The Arts In Portland

As Portland artist move to bedroom communities to be able to avoid starving in Portland the city has taken action. The mayor started the official reaction with a creative economy summit. Others have been actively engaging in acknowledging the role the arts must play in a healthy Portland tourist trade.
Last evening was my first public night out since the birth of Eliot. There was a creative conversation at Space regarding the arts district. It seems like more and more people(not just artists and direct arts supporters) have come to recognize the value of the arts to our city. There is a strong creative presence in Portland already. All this community has to do is coax it with a bit of encouragement and support.
There are a number of interested relegated developers who have recognized the value of this to their cause: making money on Portland realty. I hope that Portland recognizes the value of its artists before they allow these realtors to make a quick buck marketing the arts in Portland for their own coffers.
The application to schools is simple. If housing prices continue to rise families will not live here and send children to area schools. Something needs to be done now to make sure we keep area affordable housing for families who want to stay in town and send their kids to school here.