RACC Blog

Reconfigurations: a New Public Artwork Installed Along Recently Developed South Tabor Access Trail

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Join us for a Celebratory Poetry Reading at Mt. Tabor Park

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 25, 2024

Meech Boakye, Communications Lead, RACC, mboakye@racc.org

Kristin Calhoun, Director of Public Art, RACC, kcalhoun@racc.org

Portland, OR — Join the Regional Arts and Culture Council (RACC) on July 31st at 7 pm to celebrate the recently installed public artwork, Reconfigurations. The evening will take place beside the artwork located on the newly completed multi-modal trail South Tabor Access Trail, at SE 64th Avenue and Division Street to SE Sherman Street.

A collaboration between artists, writers, stones, and trees

Three configurations of stones, poetry and trees are set out along this path.

As the trees grow, the reconfiguring will continue…

Walk slowly. The person you are today will be different than the person you are tomorrow.

Reconfigurations began in 2016 when artist Adam Kuby was selected from the RACC Design Team Roster to join the design team of OPSIS Architecture and Lando Landscape Architecture for the Parks Replacement Bond project at Mt. Tabor Yard and the new access trail. The project took many twists and turns, eventually landing on the idea of three pairs of stones engraved with written text each with a tree in the middle which will eventually move (reconfigure) the placement of the stones over time.

Public Art Director Kristin Calhoun introduced Kuby to Dao Strom of de-canon as a potential collaborator for the written aspect of the work. Alongside Strom, a cohort of six poets was curated including Samiya Bashir, Trevino Brings Plenty, Sam Roxas-Chua, Anis Mojgani, Stephanie Adams-Santos.

Each poet was given the prompt to respond to the word reconfigurations in a poem of 30-40 words. Once they had each written their poems, they mutually decided to blend what they had done individually into a new poem that was then laid out & engraved on the six split stone faces set in three locations along the path.

On July 31st, the poets will read their poem aloud, walking the path alongside artist Adam Kuby and the audience. We hope to see you there! For more information, and recorded readings of the poems, please visit our website.

About the Regional Arts & Culture Council:

The Regional Arts & Culture Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides impactful and transformative funding for artists and nonprofit organizations in Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington Counties; manages an acclaimed public art program; leads an advocacy and arts education program; and offers a wide range of technical and professional development workshops. RACC advocates for equity, inclusion, and access, working to build a community in which everyone can participate in culture, creativity, and the arts. We remain steadfast in our mission to enrich every neighborhood we serve.

Reconfigurations

Written by

Documentation of Reconfigurations. Courtesy of Adam Kuby.

On July 31st at 7 pm, we celebrated the recently installed public artwork, Reconfigurations with a poetry reading. The evening will took place beside the artwork located on the newly completed multi-modal trail South Tabor Access Trail, at SE 64th Avenue and Division Street to SE Sherman Street. 

A collaboration between artists, writers, stones, and trees

Three configurations of stones, poetry and trees are set out along this path.

As the trees grow, the reconfiguring will continue…

Walk slowly. The person you are today will be different than the person you are tomorrow.

Reconfigurations began in 2016 when artist Adam Kuby was selected from the RACC Design Team Roster to join the design team of OPSIS Architecture and Lando Landscape Architecture for the Parks Replacement Bond project at Mt. Tabor Yard and the new access trail. The project took many twists and turns, eventually landing on the idea of three pairs of stones engraved with written text each with a tree in the middle which will eventually move (reconfigure) the placement of the stones over time.

Public Art Director Kristin Calhoun introduced Kuby to Dao Strom of de-canon as a potential collaborator for the written aspect of the work. Alongside Strom, a cohort of six poets was curated including Samiya Bashir, Trevino Brings Plenty, Sam Roxas-Chua, Anis Mojgani, Stephanie Adams-Santos.

Each poet was given the prompt to respond to the word reconfigurations in a poem of 30-40 words. Once they had each written their poems, they mutually decided to blend what they had done individually into a new poem that was then laid out & engraved on the six split stone faces set in three locations along the path.

Reconfigurations Full Poem Text

Readings

Introduction

Intro Download (.mp3 file)

Stones Read By Contributors

Stones read by All Contributors

Download Stones Multi-Voice Version (.mp3)

Stones read by Anis Mojgani

Download Stones read by Anis Mojgani (.mp3)

Stones read by Dao Strom

Download Stones read by Dao Strom (.mp3)

Stones read by Sam Roxas-Chua

Download Stones read by Sam Roxas-Chua (.mp3)

Stones read by Samiya Bashir

Download Stones read by Samiya Bashir

Stones read by Stephanie Adams-Santos

Download Stones read by Stephanie Adams-Santos (.mp3)

Stones read by Trevino Brings Plenty

Download Stones read by Trevino Brings Plenty (.mp3)

To download audio files, open the link, right click on the audio playback bar, and select the “save audio as…” option

FY2023-24 General Operating Support Grants

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Learn more about RACC’s General Operating Support program.

General Operating Support Partner Base Awards

Cycle 1 – Reports received in December 2023 and awarded January 2024

  • Artists Repertory Theatre – $45,000
  • Blue Sky Gallery (Oregon Center for the Photographic Arts) – $15,000
  • Boom Arts- $15,000
  • Friends of Chamber Music – $45,000
  • Literary Arts – $60,000
  • Oregon Ballet Theatre – $100,000
  • Portland Columbia Symphony Orchestra- $20,000
  • Portland Youth Philharmonic – $45,000
  • Third Angle New Music – $15,000

Cycle 2 – Reports received in February 2024 and awarded March 2024

  • Alberta Abbey Foundation – $20,000
  • Bodyvox – $45,000
  • Caldera – $30,000
  • Chamber Music Northwest – $45,000
  • Coho Productions – $20,000
  • Imago Theatre – $20,000
  • Metropolitan Youth Symphony – $30,000
  • Oregon Symphony Association – $175,000
  • Outside the Frame – $20,000
  • Pacific Youth Choir – $15,000
  • PlayWrite – $15,000
  • Portland Art Museum – $175,000
  • Portland Center Stage – $100,000
  • Portland Experimental Theatre Ensemble – $15,000
  • Portland Opera – $85,000
  • Portland Playhouse – $45,000
  • Profile Theatre – $30,000
  • Shaking the Tree Theatre – $20,000
  • Street Books – $15,000
  • The Portland Ballet – $30,000
  • Third Rail Repertory Theatre – $20,000
  • White Bird – $30,000

