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From the winter of 2022 into late spring of 2023, the team working on Our Creative Future conducted extensive listening and research to understand different community members’ visions and priorities for our creative future. More than 700 people took part in events between February and May 2023. Additional research included a statistically valid public opinion survey; an open call community survey; an arts grantmaking review and summary; an arts funding models report; an arts demand study; and a creative economy portrait. Research results can be found here. 

The Steering Committee and consulting team conducted several community briefings to discuss the research findings, and collected input online and via two town halls in March-April 2024 to solicit input on a draft plan. 

The planning team incorporated changes appropriate for the regional framework plan. Many suggestions concerned specific recommendations more relevant to the localized action plans. Other comments about the draft plan emphasized the need for increased funding for artists and smaller organizations, fair pay for artists, centering under-represented voices, and addressing the need for affordable arts spaces, among others. There was also a general concern about implementing the plan, and the Implementation Team will be able to draw on this public comment.

Each of the seven local governments sponsoring this regional cultural plan framework will select relevant goals and strategies for their jurisdictions, and prepare an action plan to best fit their communities and governmental role (Metro; Clackamas, Washington, and Multnomah Counties; and the cities of Portland, Beaverton, and Hillsboro). Other cities, towns, communities, and individuals are invited and encouraged to use the framework as a resource.

A regional Implementation Team of local governments and others is forming to support and advocate for implementation of the action plans. This “coalition of the willing” will provide reporting and accountability to the community. It will also assess new opportunities and challenges for arts and culture.