Ben Westlund Memorial award
The DCC created the annual Ben Westlund Memorial Awards in 2012 to honor an individual or organization who has worked tirelessly to forward the cause and development of arts and culture in central Oregon.
As a member of the Oregon House of Representatives, Ben Westlund co-sponsored the bill that created the Oregon Cultural Trust. As a representative Westlund represented much of Central Oregon, driving every road and cow path to assess the needs of his district. He was by nature a great supporter of unsung heroes and believed in creating access to arts and culture to everyone in this state. As a resident of Tumalo he was a true advocate for the arts in Central Oregon. Ben was taken too early by cancer in 2010 at the age of 60 while serving as our Oregon State Treasurer.
2024 Ben westlund awardee:
Cate O'Hagan
As an arts and cultural leader, administrator, and advocate for more than four decades, Cate is recognized for her contribution to Central Oregon’s cultural landscape. She was a founding member of the Deschutes Cultural Coalition. Cate also served as the executive director of Arts Central for many years.
Past Awardees
2023
Jason Graham, aka MOsley WOtta
As a spoken word artist, musician and visual artist, Jason is recognized for his contribution to the cultural richness of central Oregon
and for his work in the field of cultural diversity, equity and inclusion.
2019
Jean Wells Keenan, Sister Outdoor Quilt Show
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2017
Les Joslin, U.S. Forest Service
Recognized for authoring or editing half a dozen books on various aspects of Forest Service history in Central Oregon and instigating the restoration of several historic Forest Service ranger stations and guard stations
2015
City of Redmond
The city was chosen because of its high aesthetic standards in urban renewal planning and development
2013
Brad Porterfield, Latino Community Association
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2020
Deschutes public library
For its extraordinary level of delivery and access to library services and programs to the citizenry of Deschutes County during the COVID pandemic.
2018
Pam Beezely, Sunriver Music Festival
Pam broadened SMF’s youth and after school programs bringing music education to schools in need.
2016
Bob Boyd, Curator, High Desert Museum
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2014
Carol Leone, Museum at Warm Springs
Carol was recognized for being a strong advocate for arts and culture. She has
been instrumental in creating programs that promote,
inspire and teach about the arts.
2012
Brad Tisdel, Americana Project in Sisters
Brad was instrumental in founding the festival's music outreach program, The Americana Project. The program is an innovative music and arts education program with broad community outreach.