Our Creative Future is being led by Portland’s 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.
Research highlights
In November, the consulting team shared a summary of research findings at a virtual community event attended by more than 70 participants, as well as briefings held for funders and local elected officials and staff. Some overarching tri-county observations from the research phase include:
Overall, residents are willing to support arts and culture through government spending even among those who participate less often in arts activities. Community priorities include equitable access to arts and creative opportunities, supporting artists and arts and cultural organizations, and sharing cultural experiences through inclusive events.
In alignment with previous studies and all the current research, tri-county artists, residents, and government officials believe the arts and creative sectors are vital to the community although this is not reflected in government spending in the arts. Across all research methods, the main barriers to arts participation include cost, lack of awareness of opportunities, and inconvenient schedules and locations. Across the tri-county area, the arts play a crucial role in addressing social issues, mental health challenges, and provide opportunity and respite for youth at risk.
Resources for more detail
Additional research findings related to county-specific priorities, creative sector observations, funding, and more can be found in the November community research briefing slides (PDF), video recording (YouTube link), and transcript (PDF).
Plan development and next steps
The Steering Committee met for in-person workshops in October and November to begin creating an outline of the cultural plan, including a vision statement, goals, strategies, recommended policies, and suggestions for implementation. This group will reconvene in early 2024 to review and revise a draft plan; we will share a draft for community review in February-March of next year, with local governmental approvals to follow. At the same time, the consulting team will be working with local government leaders to customize elements of the plan that are unique to their specific jurisdictions and developing a transition strategy to ensure regional ownership and adoption.
Thank you.
We offer our sincere appreciation and gratitude for all the people and organizations who have lent their voice to this effort. We continue to welcome any additional feedback you may have via the contact page on the project website.