Oregon Arts & Film (501c3 nonprofit) was founded in late 2025 by a collective of filmmakers and artists who recognized a need in Lane County and greater Oregon for collaborative arts-related support services.

Co-founded in Eugene, OR by Whitney North, a painter; Kurt Liedtke, a filmmaker and photographer; and Katherine Wilson, an icon of Oregon film – the trio formed a board of directors with the goal to reach a Lane County and greater Oregon where creativity flourishes, cinema thrives, art forms are celebrated, preserved, and accessible to all through a unified arts and film sector.
Oregon Arts & Film’s mission is to support the cultural vitality of Lane County by developing accessible pathways for artistic and cinematic creation, supporting local filmmakers and artists, delivering high-impact programs that expand community engagement and celebration with the arts.

Through collaborative efforts with other organizations, nonprofits, government agencies, and artists who live and work in Oregon, we aim to celebrate the rich film history of Oregon, support the current artistic endeavors across Oregon, and nurture the next generation of Oregon artists.

Upcoming efforts include the launch of a new annual film festival in Oregon – OREGON FILM FESTIVAL – celebrating Oregon filmmaking in all its forms. We are in development of a Lane County film museum celebrating the many important film productions that have spanned western Oregon, a Lane County Film Trail and accompanying book, educational programs, cultural film screening, community events, and artistic projects.

Our efforts are vast, our goals profound, and our passions driven by the knowledge that the arts are not only a cultural enrichment, but an economic driver as well.