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 Martin Luther King 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 American 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.