Oregon Contemporary

Mission

Oregon Contemporary is a space dedicated to art, community, and the exponential possibilities of contemporary art. We produce powerful, visionary art programs for the communities of Oregon.

Bottom Line for Portland

By showcasing any and all forms of art in our exhibitions and events, Oregon Contemporary supports and empowers artists, curators, and performers, presenting singular experiences for the public every month. 

Through individual and business donations, as well as grant support, Oregon Contemporary is able to pay arts producers fairly for their work, while offering the majority of our programs to audiences free of charge.

Quote

“Exhibition and performance space, artists’ hub, innovative arts programmer—since its inception… [Oregon Contemporary] has blossomed from a scrappy, word-of-mouth gem into a beloved cultural institution.” -Portland Monthly

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Oregon Contemporary is dedicated to promoting voices and points of view that have been historically under-represented in the arts and advancing cultural equity in our hiring, policies, systems, programs, and services. 

In 2023, Oregon Contemporary produced 7 major exhibitions and 32 programs and events, and 75% of the participating artists and curators were BIPOC. Since 2019, we have worked to provide low-or-no-cost opportunities for events that are led by, or primarily supporting, communities of People with Disabilities as well BIPOC and/or LGBTQ+ communities. A sliding scale discount of 25% - 50% is offered for repeat partners.

Incentives

Individuals who donate $100 or more automatically receive a one-year Oregon Contemporary Membership with a range of benefits, including 20% off purchases at our cafe and shop.

In addition, each week we will do a drawing to select one donor who has contributed $20 or more to Oregon Contemporary AND our nonprofit partner, Friends of Noise. Ten total winners will receive a “Kenton Holiday Basket" that will include discount coupons, gift cards, small gift items from our Kenton neighborhood businesses such as Posies Cafe, Fino Bistro Bar & Pizzeria, and Mantel, as well as a limited edition biennial t-shirt from Oregon Contemporary.

Partner(s)

Our nonprofit partner, Friends of Noise supports creative youth in Portland through all ages concerts, workshops, and experience navigating the music scene. We work in the same building in the Kenton neighborhood, so we are collaborating to offer ten shared donors a “Kenton Holiday Basket.”

Our business partners and Kenton neighbors, Posies Cafe, Fino Bistro Bar & Pizzeria, and Mantel are each contributing to our “Kenton Holiday Basket” and helping to promote donations to Oregon Contemporary and Friends of Noise through Give!Guide.