Portrait of Sadé DuBoise. Photography by Olivia Renee (2020). 

Multnomah County Library (MCL) in collaboration with the Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC) is spearheading an exciting initiative to infuse our libraries with community-centered artwork, starting with an extensive renovation and expansion of the North Portland Library. This project will not only increase the library's size to 10,200 square feet but also enhance its role as a cultural hub by featuring a new Black Cultural Center designed by LEVER Architecture , which thoughtfully integrates the historic Carnegie building with modern needs for community space.

As a highlight of this transformation, talented local artists, including Sadé DuBoise , are at the forefront of creating installations that reflect the rich history, culture, and diversity of the North Portland community. DuBoise is set to craft a site-specific, artist-designed glass wall for the Black Cultural Center based on an original painting. Drawing from her North Portland roots and inspired by community engagement efforts — including a visioning event in celebration of Black History Month — this project has already brought in the local community for unique opportunities for creative expression and cultural exchange.

Make the most of your First Thursday by adding RACC to your evening plans. From 5-7 pm, we invite you to the North Park Blocks to enjoy works from our public art collections, complimentary treats, and enriching conversations with the local creative community. We look forward to seeing you there!

Where: 411 NW Park Ave #101, Portland, OR 97209

When: March 7th 5-7 pm

RSVP: Here

Still image from Yo y Ella (2023) by Monica Parra Allen. Photograph by Celina Flores. 

As we wrap up the spring round of Arts3C grants, we invite you to learn more about the team behind the process. Before Monica Parra Allen began shaping the futures of artists at RACC , she was an integral part of our story as a grantee. Her personal project, "Yo y Ella," is a dance film self-portrait that beautifully intertwines the rich narrative of her life as a first-generation daughter of Mexican immigrants.

Monica's artistic practice navigates the complexities faced by children of immigrants, vividly exploring themes of religion, language, culture, family, and assimilation. Now a Grants Program Specialist at RACC, Monica brings invaluable insights and experience to our team. With her unique perspective gained from both sides of the grant process, she deeply understands the aspirations and needs of artists. This dual experience in her role at RACC perfectly illustrates our core values: embracing diversity, nurturing the whole artist, and promoting inclusive and equitable access to arts and culture.

Untitled, Intisar Abioto. Located at the Multnomah County Central Courthouse. 

Your contributions to RACC help support RACC’s robust arts and culture advocacy agenda, equity initiatives, arts education, programs, new community projects, and public art maintenance. Support arts and culture in your community!

As part of our commitment to facilitate participation in arts and culture for all members of our community, RACC offers numerous volunteer opportunities throughout the year.