is supported with funds appropriated by the Oregon Legislature, as well as the National Endowment for the Arts and the Oregon Cultural Trust. Learn more at oregonartscommission.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Business Oregon Selects New Arts And Culture Communications Coordinator (Photo) - 03/04/26

Former High Desert Museum communications director Heidi Hagemeier will manage communications for Oregon Arts Commission and Cultural Trust.
 

SALEM, Oregon — Business Oregon is pleased to announce the hiring of Heidi Hagemeier as the Communications Coordinator for the Oregon Arts Commission and Cultural Trust programming.

Hagemeier brings over two decades of experience in journalism and communications to the role, along with a career-long dedication to storytelling that connects and inspires. Her professional background is rooted in mission-driven work that benefits local communities.
 

“Heidi brings an incredible ability to craft stories that resonate and inspire,” said Amy Lewin, Director of Arts & Culture. “That talent is exactly what Oregon’s arts and culture sector needs right now to show how creativity drives our economy and strengthens communities. Her experience will help us amplify that message statewide, ensuring cultural programs continue to deliver impact where it matters most.”

Most recently, she served for nearly eight years as the Director of Communications and Visitor Experience at the High Desert Museum in Bend. During her tenure, she oversaw the doubling of the organization’s digital following, guided brand development and played a key role in successful fundraising efforts.

Raised in Montana, Hagemeier developed an early appreciation for the vital role arts and cultural access plays in community health. She earned degrees in journalism and political science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison before moving to Oregon in 2001. Since then, she has explored every corner of the state, gaining a deep understanding of its diverse landscapes and people.

In her new role, Hagemeier will support the Oregon Arts Commission and Cultural Trust in their efforts to sustain and elevate the state’s cultural landscape. She maintains a firm belief that arts and culture are essential for building economically vibrant communities and elevating shared humanity.

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Business Oregon, the state’s economic development agency, invests in Oregon businesses, communities, and people to promote a globally competitive, diverse, and inclusive economy. The agency’s services span rural community development and infrastructure financing; business retention, expansion and recruitment; export promotion and international trade; investments in industry research and development and entrepreneurship; small business assistance; and support for arts and cultural organizations. Learn more at biz.oregon.gov.

High School Students Compete For State Title At The 2026 Poetry Out Loud Oregon Finals (Photo) - 03/03/26

Recent Oregon Poet Laureate Anis Mojgani to give special performance at Historic Grand Theatre in Salem

SALEM, Oregon — The Oregon Arts Commission is proud to present the 2026 Poetry Out Loud State Championships. High school students from across Oregon will gather at the Historic Grand Theatre on March 7 to compete in a dynamic display of memorization, performance and literary interpretation.

WHAT: 2026 Poetry Out Loud Oregon State Championships

WHEN: Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

WHERE: Historic Grand Theatre, 187 High St. NE, Salem, OR 97301

The students advancing to Oregon’s 2026 State Contest are:

Alida Shi Lyons, Cleveland High School (Portland);
Ariana Morris, Redmond High School (Redmond);
Bena Rodecap, Grant High School (Portland);
Drishti Singh, Lakeridge High School (Lake Oswego);
Emma Keen, Oregon School for the Deaf (Salem);
Gabriel Hall, St. Stephen’s Academy (Beaverton);
Josiah Gaither, St. Stephen’s Academy (Beaverton);
Kaydence Pope, South Medford High School (Medford);
Molly Wheeler, South Medford High School (Medford);
Rain Obiesie, Lakeridge High School (Lake Oswego);
Samantha Faulkner, Trinity Academy (Portland).

VISUALS & MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES

At the conclusion of the event (approx. 4 p.m.), media representatives are invited to:

• Conduct interviews with the newly crowned state champion.

• Take photos of the state champion with Oregon First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson and Oregon Arts Commission Chair Jason Holland.

• A media release, images and video announcing the winner will also be made available before 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 7.

A partnership of the National Endowment for the Arts, the Oregon Arts Commission and jurisdictional arts agencies, Poetry Out Loud is a national program that encourages the study of great poetry by offering free educational materials and dynamic recitation competitions. This program helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence and learn about literary history and contemporary life. The Oregon state champion will receive $200 and an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., to compete in the National Finals for a chance to win the $20,000 grand prize. The winner’s school will also receive $500 for poetry materials. The runner-up will receive $100 and their school will receive $200 for materials.

RSVP

Media members planning to attend or requesting post-event interviews are asked to confirm their attendance by contacting Heidi Hagemeier, Arts & Culture Communications Coordinator, 971-518-0966, Heidi.Hagemeier@biz.oregon.gov by March 6.

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The Oregon Arts Commission provides leadership, arts programs and funding for nonprofits and artists through its grants, special initiatives and services. Nine commissioners, appointed by the Governor, establish policies and provide advisory support for public investment in the arts. The Arts Commission is part of Business Oregon in recognition of the vital role the arts play in supporting the economies, educational opportunities and vibrancy of communities throughout the state.

The Arts Commission is supported with funds appropriated by the Oregon Legislature, as well as the National Endowment for the Arts and the Oregon Cultural Trust. Learn more at oregonartscommission.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Oregon Arts Commission Announces New Leadership For 2026 (Photo) - 03/02/26

Jason Holland and Jenny Stadler to lead commission following years of dedicated service from predecessors

SALEM, Oregon — The Oregon Arts Commission is pleased to announce the election of Jason Holland as the new Commission Chair and Jenny Stadler as Vice Chair. The leadership transition, finalized during the Commission’s December 2025 meeting, officially takes effect this month.

As the Commission enters this new chapter, it extends its deepest gratitude to outgoing Chair Subashini Ganesan-Forbes and Vice Chair David Harrelson. Their outstanding leadership over the past two years has been instrumental in advancing the Commission’s mission to support and elevate the arts across the state. Ganesan-Forbes will soon roll off the board while Harrelson will continue to serve as a commissioner.

Jason Holland brings two decades of arts nonprofit experience to his role as Chair. He currently serves as the executive director of the Oregon Coast Council for the Arts, where he oversees the Newport Performing Arts and Visual Arts Centers. With a background in instrumental music, vocal performance and theater direction, Holland’s leadership is informed by both administrative expertise and artistic practice. He also serves on several boards, including the Economic Development Alliance of Lincoln County. His term on the Commission expires March 4, 2028.

Jenny Stadler, Vice Chair, transitioned from a career in academia and psychology to the arts sector in 2013, driven by a lifelong passion for choral music and theater. Most recently, she served as the executive director of PHAME Academy (2017-2024), where she championed equitable arts access for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A consultant and active member of the Choral Arts Ensemble of Portland, Stadler brings a unique perspective on inclusivity and long-range planning to the Vice Chair position. Her term expires June 30, 2028.

“The arts are the heartbeat of Oregon’s communities,” Holland said. “I am honored to serve alongside Jenny and our fellow Commissioners as we continue to expand access to creative expression and support the vital work of artists and organizations across our state.”

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The Oregon Arts Commission provides leadership, arts programs and funding for nonprofits and artists through its grants, special initiatives and services. Nine commissioners, appointed by the Governor, establish policies and provide advisory support for public investment in the arts. The Arts Commission is part of Business Oregon in recognition of the vital role the arts play in supporting the economies, educational opportunities and vibrancy of communities throughout the state.

The Arts Commission is supported with funds appropriated by the Oregon Legislature, as well as the National Endowment for the Arts and the Oregon Cultural Trust. Learn more at oregonartscommission.organd follow us on Facebook and Instagram.