Metro, Portland confirm Portland'5 management back to the City * Oregon ArtsWatch

""Our work in the coming 18 months is to ensure a hand-off that gives visitors, artists, performers, presenters and staff the best transition possible to a new management structure," Metro Councilor Christine Lewis said in a Jan. 5 release. "We need to meet the public's expectations, that the region's arts community will benefit from these reforms.""

""Portland's art ecosystem is a cornerstone of Portland's culture, our economy, and Downtown's vibrancy," Mayor Keith Wilson said in the release. "This next step will allow the City to find a management model for these invaluable assets, clarify the roles of our jurisdictions and strengthen the long-term stability of the Portland'5. I look forward to continued partnership with Metro, arts organizations, and my colleagues on Council as we develop this transition plan.""

"According to the release, over the next 18 months Metro and the City will begin working on the transition plan, which will include maintaining the visitor experience, supporting clients and customers, and ensuring a supportive transition that provides stability to employees and honors their deep expertise and commitment to the venues."

"Portland'5 includes three buildings within blocks of each other in downtown Portland. They are the Keller Auditorium at 222 S.W. Clay St., the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall at 1037 S.W. Broadway, and the Antoinette Hatfield Hall just across from Schnitzer Hall on Southwest Main Street, which houses the Brunish, Newmark, and Winningstad theaters."

Metro formally notified Portland officials on Dec. 31 of its intent to withdraw from its role managing the downtown Portland performing arts venues. The City of Portland will assume management of the Portland'5 Centers for the Arts, with the transfer to be completed by July 1, 2027. Metro and the City will spend the next 18 months developing a transition plan focused on maintaining the visitor experience, supporting clients and customers, and ensuring employee stability while honoring staff expertise. The City will seek a management model that clarifies jurisdictional roles and strengthens long-term stability. Portland'5 comprises Keller Auditorium, Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, and Antoinette Hatfield Hall.

Read at Oregon ArtsWatch * Arts & Culture News