Listening to children's stories and witnessing their art
Seeing children as artists, musicians, and performers now—not tomorrow, not later—is vital to creating an ecosystem where young people can flourish creatively. With community support for the Arts Tax, which was passed by voters in 2012, we said we were going to listen to children's voices, hear their stories, and validate their artistic expressions.
"It is so beneficial for young people to be considered artists now," says Dawn Isaacs, the City of Portland's Arts Education Program Manager and member of the Arts & Culture team. "And, as adults, watching children perform, seeing their willingness to be vulnerable, witnessing their bravery, that all has positive impacts on older Portlanders, too."
Students in Portland share their stories
2024-25 student stories
High school students
Nelson, David Douglas
Nelson, a student at David Douglas High School who began playing trumpet in fifth grade, shares why an arts education is important for elementary school students and what playing the trumpet means to them.
2023-24 student stories
High school students
During school year 2023-24, students at Franklin High School participated in a project to catalogue the voices of their sophomore-level classmates. The voices of sophomores were so important to capture during this school year, because 2023-24 marked a decade of Arts Access Fund dollars supporting arts access for every K-5 public school student in Portland.
That means the students you see here were among the first in Portland to be guaranteed access to an arts education starting in their kindergarten year—a direct result of Portland voters passing the Arts Tax in 2012. In these videos, students reflect on the impact of having access to a robust arts education.
Addie, David Douglas
Addie says that she found community through music, sharing, "I think art is important for elementary students because it gives us a head start on what we want to do."
Cali, Reynolds
On her love of theater, Cali says, "I think art is important for elementary school students because it gives them a chance to explore who they are."
Jackson, Portland Public
"I think everyone deserves access to art, music, writing—anything that brings them joy," says Jackson, an avid drummer.
Miles, Parkrose
On his love of music, Miles shares, "I want to help kids find a passion for music, like I was helped by my teachers."
Elementary school students
Zeyma, Portland Public
In this video, Zeyma makes opening remarks during the opening of a student art exhibit at the Portland Building.