Cycle 3 – Reports received in May 2024 and awarded June 2024

  • All Ages Music Portland (Friends of Noise) – $15,000
  • Arts for Learning Northwest – $45,000
  • Cappella Romana – $30,000
  • Children’s Healing Art Project – $15,000
  • Corrib Theatre – $15,000
  • Echo Theater Company – $30,000
  • Ethos Music Center – $30,000
  • Hand2Mouth – $20,000
  • Hollywood Theatre – $60,000
  • Independent Publishing Resource Center – $15,000
  • Lan Su Chinese Garden – $30,000
  • Live Wire Radio – $30,000
  • My Voice Music – $30,000
  • New Expressive Works – $15,000
  • Northwest Children’s Theater & School – $60,000
  • Northwest Dance Project – $45,000
  • NW Documentary Arts & Media – $15,000
  • Oregon BRAVO Youth Orchestras – $45,000
  • Oregon Children’s Theatre – $60,000
  • Oregon Contemporary – $20,000
  • PassinArt: A Theatre Company – $15,000
  • PDX Jazz – $30,000
  • PHAME – $30,000
  • Polaris Dance Theatre – $15,000
  • Portland Baroque Orchestra – $30,000
  • Portland Gay Men’s Chorus – $30,000
  • Portland Institute for Contemporary Art – $45,000
  • Portland Piano International – $20,000
  • Portland Street Art Alliance – $30,000
  • Portland Taiko – $15,000
  • Resonance Ensemble – $15,000
  • The Red Door Project – $30,000
  • Triangle Productions – $15,000
  • World Stage Theatre – $20,000
  • Write Around Portland – $20,000

GOS New Partner Organizations – awarded June 2024

  • North Pole Studio – $20,000
  • OK You –$15,000
  • Open Hearts Open Minds – $15,000
  • Rejoice! Diaspora Dance Theater – $15,000
  • Vanport Mosaic – $15,000
  • Willamette Light Brigade, dba Portland Winter Lights Festival – $15,000

Capacity Building Organizations participating in FY23-24

  • ArtMax Academy (Washington County) – $25,000
  • Cymaspace – $25,000
  • En Taiko- $25,000
  • Instituto de Cultura e Arte In Xochitl In Cuicatl – $25,000
  • MediaRites – $25,000
  • Rejoice Diaspora Dance Theater- $25,000
  • Takohachi- $25,000
  • Theatre Diaspora- $25,000
  • Vanport Mosiac – $25,000
  • World Arts Foundation- $25,000

GOS Investment Awards – awarded June 2024

  • Alberta Abbey Foundation – $20,000
  • All Ages Music Portland (Friends of Noise) – $22,000
  • Artists Repertory Theatre – $11,000
  • Arts for Learning Northwest (formerly Young Audiences) – $13,000
  • Blue Sky / Oregon Center for the Photographic Art – $16,000
  • Bodyvox – $11,000
  • Boom Arts – $22,000
  • Caldera – $20,000
  • Cappella Romana – $13,000
  • Chamber Music Northwest – $20,000
  • Coho Productions – $20,000
  • Corrib Theatre – $11,000
  • Ethos Music Center – $23,000
  • Friends of Chamber Music – $7,000
  • Hand2Mouth – $11,000
  • Hollywood Theatre (Film Action Oregon) –  $22,000
  • Imago Theatre – $11,000
  • Independent Publishing Resource Center – $25,000
  • Literary Arts – $20,000
  • Live Wire Radio – $11,000
  • Metropolitan Youth Symphony – $11,000
  • My Voice Music – $22,000
  • New Expressive Works – $13,000
  • Northwest Children’s Theater & School – $20,000
  • Northwest Dance Project – $11,000
  • NW Documentary Arts & Media – $16,000
  • Oregon Ballet Theatre – $20,000
  • Oregon BRAVO Youth Orchestras – $7,000
  • Oregon Contemporary – $22,000
  • Oregon Symphony Association – $16,000
  • Outside the Frame – $15,000
  • Pacific Youth Choir – $16,000
  • PassinArt: A Theatre Company – $20,000
  • PDX Jazz – $16,000
  • PHAME – $30,000
  • PlayWrite – $16,000
  • Polaris Dance Theatre – $22,000
  • Portland Art Museum – $25,000
  • Portland Baroque Orchestra – $7,000
  • Portland Center Stage – $27,000
  • Portland Experimental Theatre Ensemble – $20,000
  • Portland Gay Men’s Chorus – $17,000
  • Portland Institute for Contemporary Art – $20,000
  • Portland Opera – $11,000
  • Portland Piano International – $5,000
  • Portland Playhouse – $27,000
  • Portland Street Art Alliance – $20,000
  • Portland Youth Philharmonic – $7,000
  • Profile Theatre – $25,000
  • Resonance Ensemble – $22,000
  • Shaking the Tree Theatre – $20,000
  • Street Books – $22,000
  • The Portland Ballet – $13,000
  • Third Angle New Music – $27,000
  • Third Rail Repertory Theatre – $17,000
  • White Bird – $20,000
  • World Stage Theatre – $15,000
  • Write Around Portland – $11,000

 

Greg Netzer Appointed Interim Executive Director at the Regional Arts & Culture Council

Written by

Six New Members Join RACC’s Board of the Directors

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

  • Meech Boakye
  • Communications Lead, RACC
  • Email: mboakye@racc.org

Portland, OR — May 1, 2024. The Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Greg Netzer as Interim Executive Director. With over three decades of strategic consulting and leadership experience, Netzer steps into this role committed to fostering an equitable and thriving creative ecosystem in the Tri-County area.

Greg has been an active member of the arts community as the Executive Director of Wordstock now known as The Portland Book Festival. He was previously involved with RACC as a grant recipient, a panel reviewer, and an advocate for RACC offering testimony before the Portland City Council. As Interim Executive Director, Greg will collaborate closely with the staff, board, and community partners to assess and enhance how RACC serves its stakeholders.

Netzer’s diverse experience ranges from leading Fortune 100 companies to advisory roles in startup nonprofits. His extensive background positions him to lead RACC, providing him with deep insights into effective arts administration, strategic innovation, community engagement, and cultural advocacy.

“Greg Netzer is uniquely equipped to lead RACC during this pivotal time. His vast professional experience and personal dedication to the arts are exactly what RACC needs as we look to the future,” says Kathleen Holt, Interim Board Chair. “We are confident that his leadership will invigorate our new initiatives and strengthen our contributions to the region’s cultural landscape.”

RACC is also excited to announce the appointment of six members to our Board of Directors: Toni Tabora-Roberts, Tammy Jo Wilson, Matthew Landkamer, Mayra Arreola, Carla Pilar Salazar, and Bob Deasy. Jointly, these new members bring a rich spectrum of expertise spanning organizational management, artistic and cultural programming, policy implementation, and financial oversight.

“I’m excited to join the RACC Board of Directors at this inflection point in its history, and I look forward to supporting the staff in re-envisioning the future of RACC and identifying innovative and impactful approaches to continue to foster a lively future for arts and culture in the Metro area,” says newly appointed Matthew Landkamer.

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About the Regional Arts & Culture Council:

The Regional Arts & Culture Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides impactful and transformative funding for artists and nonprofit organizations in Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington Counties; manages an acclaimed public art program; leads an advocacy and arts education program; and offers a wide range of technical and professional development workshops. RACC advocates for equity, inclusion, and access, working to build a community in which everyone can participate in culture, creativity, and the arts. For more information, visit www.racc.org.

