A well-known art gallery in North Portland, Oregon Contemporary, recently faced a major setback when the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) suddenly cancelled a $30,000 grant that was already approved for its upcoming 2026 Artists’ Biennial.
The unexpected decision came just months before the gallery was set to start preparing for one of its biggest events, but the team has promised that the show will continue no matter what.
The Promise and the Cancellation
Oregon Contemporary had been approved for a federal grant to fund the 2026 Artists’ Biennial, a large art exhibition celebrating the country’s 250th anniversary.
The event planned to feature the voices of Indigenous and Black artists, whose stories have often been ignored in mainstream history.
However, in late October 2025, the NEA abruptly informed the gallery that the grant had been cancelled.
The reason given was that the “selected artists and project information were not consistent with the original proposal.” Gallery Director Blake Shell disagreed, saying that no artists or curators were originally named in the proposal, so there was nothing inconsistent.
Timeline of the Incident
| Step | Date | What Happened |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | June 2024 | Grant application submitted when Joe Biden was still president. |
| 2 | August 2025 | NEA confirmed the grant approval under the new administration. |
| 3 | October 29, 2025 | NEA cancelled the grant by email citing inconsistency. |
| 4 | November 2025 | Oregon Contemporary began an emergency fundraising campaign. |
Political Pressure on the Arts
The cancellation didn’t happen in isolation. Earlier in 2025, the Trump administration signed an executive order called “Improving Oversight of Federal Grantmaking.”
This order bans funding for projects that are considered to promote “gender ideology,” “racial preferences,” or “anti-American values.”
Critics say this move threatens artistic freedom and limits discussions about the nation’s true history — especially topics such as the displacement of Native Americans and slavery’s legacy.
Several federal agencies that fund art, culture, and history projects, including the National Endowment for the Humanities, have also faced cutbacks or grant delays.
The Art Show’s Vision
Despite the funding setback, the 2026 Artists’ Biennial will still open on April 1, 2026, at Oregon Contemporary. The event is curated by T.K. Smith, who is known for his work highlighting African and African Diaspora art.
Smith described the exhibition as a reflection on the 250 years since the Declaration of Independence. It will explore how America’s promises of freedom and equality have often been denied to vulnerable communities.
The Biennial will feature more than 25 artists, including Sahar al-Sawaf, Raphael Arar, Tannaz Farsi, Demian DinéYazhi’, and Anis Mojgani.
The Financial Challenge
The total cost of the 2026 Biennial is expected to be over $112,000, including an additional $10,000 for security due to the controversy surrounding the show. To fill the funding gap, Oregon Contemporary has launched an emergency fundraising drive.
The Sitka Center for Art and Ecology, located on the Oregon Coast, stepped up by pledging up to $30,000 to help. Sitka has been a long-time partner of Oregon Contemporary and strongly supports artistic freedom.
Executive Director Alison Dennis said that art must challenge boundaries and continue to give space to diverse identities and stories.
| Funding Source | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| National Endowment for the Arts | $30,000 (cancelled) | Original Biennial support |
| Sitka Center for Art & Ecology | Up to $30,000 | Replacement funding |
| Oregon Contemporary Fundraising | $52,000 (goal) | Event and security costs |
Resilience and Community Support
Blake Shell expressed gratitude to the community and partner organizations for standing with them during this difficult time. She said Oregon Contemporary has more than 50 partnerships every year and plays an active role in supporting artists and nonprofits across Portland.
According to Shell, “In a time of scarcity and uncertainty, generosity is truly courageous.” The support from Sitka and local donors shows how the art community can unite when freedom of expression is at risk.
A Long History of Art and Advocacy
Oregon Contemporary was founded in 2000 (originally called Disjecta Contemporary Arts Center) and has always been a place where new and diverse voices are welcomed. The center’s programs focus on community, collaboration, and showcasing bold ideas through art.
The cancellation of the NEA grant was a serious blow to Oregon Contemporary, but it also revealed the resilience of the art community.
Even without government funding, the gallery and its supporters are determined to make sure the 2026 Artists’ Biennial happens. Their message is clear: art must remain free, diverse, and fearless — even when politics try to silence it.