OUR CITY'S NEXT BIG ACT
Portland’s renewed spirit and sustained economic vitality will be fueled by unique places across our city where people come together to share meaningful educational and cultural experiences. Opening in 2030, the Performing Arts + Culture Center will be a remarkable, multi-faceted downtown arts complex supporting our region’s entire arts ecosystem. It will be a spectacular new center of gravity for patrons, performers, presenters, artists, visitors and students of all ages to joyfully engage with the performing arts — and for Portland to reclaim center stage in our region’s cultural life and national story.
Why it Matters
This project will be a win for all of Oregon — creating a state-of-the-art performance destination that brings people into downtown, connects communities from across the state, and nurtures artists for the future.
Tina Kotek, Oregon Governor
Investments in important catalytic projects like this one are one part of the recipe for success as we work to revitalize our central city.
Keith Wilson, Portland Mayor
The Center will enhance educational experiences, foster creativity and serve as a cultural hub for Portland.
Julie Vigeland, Community Arts Leader
This center supports the entire arts ecosystem, ensuring our city’s culture remains a core economic driver.
Jon Isaacs, Portland Metro Chamber
I’ve proudly supported this project from the beginning because investments in arts and culture strengthen our economy, education and downtown—and boldly sing the song of our city and who we can be for generations to come.
Dacia Grayber, Oregon State Representative
For small arts organizations like ours, access to affordable performance space can make all the difference. It’s exciting to see new ideas like the Center being designed to support not just large productions but the full range of artists in our community.
Cris Mikkelsen, Conductor, Mt. Hood Pops Community Orchestra
This vision sparks an incredible cultural district, a downtown economic boon, and national news about something bold happening in Portland.
Christine and David Vernier, Community Leaders
100-Year Arts + Culture Vision
The Performing Arts + Culture Center represents a vision for Portland’s and Oregon's next 100 years of arts and culture, with future-forward resources, state-of-the-art technical capabilities, and amenities serving patrons, presenters, artists, visitors and students of all ages.
Colas Development Group Steps Up
Portland State University has entered into an exclusive negotiating agreement with Colas Development Group to bring the Performing Arts + Culture Center’s 150-room hotel and conference center to life, enhancing downtown culture, entertainment, and investment.
Economic Report Supports Center
A new economic impact analysis commissioned by the City of Portland confirms that the proposed Performing Arts + Culture Center at Portland State University will deliver greater long-term economic impact while strengthening the city’s arts ecosystem and supporting downtown.
Mass Timber = Massive Benefits
Preliminary design plans for the Center call for the use of climate-friendly materials from the ground up, including the signature look and feel of mass timber — great news for an industry that delivers myriad environmental, economic and aesthetic benefits.
Activating Downtown
The Center will create 400 permanent jobs and 2,000 construction jobs, and spark 24/7 year-round vitality. With more cultural and educational activities, downtown businesses will all benefit from thousands more pairs of feet on the street.
Landmark State Investment
Before the Oregon State Legislature adjourned in June 2025, the Portland Performing Arts + Culture Center received $137.5 million in state bond funding — a win for Portland and for Oregon that reflects the project's statewide significance.
