Growth Plan
We are focused on 3 key points as we grow:
Oregon Contemporary brings our community together.
Oregon Contemporary elevates and amplifies diverse, varied, boundary-busting artistic perspectives.
Oregon Contemporary sparks transformative and connecting experiences through contemporary art.
What’s next:
We are currently working on some final space improvements with a Prosper Portland grant: another building sign facing the Max station, improvements and added signage for our new Studio 2 gallery, our outdoor courtyard, bathrooms, hallway and more.
We have received a Google Ads grant and are working on outreach in both increasing audiences from all over Portland, and working on deepening connections in the diverse Kenton neighborhood.
We are working on funding for deeper ongoing DEIA training, interpretation software, mics, and exhibition guides in multiple languages.
We are working on increasing funding for our biennial and its catalog as well as purchases of new tech and creating a fund to meet last-minute programming opportunities.
And we are also continuing to increase our staff to help things run smoothly as we grow.
We are also planning to establish an artists’ advisory council to enhance the reach and transparency of our curatorial activities.
What we’ve done so far:
Remained free to the public for exhibitions and most events.
Ox now offers year-round programming, and we’ve doubled our number of exhibitions.
All programming at Oregon Contemporary features 50%+ BIPOC representation.
Created First Saturdays, a monthly building-wide event (integrating partner tenants) featuring multiple exhibitions and performances.
Increased collaborative partnership events and exhibitions.
Created a program to provide no-cost rentals to marginalized (BIPOC/LGBTQ+/ disabled) partners, as well as loaning equipment and staffing to their events and programs when possible.
Committed to leasing our tenant spaces to people and groups connected to Ox’s mission: arts and culture nonprofits, and businesses who provide opportunities and services to artists and performers.
Continued our publishing initiative, producing catalogs of new regional art.
Opened Shop Ox, a fun store where you can buy our publications and others, gift items, and small artworks from local artists.
Opened our Café, serving beverages and snacks.
Improved our implementation of ADA standards (way finding signage in Braille, large-print exhibition guides, ADA push button front door, steps to our stage) making Ox a more inclusive space for people with disabilities.
Made our outdoor spaces more comfortable and conducive for meeting and spending time.
Made our indoor and rental spaces better and more flexible, including the addition of a formal reception desk and a fully furnished green room, and a covered outdoor performance space.
Created an integrated brand for Ox, including ADA-compliant interior signage, and a new website.
We now capture exhibitions on video, both for archival purposes, but also to extend the exhibition experience worldwide to those not able to visit in person.
We welcomed three BIPOC board members in 2022-23, with a long-term goal of a 50% + BIPOC board.
We have been certified by W.A.G.E., demonstrating our commitment to pay fair wages and production costs for exhibiting artists.
We have increased our part-time staff and increased pay to full-time and part-time workers, meeting market standards for the region and industry.
Mandated and provided Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity training for Ox leadership.
Stabilized finances and improved financial reporting for the board to ensure organizational longevity.