2023-24 RACC Arts3C Grants (Spring 2024 cycle)

Written by

The RACC Arts3C Grant Program is for the Creation, Cultivation & Community in the Portland metropolitan tri-county region. Multnomah and Washington County applicants who are creating and sharing arts and culture programming in all disciplines could apply for support for projects or activities in the arts. The following 284 RACC Arts3C Grants were awarded in April 2024 for a total of $1,134,000

2023-24 RACC Arts3C Grant awards (Spring 2024 cycle):

Individual artists Working Title Primary Artistic Discipline  County Award
alexander abrazaldo Ambient Music for Randall Children’s Hospital  2024 Music Multnomah County $5,000
James Alby My Dark is Beautiful Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $2,000
Hope Amico Keep Writing project Archive update Socially-Engaged Art Multnomah County $2,000
Samara Andre P-Town short film fest Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $5,000
Sasha Archibald Present Work at Université de Lille Literature Multnomah County $1,000
 Mark Arciaga Puerta Negra LP Music Multnomah County $5,000
Amanda Arroyo Tiny Gallery St. Johns Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $2,000
Liz Asch Greenhill Metaphor Medicine in Translation Media arts Multnomah County $2,000
Balamurali Balu World Music Ensemble Music Washington County $4,000
Zac Banik Creating an Educational and Community Space in SE PDX Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $4,000
Danielle Barker Career development Music Multnomah County $5,000
Barn Radio 2024 Q3/4 Operating Support Music Multnomah County $5,000
Kosmo Barnes The Others: A Tribute to Alternative Drag Multi-Discipline Multnomah County $5,000
Emma Barrow Other Plans (short film) Film/ Video Multnomah County $5,000
 Sara Behrman The Sea Hides A Seahorse Book Tour Literature Multnomah County $5,000
 Lauren Blair First Show at Good Bug Studio Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $4,000
 Matt Blairstone Cover Art and Illustrations for Tenebrous Press Projects – 2024 Literature Multnomah County $4,000
 jesse blanchard Lubbls Film/ Video Multnomah County $4,000
 Arielle Brackett Art Residency in Iceland Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $2,000
 Zoë Gamell Brown Creolese Curry Multi-Discipline Multnomah County $5,000
 Tommy Bruce Wild Night Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $4,000
Megan Buday (Baby LeStrange) Seasonal Delusions Multi-Discipline Multnomah County $3,000
 David Burrows instruments and equipment for music education Music Multnomah County $5,000
 Mary Denise Busch Tuition for DanceAbility Master Teacher Program Dance/ Movement Washington County $2,000
 erika callihan I’m Driving Here Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $2,000
Juracán Pierre Carbuccia Abbott juracán @ Latin Alternative Music Conference Music Multnomah County $2,000
 Ezra Carlsen Burnside Street Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $2,000
Shannon Carlson Murmurations and Other Living Clouds Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $3,000
Roxanne Castano Old Town Chinatown: A Creative Canvas Multi-Discipline Multnomah County $5,000
 David Celsi “Vortex I, A Biodegradable Festival Of The Arts.” a graphic novel by David Chelsea Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $4,000
 Shareina Chandler Barefaced Film/ Video Multnomah County $5,000
 G. Chesler Trans Lives during COVID-19 Film/ Video Multnomah County $5,000
 Robin Chilstrom Cullyville Stories Socially-Engaged Art Multnomah County $4,000
 Srijon Chowdhury Exhibition support Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $5,000
 Lauren Cloughesy Introductory Handbuilding Ceramic Workshop Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $2,000
 Chantel Cook Oblique Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $3,000
 Twig Cosby Queer Cat 2024: An LGBTQIA+ Wood-Fire Weekend Experience Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $5,000
 Breesa Culver Line Time Media arts Multnomah County $3,000
 Fernanda D’Agostino Mar, Mar e Mar / Career development Media arts Multnomah County $5,000
 Syon Davis Land of Abundi: An ANTHROPODS Experiment Film/ Video Multnomah County $5,000
 Sam Dechenne Brass Band Project Music Multnomah County $4,000
 Brendan Deiz Doombia Vol. 2 Music Multnomah County $5,000
Jordan DeLawder Clearing Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $2,000
 Meg Denton Port Townsend School of Woodworking Building Course/Equipment for development: chisel set, hand router, drill and bits Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $3,000
 marquise dickerson Coquillage (Sea Shell) Music Multnomah County $5,000
 Mayada Dinno Multicultural Handmade Art Exhibit Visual arts (2D and 3D) Washington County $5,000
Alena Doe Selam Sunday Multi-Discipline Multnomah County $3,000
 Elsa Dougherty New Devised Work Theatre/Musical Theatre Multnomah County $5,000
 Carolyn Hazel Drake Interactive Exhibition Catalog Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $2,000
 Merridawn Duckler That’s W.A.K! Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $2,000
 Emmeline Eao Practice Post Relaunch Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $5,000
 Noelle Eaton Bike Play Theatre/Musical Theatre Multnomah County $5,000
 Michael Espinoza Super Fund Cruising Site Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $5,000
 Oliver Evangelista “FLIP: Filipinos Living In Portland” Film/ Video Multnomah County $4,000
 Ogochimere Ezendokwere Afrodance Experience Dance/ Movement Multnomah County $5,000
 Cassandra Ferguson Lost Bearings Press Collaboration with Nakemiah Williams Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $2,000
 Nick Fidelman Karaoke in Strange Places Socially-Engaged Art Multnomah County $3,000
 Akila Fields multi-media music film with dance showcasing Portland Music Multnomah County $2,000
 Candace Fields LTMF Post-Production Film/ Video Multnomah County $5,000
 Marcelo Fontana Form.a 2024 Multi-Discipline Multnomah County $5,000
 Michael Fox Bee GDP, Capitalist’s Guide to Transportation Multi-Discipline Multnomah County $2,000
Pamela Fox NightBoat Presents Music Multnomah County $2,000
 tracy francis Oculus Anubis Multi-Discipline Washington County $4,000
