Artist residencies
The IFCC Artist Grant and Residency Program provides grant funding and/or free studio space to Portland-based artists working at all levels and in wide-ranging disciplines. Participating artists also host events and gatherings for the community.
Learn more about the IFCC Grant and Residency Program
Community arts centers
Community Music Center
The Community Music Center has been a popular spot for music lessons and concerts in Portland since 1955. The center provides Portlanders with opportunities to access affordable music classes and lessons, free and low-cost concerts and workshops, and low-cost instrument rentals.
Learn more about the Community Music Center
Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center
The Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center (IFCC) is a community-based arts center located in North Portland. IFCC has served as a cultural home for the Black community since its founding in 1982. Portland Parks & Recreation and the Friends of IFCC have proposed the redevelopment of the site as an expanded Center for Black Arts & Culture. Planning is currently underway to advance this community-driven vision.
Today the center is activated by the IFCC Artist Grant and Residency Program. Participating artists host events and gatherings for the community at IFCC.
Learn more about the Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center
Multnomah Arts Center
The Multnomah Arts Center provides excellent arts education in the visual and performing arts at an affordable cost to students of all ages. Along with its vibrant arts education program, the center hosts theatre, music, and dance performances, gallery exhibitions, and other special events.
Learn more about Multnomah Arts Center
Community arts partnerships
Portland Parks & Recreation collaborates with various community organizations to deliver free or low-cost arts programs at their sites around the City. Current and recent partner organizations include Home Forward/Stephens Creek Crossing, Midland Library, Rosewood Initiative, Pacific Refugee Support Group, and Y.O.U.TH. Contact partner organizations for arts program offerings.
Free outdoor cultural programs
As part of Summer Free for All, Portland Parks & Recreation hosts a variety of free, inclusive, and family-friendly activities. Celebrating Portland's diverse cultures, artists, and creatives, Summer Free for All's free outdoor programming includes:
Cultural events
Summer Free for All’s cultural events provide Portlanders with access to free concerts, movies and cultural festivals in City parks, plus dance and theater performances, spoken word, comedy and more. All events are produced in collaboration with community groups, arts organizations, nonprofits, and culturally-specific groups.
Learn more about Summer Free for All's cultural events
Opportunities for local artists and performers
Free Lunch + Play
Free Lunch + Play provides free nutritious meals and fun activities for kids and families all summer long at ~25 park sites (Monday-Friday) around the City. This program offers arts, crafts, sports, and games, as well as hundreds of special events in partnership with arts nonprofits and community organizations, including performances, artmaking, storytelling, and more.
Learn more about Summer Free for All's Free Lunch + Play
Gateway Discovery Park
Located in East Portland, Gateway Discovery Park creates space for inclusive play and arts and culture programming. Every summer, this park offers free drop-in activities and events including lunchtime performances for youth, cultural festivals, DJ dance parties, and more. It is also a host site for the Free Lunch + Play program.
Learn more about Gateway Discovery Park
Arts in the Parks
Every summer, Multnomah Arts Center sends a fleet of vans and teaching artists out into parks at Free Lunch + Play sites to deliver free artmaking activities for kids and families.