Founder and CEO of The Black Whole, Kamilah Long
Roberta Lavadour, the executive director of the Pendleton Center for the Arts, and Kamilah Long, founder and CEO of The Black Whole, have been appointed to the Oregon Arts Commission by Governor Kate Brown.
Lavadour is an artist and arts administrator who lives and works in Pendleton. In addition to her leadership position with the Pendleton Center for the Arts, she serves as an advisor to the Roundhouse Foundation Residency program and as a member of the City of Pendleton's Art Commission.
Long is an innovative leader and dynamic theatrical professional. Her multifaceted theater career includes roles as an actor, director, producer, educator, fundraiser, activist and speaker. The Black Whole is a multimedia company focused on centering the Black global community through art and storytelling. It recently co-produced and served as a writer on the short film "You Go Girl," selected for the Sundance Film Festival.
“Roberta and Kamilah epitomize the depth of passion and experience we need to support the arts in Oregon,” said Commission Chair Jenny Green. “Their energy, creativity and commitment to equity will be invaluable in our planning and service to artists, arts organizations and all Oregonians.”
“It is such an honor to serve on the Oregon Arts Commission because they do such great work!” said Long. “This team has a reputation as a group of deep and empathetic thinkers who really focus on making funding as accessible as possible. As both an artist and administrator, I understand both worlds and look forward to diving in and lending my skills and talent to support other artists and arts organizations.” Lavadour and Long begin their four-year terms immediately.
Executive Director of the Pendleton Center for the Arts, Roberta Lavadour
The Arts Commission is supported with general funds appropriated by the Oregon legislature and with federal funds from the National Endowment for the Arts as well as funds from the Oregon Cultural Trust. More information about the Oregon Arts Commission is available online at: www.oregonartscommission.org.