 Ebenezer Galluzzo Landscape of Belonging (working title) Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $2,000
 Nick Gamer Nick Gamer 2024 Studio Album ‘Oregoner’ Music Multnomah County $4,000
 Ross Garlow Ross Garlow’s Big Water Music Multnomah County $4,000
Brian Garrison Science and Art in Orbit (Collisions Allowed) Literature Multnomah County $3,000
 Catherine Garvin Celestial Harp and Song Music Multnomah County $5,000
 Carolyn Gates Cascadia Drag Festival Multi-Discipline Multnomah County $5,000
 Rose Gerber Album recording Music Multnomah County $2,000
 Phoebe Gildea LIZZIE: The Musical Theatre/Musical Theatre Multnomah County $4,000
Mini Giri Indigo Stories Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $2,000
 Kye Grant Planet Lloyd Newspaper Socially-Engaged Art Multnomah County $5,000
 Marisa Grattan Dear Matafele Peinam Film/ Video Multnomah County $5,000
 Malini Gupta You Are Invited Visual arts (2D and 3D) Washington County $5,000
 Anastasiya Gutnik Windswept Multi-Discipline Multnomah County $4,000
Pamela Hadley Sensitive (solo show at Carnation Contemporary) Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $5,000
 Justin Hamacher Tidelands Traveling Theater Theatre/Musical Theatre Multnomah County $3,000
 Wendy Hambidge Standing Together: Seeing and Being Seen Dance/ Movement Multnomah County $5,000
 Julie Hammond Hindsight 2020 Theatre/Musical Theatre Multnomah County $5,000
 Jessica Harris equipment and tools for jewelry business Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $4,000
 Olivia Harwood Olivia Harwood’s Solo Exhibition at One Grand Gallery Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $5,000
 Erinn Kathryn Hatter In The Frail exhibition Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $4,000
 Dave Hedberg “The Seeds of Peace” documentary film edit and community feedback screening Film/ Video Multnomah County $4,000
 Emelia Hiltner Artist Residency and coursework at the International Ceramics Studio, Kecskemét, Hungary; and a written article to share the experience Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $5,000
 Lyndsay Hogland Once in A Lifetime: Dead People’s Sheets Multi-Discipline Multnomah County $1,000
 Zoe Huddleston Come Inside Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $5,000
 Nat Hulskamp Seffarine Crossroads Video Music Multnomah County $5,000
Hungry Mantis Bringing the Magic of VR to Young Adults Media arts Multnomah County $2,000
 Sara James Freestanding Aerial Rig Dance/ Movement Multnomah County $2,000
 Andrew Jones Mastering and vinyl pressing of sophomore album about biraciality as Berkley Music Multnomah County $5,000
 Leigh Jones Lucky (A Live Music Video) Music Multnomah County $4,000
 Travis Jones DJ events: Brunch Fest and One Night Only Music Multnomah County $4,000
 Marissa Kaiser Teal & Princess Film/ Video Multnomah County $4,000
 Prashant Kakad Mashup Monday’s Music Multnomah County $5,000
 Varun Kataria outsrc – migration anticipation generation Socially-Engaged Art Multnomah County $3,000
 Chamisa Kellogg A Walk through Winter Wonderland Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $5,000
 Terrance Burton NE Portland multimedia music-recording studio for youth Multi-Discipline Multnomah County $5,000
 Michelle Kicherer “Sexy Life, Hello” Audiobook Production and Distribution Literature Multnomah County $3,000
 Julia Kim searching for 할머니 Visual arts (2D and 3D) Washington County $5,000
 Ricky King Tender Film/ Video Multnomah County $5,000
 michelle knight Professional development to learn how to create murals to engage the community Visual arts (2D and 3D) Washington County $1,000
 Pearson Kunz Spring Bloom Film/ Video Multnomah County $5,000
 Daelyn Lambi ILYth2: ILY2 Youth Arts Programming Socially-Engaged Art Multnomah County $4,000
 Jamie Latham Microscopy and Art on a Queer Farm Socially-Engaged Art Multnomah County $1,000
 S.A. Lawrence-Welch The Tradish.ish Consistency Project Multi-Discipline Multnomah County $5,000
 Jim Lommasson “What I Carry” (working title) Visual arts (2D and 3D) Washington County $4,000
Claire Lorenzo Shore Pines Album Music Multnomah County $3,000
 Ernest Lowe III Leaders of Men Film/ Video Multnomah County $4,000
 Marne Lucas ‘Bardo Project: Oregon’ Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $5,000
 Deanna Lucia Recontexturalize art historical paintings to represent contemporary climate change crisis Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $2,000
 Summer Luu Yellow Balloon Film/ Video Multnomah County $5,000
Gwyneth Manley Ceramics Kiln for StudioGwyneth Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $3,000
 Sarey Martin The Winemaker: A short film with big impact Film/ Video Multnomah County $5,000
 maximiliano martinez QUERUBINES obsidian/s Multi-Discipline Multnomah County $5,000
Will Matsuda Hibakujumoku Exhibition Preparation Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $2,000
Neil Mattson Trio Flux Adam Tribute Project Music Multnomah County $4,000
 Bridget McBride Crazy Like a Fox Podcast Media arts Multnomah County $5,000
 Kacy  McKinney Changing the Narrative: Arts-based research on homelessness and housing instability Socially-Engaged Art Multnomah County $3,000
 kia metzler holden funding proposal for new inventory and display Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $2,000
 Christine Miller all de watermillion fr’m hebun Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $5,000
 Pam Minty Le Haricot Project: Production Phase Film/ Video Multnomah County $5,000
 Anis Mojgani Poems at sunset out a window Multi-Discipline Multnomah County $5,000
 Phoebe Mol World Egg Press: Publication and Launch Literature Multnomah County $4,000
 Eric Molina Los Mal Hablados debut album Music Multnomah County $5,000
 Jesse Morrow LP1 – MORROW Music Multnomah County $4,000
 Eleanor Nakayama MULTI:  Weaving Memories, Being Present, Dreaming Future Multi-Discipline Multnomah County $4,000
 KHEM NFN Painting Career Growth Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $2,000
Roman Norfleet Be Present Art Group Mini Docu Film on Black Improvisation in Portland Film/ Video Multnomah County $5,000
 Willow Norton Alabaster Community Project Theatre/Musical Theatre Multnomah County $5,000
 Bea Yeh Ogden Hungry Ghost Festival Socially-Engaged Art Multnomah County $2,000
