Portland, Ore. — Leaders from Metro and the City of Portland kicked off the next phase of the Portland'5 Centers for the Arts management transition on Dec. 31, with the regional government formally notifying Portland officials of its intent to withdraw from its role as manager of the downtown Portland performing arts venues.
With the notice, which is part of a planned and collaborative transition, the two governments started an 18-month clock to hand over management of the city-owned venues to city leaders.
Metro has managed Portland'5 Centers for the Arts since 1989, as part of a regional restructuring of event venue ownership. At the time, Metro was also responsible for the management of Civic Stadium (now Providence Park) and the Veterans Memorial Coliseum, which the City of Portland also owns.
"Our work in the coming 18 months is to ensure a hand-off that gives visitors, artists, performers, presenters and staff the best transition possible to a new management structure," said Metro Councilor Christine Lewis. "We need to meet the public's expectations, that the region's arts community will benefit from these reforms."
The COVID-19 pandemic presented city and regional leaders with an opportunity to re-examine the management contract. Last year, a City-sponsored work group identified the split management / ownership structure as a challenge for performers, promoters and visitors.
The Workgroup recommended moving away from the two-government model, with the City owning the buildings and Metro managing them, and suggested that the City and Metro begin preparing a plan for the dissolution of the intergovernmental agreement while the City works with stakeholders to continue assessing options to identify a new long-term operating model.
"Portland's art ecosystem is a cornerstone of Portland's culture, our economy, and Downtown's vibrancy," said Mayor Keith Wilson. "This next step will allow the City to find a management model for these invaluable assets, clarify the roles of our jurisdictions and strengthen the long-term stability of the Portland'5. I look forward to continued partnership with Metro, arts organizations, and my colleagues on Council as we develop this transition plan."
Portland'5 brings approximately 800 music, theater, dance, and lecture performances and 800,000 patrons to downtown Portland every year—to the tune of $90 million in total spending annually. There will be no disruption to shows or public services during the transition. Performances, bookings, and venue operations continue as normal throughout the transition.
The return of Portland'5 management to the City follows a joint council-directed review, in order to simplify governance and support long-term capital investment. Aligning ownership and management strengthens accountability and supports better planning for deferred maintenance and future upgrades.
Over the next 18 months, Metro and the City will begin working on the transition plan, which will include maintaining the visitor experience, supporting clients and customers and ensuring a supportive transition that provides stability to employees and honors their deep expertise and commitment to the venues.
The Office of Arts & Culture is one of several bureaus and programs in the Community and Economic Development service area. This service area creates and delivers efficient, transparent, and equitable solutions for a resilient built environment – as well as services, resources, and experiences for our community. This work is accomplished by aligning City programs focused on building prosperity for all Portlanders.
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