Portland in Color is a series dedicated to highlighting the work and everyday experiences of this city’s artists of color. 

In a town founded on racism, we have a lot of work to do. Portland is renown for its creativity but still lacks diversity and representation because work opportunities are often dependent on industry gatekeepers who don’t prioritize intersectionality. In asking why companies aren’t hiring and paying more artists of color, the response is often “there aren’t any,” “we don’t know any,” or none at all.

When we don’t actively support and promote marginalized artists, we perpetuate the idea that POC don’t have a place in the creative industry. We allow a limited lens to continue to dominate and define the world as we’ve come to know it.

This series is dedicated to Portland’s artists of color who hear “Portland is so white” every damn day. As if we don’t exist. As if we aren’t fighting to take up space, to breathe in peace, to matter. As if we had a choice to choose art, when choosing art has been the only way to keep going. We see you, we hear you, and we’re here to celebrate you.