 Jason Okamoto “My first name is Isao” Film/ Video Multnomah County $2,000
Morek Me’ch O’Rourke Purchase of a kiln Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $5,000
 ara oshin Writing workshop attendance Socially-Engaged Art Multnomah County $1,000
 Zainab Outlaw Seers of the Savant Garde Multi-Discipline Multnomah County $5,000
 Edie Overturf Heavy Processing Artist Book and documentation Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $3,000
 Judith Pacheco-Lujano A Portland Black and Indigenous Artists Retreat Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $5,000
 Shana Palmer North View Gallery, solo exhibition Multi-Discipline Multnomah County $5,000
Cristian Paluso Smokey’s Film/ Video Multnomah County $4,000
 Jason Payton Art meets technology, expanding the possibilities with laser cut precision. Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $4,000
 Roger Peet 6065: Democracy and Dictatorship Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $3,000
 Yaara Perczek Album Release Performance Music Multnomah County $5,000
 Javier Perez Documentary for Academia Gabriela Film/ Video Washington County $5,000
 Marissa Perez Neighborhood Talent Show! Theatre/Musical Theatre Multnomah County $2,000
 Darci Phenix The Finishing and Release of my Album Music Multnomah County $4,000
 Samantha Pinkerton PDX Songwriters Music Multnomah County $5,000
 Re Pinter No Name Comix Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $2,000
 Aedin Powell As Rare as I Am Film/ Video Multnomah County $5,000
 Shade Pratt Beneath the Surface Visual arts (2D and 3D) Washington County $5,000
 Harper Quinn Twin Window Editions Literature Multnomah County $3,000
 Jennifer Rabin Artist Residency Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $2,000
Jayanthi Raman Goddess Within Me Dance/ Movement Washington County $5,000
 Sweta Ravisankar Guru Vandana Dance/ Movement Washington County $5,000
 Kiah Raymond The Journey Through Three Worlds: A New Yiddish Folktale Multi-Discipline Multnomah County $5,000
 Daniel Reyes Llinás Belonging Music Multnomah County $5,000
 Jocelyn Rice Natures Embrace Multi-Discipline Multnomah County $3,000
 Erika Rier Attend the Illustration Conference in Minneapolis Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $2,000
 Morgan Ritter SPACE AVAILABLE Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $3,000
 hampton rodriguez Wildlife in Oregon Lotería “Oregon Wildlife Lotería” Socially-Engaged Art Multnomah County $3,000
 Alicia Rose Girls  In Trouble TV Film/ Video Multnomah County $5,000
 Matthew Ross Into the Unknown – An Autobiographical Journey Through Stage 4 Cancer Film/ Video Multnomah County $5,000
Isabella Saavedra Studio Costs – Individual Artist Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $4,000
 Althea Sanford “Invisible Threads: Weaving Tales in the Absence of Proof” Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $5,000
 Julian Saporiti Hoyt Arboretum Sound Galleries Music Multnomah County $5,000
 Mandee Schroer Exhibition and Print Development Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $5,000
 Moni Sears Workspace for the Portland All Souls River Procession Socially-Engaged Art Multnomah County $4,000
 Sharon Servilio Hyphae – group exhibition exploring ecological mysticism Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $3,000
 Vin Shambry Searching for York: Corps of Discovery Theatre/Musical Theatre Multnomah County $5,000
Jen Shin Feasting on Words Literature Multnomah County $5,000
 Stepan Simek Veronica, in Bed – Live Performance Open Space Residency at Shaking the Tree Theatre/Musical Theatre Multnomah County $5,000
 Shawnte Sims Hashtag Dad Life; A Look into Fatherhood Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $5,000
 Lindsey Snell Lost Wax Artwork and Community Courses Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $4,000
 Salomée Souag Residency Project Socially-Engaged Art Multnomah County $4,000
 Savannah Steiner I Got Really Good At Being Alone Film/ Video Multnomah County $3,000
 Michael Stevenson Young Archivists Build A Living Archive Multi-Discipline Multnomah County $5,000
 Andrea Stolowitz Ireland and Jewishness Literature Multnomah County $5,000
 Kou Sugita Murida – Debut EP “Vectors” Music Washington County $3,000
 Jennifer Swanson Photo project Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $3,000
 Taravat Talepasand Funding for Residency Visual arts (2D and 3D) Washington County $4,000
 Sean Tarjyoto BridgeCast PDX Multi-Discipline Multnomah County $2,000
 Marianna Thielen This is What It’s For Music Multnomah County $5,000
 Helena Dupre Thompson Printing Expenses Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $3,000
 Lady Tournament Tournament.Haus presents: ROOMinate Multi-Discipline Multnomah County $2,000
 Shawn Trail Universal Music Design [The (visual) Album] Media arts Multnomah County $5,000
 Zoe Tricoche Kill Michael EP/ALBUM Music Multnomah County $4,000
 Carmi Tronci Bell GODHEAD: Budget for Guest Artists Media arts Multnomah County $4,000
 Leora Troper Nisim & The Toymaker Literature Multnomah County $4,000
 Jane Unger MINK RIVER Theatre/Musical Theatre Washington County $5,000
 Kelda Van Patten Bloom Flowers Lady Stock Images Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $4,000
 Patricia Vazquez Gomez Random Acts of Decommodification Socially-Engaged Art Multnomah County $4,000
 Freddy Vilches Latinx and Afro Descendants Poetry and Music Music Multnomah County $5,000
 Tony Vilorio Puchica Cipote album Music Multnomah County $4,000
Elise Wahl Chalk the Grove: Interactive Art Play Series Multi-Discipline Washington County $1,000
 Heather Wertheimer “I Will Stand With You” Anti-Racism Video Project Multi-Discipline Multnomah County $5,000
 Aaron Wessling Year-Long Study of the Sandy River Delta Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $2,000
 John Whitten Material Traces Through a Digital Terrain: recent drawings by John Whitten Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $2,000
 Marquishia Winters Parable of the Plant: Tobacco Multi-Discipline Multnomah County $5,000
 Davis Wohlford Solo Immersive “Misfit Toys” Exhibition at X Gallery Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $2,000
 Valerie Yeo Homecoming: An AAPI Art Collective Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $3,000

