“Creating and sustaining a
strong artistic and cultural
environment in Portland’s neighborhoods”
|
|
|
|
POTACF was initiated by a group of people who worked and lived in Old Town in 1996. This group wanted to support the creation and presentation of significant works of art, as well as activities which would inspire creativity and preserve and promote the cultural identity of Portland’s neighborhoods and people. They came up with the following mission: 1) to support the production and promotion of arts and crafts in the community; 2) to protect and enhance the unique physical and cultural character of historic Old Town/China Town; and 3) to promote the awareness and importance of art in the community. In the beginning the Foundation inhabited space donated by H. Naito Properties. The first project was the creation of a large architectural mural to improve the overall looks of the Old Town/China Town district. Grants were provided by the Historic Old Town Business Assoc. In 1997 POTACF was focused on creating a community gallery. The vision of this gallery was to subsidize shows for artists who could not afford the going gallery rates for display. The gallery would service both the artists and the community by making art accessible. From 1997 to 1999 POTACF concentrated on the creation and operation of public restrooms for the Old Town/China Town area. Partnering with Portland Saturday Market this project came to fruition creating vital infrastructure for Old Town/China Town. These restrooms are now used buy over 100,000 people a year. POTACF in 1998 was able to aid in the Building Façade Beautification of 108 west Burnside and the creation and installation of the Old Town/Saturday Market gates off of the Burnside Bridge. Next the Foundation focused on bringing performance and exhibitions to Old Town in 1999. The projects include the performance “What isn’t There” (musical theater), “It Ain’t Over Till We Say It’s Over” (Opera) and the “Seeing Money Exhibition” (works of 125 artist related to Money). Anticipating the fire station move POTACF wanted to create cultural events and activities to help reinforce south of Burnside as a point of destination for families from 2002 to 2006. Some examples are the Tears of Joy Theatre, Amazama Circus Art Team, Oregon Museum of Science and Industry to name a few. Now that Old Town/China Town is becoming a real mixed use district with businesses, galleries, non-profits, schools, markets, retailer, restaurants and housing the Foundation would like to get involved in really making this wave of renewal happen.
|
|
This site is sponsored by Out of the Closet Artwear |
