Portland, Ore.— On Oct. 10, at 2 p.m., Portland City Council will consider a resolution that would enhance the future of performing arts for all Portlanders. Under Mayor Ted Wheeler's guidance to ensure there are no disruptions to performances or workers, the resolution includes a strategy to develop two Broadway-capable venues, which would include the existing Keller Auditorium and a new facility at Portland State University. This approach ensures Portland remains a premiere destination for performing arts while minimizing disruptions to performances during future renovations.
The resolution also requests to move forward with a Market Feasibility Analysis. This would analyze optimal seating capacities, financial feasibility, and construction timelines for both proposed venues. The analysis will provide critical data to inform decisions on the size and scope of the projects.
Key components of the resolution include:
- Two Broadway-capable venues strategy: A plan to move forward with both the renovation of the existing Keller Auditorium and the development of a new venue at Portland State University, ensuring Portland can continue to host and attract Broadway productions and other major performances. “Broadway capable” refers to several specific logistics required to host Broadway performances including stage size, lighting, loading/unloading capabilities and more. It does not limit either venue to hosting only Broadway performances.
- Market Feasibility Analysis: This analysis will assess Portland’s needs related to seating capacity, financial models, project timelines, and more.
- Collaboration with Portland State University: As part of the resolution, the City would develop a Letter of Intent with Portland State University for future site development including traffic-study impacts, building programming, development concepts and more.
- Project Oversight: A project steering committee would be established to oversee the financial planning, construction management, and overall coordination of the proposed strategy.
- Traffic Study: Staff would explore the development of Third Avenue, beginning with a traffic study to evaluate the impact of a potential street closure. Development of Third Avenue would be considered as part of the future proposal to create a destination where visitors could enjoy a variety of experiences, drawing and keeping more people downtown.
About the Spectator Venues Program
The Spectator Venues and Visitor Activities Program oversees City-owned venues at the Rose Quarter and Providence Park. These venues attract millions of visitors each year and contribute significantly to Portland’s local economy. The Program also supports travel, tourism and economic growth through partnerships with Travel Portland, Sport Oregon, and others. Funding for Program activities come from the Spectator Venues and Visitor Activities Fund which receives revenues from ticket fees and parking charges at City-owned venues as well as a small annual allocation from the Visitor Facilities Trust Account. The Trust Account receives dedicated funding from transient lodging taxes and vehicle rental fees. The Program is part of the City’s Community and Economic Development Service Area which includes the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, the Portland Housing Bureau, Portland Permitting and Development, and Prosper Portland.
About the Office of Arts & Culture
The Office of Arts & Culture puts arts at the center of public life for all Portlanders by supporting a diverse array of creative expressions — from music and performance art to visual arts and beyond. The Office of Arts & Culture manages the City’s arts-related investments, including the Percent For Art Fund, General Fund, and Arts Access Fund. These resources support arts education in public schools, grants for artists and nonprofit organizations, performing arts venues, cultural planning, strategic initiatives, and public art. The Office of Arts & Culture also oversees the City-owned theaters operated by Portland’5 Centers for the Arts.
The Office of Arts & Culture is part of the City’s Vibrant Communities Service Area which includes Portland Parks & Recreation, Portland Children’s Levy, Support Services, and the Office of Arts & Culture.