 

Organizations Working Title Primary Artistic Discipline  County Award
Advance Gender Equity in the Arts ALP in ACTION Operating Funds Theatre/Musical Theatre Multnomah County $5,000
Albina Music Trust Greaterkind Vinyl Album Production & Album Release Event Music Multnomah County $5,000
Aligned Artistry Music of the Birds – commission Music Multnomah County $5,000
All Classical Radio All Classical Radio Professional and Youth Artists in Residence Music Multnomah County $4,000
A-WOL Dance Collective Art in the Dark 2024 outdoor performances Dance/ Movement Multnomah County $4,000
Bach Cantata Choir Discovery Series Music Multnomah County $5,000
 Baylasan Botanicals Rooted In Resistance Media arts Multnomah County $5,000
Beaverton Symphony Orchestra 40th Anniversary Ruby Celebration Inaugural Community Concert Music Washington County $5,000
Big Mouth Society The Fruits of Our Labor Music Multnomah County $4,000
Black Food Sovereignty Coalition Beautifying Black Food Sovereignty Coalition’s Black Community and Business Resilience Hub Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $5,000
Borderline Press Book making exploration Multi-Discipline Multnomah County $2,000
Center for the Arts Foundation Music Monday and Wednesday Music in the Parks Spring 2024 Music Multnomah County $5,000
Clay St. Studios Studio Saturdays at Clay St. Studios Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $5,000
COCOLAB Design Stay ON the Grass (V3.0) Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $5,000
Couch Film Collective Catalyst Film Collective- Operating Support, Rise screening Film / Video Multnomah County $5,000
Curbside Serenade Curbside Serenade Summer Series at Laurelhurst Park Music Multnomah County $5,000
The Curiosity Paradox Dis/Rep Embodiment Series Socially-Engaged Art Multnomah County $5,000
Defense Fund PDX Abolitionist Exhibition 2025 Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $5,000
Elbow Room Elbow Room Collaborative Arts Workshops Multi-Discipline Multnomah County $5,000
en Taiko Spring Concert 2024 Multi-Discipline Multnomah County $5,000
EXT. 606 TMS 60.6 FM Media arts Multnomah County $5,000
Extradition Ensemble Extradition Plays Goldstein Music Multnomah County $3,000
Fear No Music Fear No Music concert and DeMystifying New Music series Music Multnomah County $5,000
Fine Art Starts! Digital Art Program Multi-Discipline Washington County $5,000
Fonograf Editions Low: Notes on Art & Trash Literature Multnomah County $5,000
Freakybuttrue Peculiarium Peculiarium Museum Relocation and Upgrade Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $2,000
Friends of Sellwood Community House Make Music, Build Community Multi-Discipline Multnomah County $3,000
Gather:Make:Shelter GMS Mullowney Print Project and Exhibition Multi-Discipline Multnomah County $5,000
Graphic Arts Center Woven Editions Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $4,000
The Healing Underground Healing Through Art – BIPOC Community Art Nights Socially-Engaged Art Multnomah County $5,000
Hellenic-American Cultural Center & Museum of Oregon and SW Washington HACCM audio tour and collection guides Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $2,000
Hillsboro Tuesday Marketplace, Inc AAPI Night Visual arts (2D and 3D) Washington County $2,000
Honeybee Films The Harvest Widow Documentary Film Film/ Video Multnomah County $5,000
Immutable Studio The Immutable Studio – Space Media arts Multnomah County $5,000
IN A LANDSCAPE IN A LANDSCAPE: Washington Park Amphitheater Rose Garden Concerts Music Multnomah County $5,000
In Mulieribus IM Educational Artist Residency Program Music Multnomah County $4,000
Jazz Society of Oregon 44th Annual Cathedral Park Jazz Festival Music Multnomah County $5,000
Kickstand Comedy Comedy in the Park 2024 Theatre/Musical Theatre Multnomah County $5,000
Kind Heart Arts Mental Health & Crafts for Parents and Caregivers Multi-Discipline Multnomah County $3,000
Leaven Community Arts “Collab” at Leaven Community Multi-Discipline Multnomah County $3,000
Lent Elementary PTA Lent Elementary Playground Mural Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $4,000
Many Hats Collaboration The Hatchery New Play Incubator Theatre/Musical Theatre Multnomah County $5,000
Meals on Wheels People MOWP Cultural Outreach Project Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $5,000
MetroEast Community Media Food Foray Film / Video Multnomah County $5,000
Misfit Academy Recovery Effort For The Steep and Thorny Way to Heaven Multi-Discipline Multnomah County $5,000
Montavilla Jazz Montavilla Jazz supports Vestal Social Justice Night Socially-Engaged Art Multnomah County $5,000
Mount Tabor Dance Community Mount Tabor Dance Community Early Season Dances Multi-Discipline Multnomah County $5,000
Multnomah Arts Center Association Funding for Auditorium LED Follow Spot Theatre/Musical Theatre Multnomah County $4,000
New Moon Productions Drama Literacy Program Theatre/Musical Theatre Multnomah County $2,000
Native American Youth and Family Center 12th Annual Neerchokikoo Powwow Multi-Discipline Multnomah County $5,000
New Room Studios A Kitty Can Prevent Suicide Theatre/Musical Theatre Multnomah County $5,000
New Wave Opera Family Friendly Contemporary Chamber Opera Music Multnomah County $4,000
New Year in the Park 2024 New Year in the Park Multi-Discipline Multnomah County $5,000
Nomadic Theatre CO The Nomadic Ambassadors of Joy Theatre/Musical Theatre Multnomah County $5,000
North Pole Studio 2025 Outsider Art Fair Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $5,000
Next Up Youth Music Festival Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $3,000
Ode, LLC Operational funding for the sustainability of our Artist Residency program and Makers Markets. Multi-Discipline Multnomah County $5,000
Open Space “dust.” Dance/ Movement Multnomah County $4,000
Overlook Neighborhood Association 3rd Annual Overlook Porchfest Music Multnomah County $1,000
Portland Actors Conservatory Youth Outreach Program Theatre/Musical Theatre Multnomah County $4,000
Portland Area Theatre Alliance Fertile Ground Festival Venue Theatre/Musical Theatre Multnomah County $4,000
Portland Chamber Orchestra Marketing Investment in PCO Music Multnomah County $5,000
Portland Dance Film Fest 8th Annual Portland Dance Film Fest Dance/ Movement Multnomah County $5,000
Portland Fire Fighters Charitable Fund Inc. Portland Fire Fighters Pipes and Drums Spring 2024 Music Multnomah County $5,000
Portland Indigenous Marketplace IndigenoUS Art Installation Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $5,000
Portland Jazz Composers Ensemble PJCE at 2024 Montavilla Jazz Festival Music Multnomah County $2,000
Portland Latin American Film Festival XVIII PORTLAND LATIN AMERICAN FILM FESTIVAL Film/ Video Multnomah County $5,000
Portland Mornings Portland Creates: A Podcast Media arts Multnomah County $5,000
Portland SummerFest OPERA IN THE PARK presents “La Traviata” at Peninsula Park, Summer 2024 Music Multnomah County $5,000
Portland Symphonic Choir Summer Sings – Free Concert Series and Recording Project Music Multnomah County $5,000
Portland Wind Symphony Portland Wind Symphony 2024 concert season operating support Music Multnomah County $3,000
Reynolds School District Purchase of Dance Mirrors Dance/ Movement Multnomah County $4,000
Rock Dojo “Elijah & the Sacred Song” Theatre/Musical Theatre Multnomah County $5,000
Sabin CDC Sabin CDC Art and Wellness Event Series Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $5,000
Somali Cultural Museum of Oregon Somali Cultural Heritage Showcase: Preserving and Sharing Our Rich Legacy Multi-Discipline Multnomah County $5,000
SRC Community Consulting, LLC Music at the Market Music Multnomah County $5,000
Steps for Youth Bloom Spring Student Performance Dance/ Movement Multnomah County $4,000
T & A Grand Theater and Media Ten, Tiny, Talks Artist in Residency and Film Festival (rebranding as Tauraro Festival and Residency) Film/ Video Washington County $5,000
Takohachi Tsugaru Shamisen Concert with Shionobue Bamboo Flute and Taiko Music Multnomah County $2,000
Variable West Variable West Art and Ecology Symposium Literature Multnomah County $5,000
Venezuela’s Voice in Oregon Cultural Afternoon with Venezuela- Fiesta 10th Anniversary Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $3,000
Westside Community & Youth Orchestra WCYO: Student + Adult Orchestral Concert with High School Choir Music Washington County $3,000
Waterstone Gallery Operating expenses Visual arts (2D and 3D) Multnomah County $5,000
Whet, LLC Whet Studio Improvements and Community Development Multi-Discipline Multnomah County $5,000
Women In Film-Portland WIF-PDX Educate & Incubate program Film / Video Multnomah County $2,000

Re: Cultural Framework

Written by

As a pivotal player in the regional arts and culture landscape across greater Portland for the past 28 years, the Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC) is proud to reaffirm our mission, impact, and resonance with the Our Creative Future regional framework released on Monday, March 25th. As a regionally formed  independent 501(c)(3) organization, RACC has consistently championed creative endeavors, fostering vibrant communities through arts and culture.

