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Artists, musicians, chefs, baristas, service workers, and local, independent business owners are an economic engine for our city. Our Portland, Oregon spirit is DIY and small business focused. Working with you, I aim to make the focus of investment from the city in artist run business and community. It’s time for Portland’s creative culture to flourish alongside all of the other communities in our city.
We can make a comeback.
We still need to look out for businesses and arts organizations after the pandemic as the economy continues to change. I know we have intense revenue restraints in our city, but the only way to keep our city alive is through the creative spirit of our artists, musicians, and local, independent businesses.
We must invest more money in the artists, musicians and arts organizations like other thriving cities. I propose that the city dedicate $10 million per year primarily for hassle-free, 5-year, $75,000-per-year grants to many more midsize and small non-profit groups.
Let’s make it easier for independent, creative, local artists and musicians to get permitted for events in parks and venues. We must make permitting take less time, cost less, and stick.
The city needs a distinct, major investment in a brick-and-mortar downtown performance venue. We cannot shut down the Keller while another venue is built.
Let’s turn underutilized space downtown into locations for smaller arts organizations, artists, and musicians.
I helped manage a performance art group, Reverend Billy and the Stop Shopping Choir, for 4 years. I know the struggles artists and musicians face to pay rent, buy food, and stay out of debt. I also have felt the immense transformation that artists and musicians can make in the world, making people laugh, cry, and change their lives for the better.
Artists, musicians, and creative entrepreneurs help drive economic development and tourism, revitalize communities, and create safe spaces for everyone to learn and grow.