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OSLP Arts & Culture has evolved over the years from a small program inside the Oregon Supported Living Program to having several gallery and studio spaces of its own since the late 1990s. Growing from a desire to enrich the lives of those living with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the Arts & Culture center offers art classes, exhibitions, and a variety of events to help foster artistic expression and community.

Last year, stakeholders in the Arts & Culture Center got together and decided that it would benefit the arts program to become an independent non-profit organization separate from Oregon Supported Living Program. The main reason behind this change is to help the arts and culture programs we offer have access to more arts-specific funding. Grant applications can now show an accurate financial picture instead of using OSLP’s information.

Another reason for the new brand and name is to help create an identity for our arts organization that the community understands better. We’ve had to battle confusion about who can take our classes or show in our gallery. Our vision is to be a fully inclusive arts center, which means that any adult can take a class or participate in our open-call shows, regardless of whether they are experiencing a disability or not. We do not require our participants to have an affiliation with any agency. We are simply a public arts center that focuses on making accommodations for those who may have barriers to a traditional public art class.

Inclusion is always a goal, one that requires continuous improvement. We want everyone in our community to feel welcome in our space and be able to access their creative energy. Radiant Community Arts’ mission is to increase access to the arts to strengthen communities. Moving forward, we will be creating learning models for other organizations to improve accessibility and inclusion in their art spaces. We also plan on expanding our community events. We have a lot of ideas!

Accessibility is a cornerstone of our inclusive approach. Our spaces are designed to be wheelchair accessible, ensuring that everyone can navigate our galleries and studios with ease. Adjustable desks and workstations are available, providing flexibility to accommodate different physical needs. These features allow participants to create comfortably and without barriers. Additionally, we prioritize having ample room for support staff who may accompany participants. Whether it’s a personal care assistant, an interpreter, or a guide, we strive to make sure there is space for everyone involved.

Our instructors are key to fostering an inclusive environment. We work with teachers who are not only skilled artists but also trained to adapt their teaching methods to suit various abilities. This adaptability ensures that all participants, regardless of their experience or physical or cognitive abilities, can fully engage in the creative process. We’re committed to providing a supportive learning atmosphere where everyone feels empowered to explore their artistic potential.

At Radiant Community Arts, we embrace a joyful attitude and love encouraging participants to try new things. We believe that creativity flourishes in a positive and open-minded environment, and we strive to make every class and event a place of discovery and delight. Whether it’s experimenting with a new medium or taking that first step toward self-expression, we are here to support and celebrate every creative journey.

Stay tuned as we roll out new programs and initiatives under our new identity as Radiant Community Arts. We’re excited about this next chapter and can’t wait to continue building a creative, inclusive community with all of you. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or someone just discovering the joy of creating, we invite you to join us on this journey. Together, we can make our community more radiant through the arts!