We eagerly anticipate our continued presence in action plans and the investment in our organization to further enhance our support of the regional arts and culture ecosystem.

RACC in the Region:

RACC serves as a vital conduit for the creative economy in the tri-county region by extending funding and services to artists and art organizations, orchestrating a comprehensive regional public art program, and nurturing enduring partnerships. Since its inception in 1995, RACC has operated under an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with five government partners, collectively ensuring robust support for arts and culture across the region. Our initiatives echo the voices of the community, nurturing inclusivity, artistic expression, cultural vitality, and community engagement.

Our work throughout the region, rooted in a values-driven approach and framed through a Racial Equity Lens, revolves around:

  • Raising awareness and visibility, with particular emphasis on uplifting underrepresented and underfunded arts, culture, and creative communities.
  • Increasing access to resources and investments, especially for individuals marginalized by conventional support systems.
  • Enhancing community access to arts, culture, and creative programming.
  • Engaging and supporting underrepresented communities by identifying and dismantling barriers to resources and services.
  • Intentionally investing in projects and individuals that have faced marginalization due to systemic and institutional racism.
  • Providing resources, training, and tools to empower creatives to earn a living wage and build wealth from their artistic endeavors.

Examples of our work:

  1. Public Art: NEA Our Town grant with cultural organizations including APANO, Division Midway Alliance and Slavic Community Center of NW
  2. Public Art murals training project in collaboration with City of Hillsboro
  3. In the last 5 years, RACC has distributed financial resources to over 1200 artists residing or headquartered in 93% of zip codes in our service area.
  4. Received and distributed $500,000 from the NEA, focused on fostering support and growth in Clackamas and Washington County; FY22-23 and FY23-24.
  5. Since 2017 RACC has remained deeply engaged in developing the capacity of organizations led by and serving underrepresented community members through the Arts Education and Access Fund-supported Capacity Building Program.
  6. We awarded $450,000 to 196 artists through the City of Portland’s Urgency/Stability Support for Artists grant program, a part of the American Rescue Plan.

Additional Contributions:

In addition to our ongoing efforts, RACC stands ready to explore further avenues of support, provided there is consideration for capacity. We are prepared to:

  • Expand outreach efforts to ensure equitable access to information about funding opportunities, workshops, and educational programs.
  • Advocate more vigorously for increased public funding for the arts and policies prioritizing equity and inclusion.
  • Strengthen partnerships with corporate sponsors, foundations, and individual donors to secure additional funding for programs and initiatives.
  • Explore innovative projects and partnerships to engage the public and promote arts and culture across sectors and communities.

Call to Action:

As we reflect on the Our Creative Future regional framework, it’s paramount for community stakeholders, thought partners, and supporters to unite in bolstering and supporting our region’s vibrant arts and culture scene. Despite facing challenges such as the City’s decision to discontinue its contract with RACC, we view this as an opportunity to reaffirm our dedication to the sector.

We urge individuals, organizations, and policymakers to actively engage with the Our Creative Future framework and participate in the current feedback sessions.

Published Framework and Executive Summary for the Regional Plan

As mentioned during the meeting the Public has until April 15th to comment.

Online access to the plan online until April 15th.

In-person town hall on Wednesday, April 3, 4:00-6:00 p.m., at the Native American Student and Community Center at Portland State University. (RSVP, note that space is limited)

A virtual town hall on Tuesday, April 9, 6:00-8:00 p.m. (RSVP)

Let’s advocate collectively for increased funding, resources, and support for artists, creatives, and cultural organizations. Together, let’s prioritize equity, inclusion, and accessibility, ensuring that arts and culture remain central to our region’s identity and vitality.

Now is the time to harness our collective voices and actions to shape a future where creativity thrives, diversity is celebrated, and everyone has access to enriching arts experiences.

Multnomah County Library and Regional Arts & Culture Council announce community artist as part of diverse work at North Portland Library

Written by

Sadé DuBoise will focus on community input as part of artwork for library’s new Black Cultural Center

  • Contact: Liz Sauer, Multnomah County Library Capital Building Projects Communications Manager, 971.350.8733, elizabeths@multco.us
  • Contact: Meech Boakye, Communications Lead, Regional Arts & Culture Council, 503.823.5111, mboakye@racc.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 22, 2024

PORTLAND, OR. — Multnomah County Library (MCL) and Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC) are continuing their efforts to bring community-centered artwork to libraries throughout Multnomah County. This work is part of the voter-approved 2020 Library building bond which will build, rebuild or expand nine library buildings. Smaller upgrades to 11 libraries are also underway as part of the Refresh projects. Since the bond passed, Multnomah County Library has undergone major updates, with North Portland Library as one of the first projects.

North Portland Library will be renovated and expanded, adding 1,500 square feet to make the library 10,200 square feet. The renovated building will highlight the diversity and history of the community. The design by LEVER Architecture preserves the historic Carnegie building on Killingsworth Street while providing greater space for community gatherings in the new Black Cultural Center.

North Portland Library has long been the library home to the Black community in Portland. That’s why insights from the Black community have guided the vision and purpose for the new Black Cultural Center. Exciting updates at North Portland include:

  • A Black Cultural Center for connection and a celebration of Blackness
  • Outdoor space for community members to relax and be together
  • Updated technology and internet
  • Art that represents the neighborhood’s diversity

Public art for the North Portland community

As part of these updates, local artists are creating unique installations that represent the North Portland community’s history, culture and diversity.

“The historic North Portland Library has long been a cornerstone of the community, and specifically the Black community,” said Vailey Oehlke, Director of Libraries. “Through the library’s partnership with the Regional Arts and Culture Council, North Portland can offer vibrant new artwork that represents the community in a beautiful, inspiring space.”

Portrait of Sadé DuBoise. Photography by Olivia Renee (2020)

At North Portland Library, Sadé DuBoise has been selected to create a site-specific, artist-designed glass wall which will create a backdrop for the west side of the new Black Cultural Center. This permanent glass artwork, measuring 12 ft. high and 16 ft. wide, will be based on an original painting DuBoise will create, grounded in her North Portland upbringing and influenced by North Portland Library community engagement events. Her work is currently featured in the Black Artists of Oregon Exhibition at the Portland Art Museum, curated by Intisar Abioto.

In collaboration with Multnomah County Library and RACC, Sadé DuBoise will host two visioning sessions to welcome the community into the process of developing artwork for the Black Cultural Center. More details are below.

