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.