Residents in Portland and across Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas Counties have an opportunity this spring to help set the vision for the next generation of arts and culture in our communities.
Our Creative Future, a new collaborative planning process that kicked off in November, provides community members a chance to share their interests and dreams about what the future could be for arts and culture in our region, contributing to a final regional arts and culture plan by early next year.
Starting today, community members can visit ourcreativefuture.org to learn more about the project and how to get involved by April 30.
“The arts are vital to our culture and livability,” said Portland City Commissioner Dan Ryan. “Now we’re asking the community to help us create a new vision for culture, creativity and the arts that will guide our policies and investments for years to come.”
The project kicked off in fall 2022 with the formation of a 24-person steering committee representing diverse perspectives from across the region to help guide the project.
The first phase of community engagement began in February and the second phase aims to reach even more community groups in the coming months, with a focus on those whose voices haven’t historically been heard in local government planning processes.
You can get involved by filling out a short survey, downloading a Community Conversations toolkit to host group discussions, or register for an upcoming event designed to gather input from across the region.
Take a survey
Everyone is encouraged to contribute ideas and take the community survey at the project website by April 30, 2023. A draft arts and cultural plan will be available for public input this fall, with a final plan completed and presented to Portland City Council and partner agencies for adoption in early 2024.
Take the survey
Host a conversation in your community
The Community Conversations toolkit and online survey are available in five languages (English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Russian). The toolkit includes a project summary, discussion guide, sample activities and an outline for capturing discussion notes. Community Conversation documents can then be shared with the project team via the website so that these discussions can be incorporated into the final plan.
Download the toolkit
Attend a virtual discussion
Events taking place over the coming weeks will provide an opportunity for participants to offer insight on culture and creativity in our community. RSVPs are required for the three upcoming virtual public events:
Arts & Cultural Organizations: Friday, March 24, 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
This virtual discussion is intended to gather insights and perspectives from representatives of the broad spectrum of large and small groups that are working to advance creativity and culture throughout the area.
RSVP in advance
Artists & Creatives:Friday, March 24, 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.
This virtual session is intended to gather working artists and people working in creative industries for a dialogue on their vision and opportunities to advance the creative sector.
RSVP in advance
Open Community Webinar: Thursday, April 20, 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
This virtual webinar will offer an update on the planning process and provide opportunities for participants to respond to key questions.
RSVP in advance
Additional direct outreach is planned with specific communities in the weeks and months ahead.
“Every city, town, and neighborhood across our region is unique,” said project manager Jeff Hawthorne. “It’s important for the plan to reflect and celebrate this, and the best way to do this is to hear directly from as many different communities as possible.”
This effort is being overseen by the Portland City Arts Program, with support from the Metro regional government, Multnomah County, Clackamas County Arts Alliance, Tualatin Valley Creates, the cities of Hillsboro and Beaverton, and the Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC). Additional financial support has been provided by Travel Portland, Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District, and a generous grant from the James F. & Marion L. Miller Foundation.
For more information, visit ourcreativefuture.org.