This artwork is developed in coordination with the Regional Arts & Culture Council through the Multnomah County Percent for Art Program, allotting two percent of the construction budget for all county-funded improvement projects toward the investment in public art. Artists are awarded projects as part of a robust public process, which includes selection panels led by local residents, business owners, artists, library staff and project partners.

Valarie Pearce, author, educator, and community panelist for the selection committee, celebrated the announcement, saying:

“As an educator, Portland native, and lifetime library evangelist it has been a great pleasure to be a part of the Multnomah County Library, Regional Arts & Culture Council, and community panel for the inaugural glass art and artist selection for North Portland Library’s Black Cultural Center.

“Art is a universal connector and the historical expression by which the Black Portland community has shared its story across time. North Portland Library’s Black Cultural Center is the legacy and enduring story of resilience, community, and beauty.

“I believe as a city it is important for us to invest in our values. With the focus of centering community voice, steering a broad and diverse artistic selection process, and curating community feedback forums, we have done just that. We have demonstrated our values for collaboration, community-centered voice, and the deliberate celebration of Black artistry in library spaces. Bravo!”

Artists and community working in tandem

Community engagement is at the center of the library’s building projects. The selection panel, made up of residents of the neighborhood, artists, architects, and library staff, prioritized artists with demonstrated experiences and connections to the North and Northeast community around North Portland Library. Most artists selected for these projects are seeking to create and host community engagement opportunities as part of their design phase, including the two events Sadé DuBoise will lead.

Design artwork for the Black Cultural Center at North Portland Library

The first event will be a visioning event where community ideas and perspectives will help shape the artwork for the Black Cultural Center. This gathering is a chance for community members to engage in meaningful dialogue and contribute to the selection of Adinkra symbols that will be featured in the upcoming glass wall art project. Adinkra symbols originated in Ghana and represent concepts or aphorisms. This interactive session will be an inspiring blend of cultural exchange, artistic discussion, and community bonding. Presentations will begin at 10:30 am and there will be handouts and opportunities for engagement for anyone who might come after the presentation begins.

  • Date and Location TBA

The second event will be held in celebration of Black History Month where participants will have the opportunity to create their own symbols, drawing inspiration from traditional Adinkra symbols. This hands-on experience is a chance to explore the symbolism of Adinkra while expressing your personal creativity using ink and paper. Additionally, attendees will get an exclusive sneak peek at the latest developments in Sadè DuBoise’s artwork for North Portland Libary’s new Black Cultural Center. All materials will be provided, and no prior art experience is necessary. Refreshments will be served.

Find more information on Multnomah County Library’s website and follow RACC on social media for updates.

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About Multnomah County Library

A treasured community institution since 1864, Multnomah County Library is one of the nation’s busiest public library systems, providing social, educational and cultural programs, resources and services, online and through its 19 public locations. With an eye toward the future of community-centered spaces, the library is working to build, rebuild or expand nine libraries through a voter approved capital bond. In addition to being Oregon’s largest provider of free internet access, the library offers millions of print and digital resources, in multiple languages for people of all ages. From kindergarten readiness to job training, computer-assisted design and 3D printing, the library supports all people in their pursuits to connect, learn and create. Learn more at multcolib.org

About the Regional Arts & Culture Council

The Regional Arts & Culture Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides impactful and transformative funding for artists and nonprofit organizations in Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington Counties; manages an acclaimed public art program; leads an advocacy and arts education program; and offers a wide range of technical and professional development workshops. RACC advocates for equity, inclusion, and access, working to build a community in which everyone can participate in culture, creativity, and the arts.

 

Thirty-three Artworks Inspired by the People and Places of Portland Selected for Purchase

Written by

Mika Martinez, Portland Catrinas, 2023, Photography and graphic design on aluminum, 20 x 40 x 2 inches.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 11, 2024

Portland, Oregon — The Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC), in partnership with the City of Portland, announces that 33 artworks by 26 artists have been selected for purchase through a competitive application and review process. Celebrating and taking inspiration from the people and places of Portland, the selected pieces include paintings on canvas, photography, works on paper, mixed media, textiles and beadwork.

The selected artists are: Rebecca Boraz, Sarah Bouwsma, Terrance Burton, May Maylisa Cat, Epiphany Couch, Menka Desai, Michael Espinoza, Emily Fitzgerald, Future Prairie, Terrence Gasca, Josh Gates, Elisa Gusdal, Jo Hamilton, Linda Higgins, Anya Keyes, Latoya Lovely, Marne Lucas, Mika Martinez, Christa Nye, Rory ONeal, M Prull, Rebecca Rodela, Hampton Rodriguez, Mona Superhero, Heléna Dupre Thompson, and Aaron Wessling.

Left: Helena Thompson, One Eighty Compulsion 14, 2020, Archival pigment print (photography), 22 x 17 inches. Right: Menka Desai, New Year at Lan Su Chinese Garden, 2023, Gouache and embroidery on handmade paper, 5 x 7 inches.

The artworks will enter RACC’s Public Art Collection of portable works, a rotating collection displayed in accessible municipal spaces throughout the City of Portland and Multnomah County. Fifteen of the works will enter the Visual Chronicle of Portland, a collection consisting of more than 400 works on paper that focuses on artists’ views of the city’s social and urban landscapes as they evolve through time.

Art Selection Process

Facilitated by RACC, an independent panel made up of artists, community representatives, and City employees participated in a three-stage review process to select artworks for purchase. RACC received applications from 155 artists, with up to six artworks submitted per person. The panel participated in thoughtful discussion and collective decision-making to determine which pieces to purchase from the many talented artists who submitted work.

Taking Inspiration from Portland’s New City Map

Funded by the City of Portland, the theme of the artwork purchase project was “Taking Inspiration from Portland’s New City Map.” The theme references Portland’s four new geographic districts, which were created by the City of Portland’s Independent District Commission through extensive community input. Submitted artworks could directly or indirectly relate to the theme, by portraying Portland’s neighborhoods or people; making personal, social, historical, political, or natural connections to the City or districts; and/or exploring broader ideas of borders, maps, place, or community.

Quote from Kristin Calhoun, Director of Public Art: “From celebrating community, to honoring the natural spaces within the City, to reflecting on urban changes, these thirty-three artworks present diverse perspectives on what it means to live, work, and play in Portland now. RACC is grateful to all the artists that submitted work for this opportunity, and we continue to be inspired by the unique viewpoints and creativity of the artists in our region.”

To learn more about the two-dimensional artwork purchase project, the selected artists, or to schedule an interview with RACC or the project team, please contact Eleanor Sandys at esandys@racc.org.

Contact Information: 

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About the Regional Arts & Culture Council:

The Regional Arts & Culture Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides impactful and transformative funding for artists and nonprofit organizations in Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington Counties; manages an acclaimed public art program; leads an advocacy and arts education program; and offers a wide range of technical and professional development workshops. RACC advocates for equity, inclusion, and access, working to build a community in which everyone can participate in culture, creativity, and the arts. We remain steadfast in our mission to enrich every neighborhood we serve.