The winning projects support conventional and progressive placemaking projects that demonstrate a commitment to racial equity by both established and emerging organizations. They come from and support our black, Latino, Asian and Pacific Islander and youth communities, and they use art and engagement to address pressing regional issues.
Oregon Human Development Corporation: Supa Fresh Youth Farm
Metzger School Park Placemaking Project, $13,050 (Tigard)
This grant supports leadership development for disadvantaged youth in the Metzger community of Tigard through the design and creation of a market space in the community garden of a future public park in Tigard.
APANO Communities United Fund
Advancing Vision Zero through Creative Placemaking on Outer Division, $20,000 (East Portland)
This project will transform an underutilized pedestrian bridge at 85th Avenue and turn it into a work of art to memorialize community members killed in traffic fatalities, encourage drivers to slow down and be aware of people, and remind pedestrians to make safe decisions.
King School Museum of Contemporary Art, $19,000 (Northeast Portland)
This project funds arts programming at MLK Jr. School, an important place to the African American community in a neighborhood where they have deep roots, but have largely been displaced. Students will practice the roles of curators, installers, publicists, artists, copywriters, registrars and docents, and the grant will expand programming and strengthen community outreach efforts.
Tualatin Riverkeepers
Multicultural Stormwater Art in Washington County, $11,500 (Washington County)
This project adds multicultural and multilingual voices in the movement to protect and care for the Tualatin River by working with Centro Cultural and Muslim Educational Trust to commission local artists who will incorporate cultural elements in Spanish, Arabic and English into two murals in Washington County.
YGB Portland (Young.Gifted.Black/Brown)
Art Saved My Life, $11,400 (Northeast Portland)
This grant supports community building by and for people of color through artist residencies and programming focused on healing from displacement and racial oppression.
World Stage Theater
African American Cultural Festival, $25,000 (Multiple locations in Portland, Troutdale and Beaverton)
The African Amercian Cultural Festival promotes healing and community building through culturally specific arts activities. The diverse locations reinforce the importance of historic neighborhoods, such as north and northeast Portland and embrace new ones, such as Beaverton and Troutdale.