Oregon Bluegrass Association Awarded $10,000 to Launch Central Oregon Artist-in-Residence Program
The Oregon Bluegrass Association (OBA) is pleased to announce the receipt of a $10,000 community grant to support the launch of Front Porch Roots, a new Bluegrass Artist-in-Residence program serving rural Central Oregon.
The 16-week residency program will expand OBA’s outreach and educational programming into Wasco, Sherman, and Wheeler Counties, providing accessible music education, strengthening community connection, and supporting local economic development through music.
The program will be based in Shaniko, a small high-desert town that has become a hub for rural, community-led music activity. Over the past several years, Shaniko has hosted regular front-porch concerts, informal jams, and small festivals that bring residents and visitors together. Its central location and existing culture of participation make it a logical home base for a regional artist-in-residence program.
“This funding allows us to deepen our commitment to rural Oregon in a very intentional way,” said Pam Brown, President of the Oregon Bluegrass Association. “By placing artists directly into communities, we’re creating opportunities for people of all ages to learn, gather, and experience live bluegrass music close to home—while also supporting local economies and regional partnerships.”
The Front Porch Roots program is designed to reach an estimated 500 residents across three counties through a combination of school visits, library workshops, senior center performances, community jams, and public concerts. Two artist residencies will take place between May and September 2026, each launching with a kick-off concert in Shaniko and expanding outward to partner communities including Maupin, Dufur, Spray, Moro, and Tygh Valley.
Programming will include:
- School visits and youth music engagement, including support for communities currently without formal music programs
- Free and low-cost workshops hosted at libraries and community spaces
- Public concerts and collaborations with local musicians
- Midpoint and final community feedback sessions to inform sustainability and future growth
The program also responds to documented regional needs, including social isolation and behavioral health challenges identified in recent South Wasco County assessments. By immersing musicians withiin underserved rural areas, the residency aims to foster social connection and reduce isolation through shared, in-person experiences.
In addition to cultural impact, the Artist-in-Residence program aligns with broader regional tourism and economic development efforts. OBA and program partners are working with local Chambers of Commerce and tourism organizations to support small businesses and community events across the tri-county region.
Oregon Bluegrass Association has hosted its Annual Members’ Meeting in Shaniko for the past two years as part of a long-term strategy to increase rural outreach and statewide engagement. The Front Porch Roots residency builds on that work and reflects OBA’s commitment to serving musicians and communities across Oregon.
For more information about the Artist-in-Residence program or to get involved, email president@oregonbluegrass.org.
