The Power of Craft
Founded in 1937, Museum of Contemporary Craft is a vibrant center for investigation and dialogue, expanding the definition and exploration of craft. We advance the conversation and role of craft and design in contemporary culture and at the same time honor the history of the studio craft movement. Through our exhibitions, lectures, workshops, collection, archives and professional development opportunities for artists, the Museum is a vital cultural resource for the region.
By opening a modern museum space in 2007 in Portland’s most active arts neighborhood, the Pearl District, Museum of Contemporary Craft has added significant vitality and critical mass for the visual arts in the city’s urban core. We exceeded attendance goals, reaching more than 75,000 visitors compared to 11,000 visitors in 2006.
Throughout our 72-year history, we have demonstrated the capacity for change and flexibility, responding to new opportunities and challenges. Our 2007 capital campaign – with the primary goal to reintroduce ourselves to the community as a vital arts and cultural institution – exemplifies our capacity to set the benchmark for excellence in contemporary craft exhibitions and programming. To preserve Portland’s identity as a regional leader in craft, we seek to complete our capital campaign and raise the necessary $425,000 to reach our goal of $7.5M. Our commitment to complete our capital campaign underscores our efforts to sustain excellence and accessibility to art, craft and design. Completing our capital campaign will further our efforts for building broad reach for all to experience the visual arts without barriers.
To continue to strengthen our resources and arts and cultural offerings to the public, we initiated integration discussions with Pacific Northwest College of Art. The two organizations plan to reach operational integration in July 2009. The integration will add substantive new dimensions to the education and exhibition offerings for the general public, students and practicing artists.
In 2009, Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA) celebrates 100 years as Oregon’s flagship college of art and design. The College is a growing epicenter for art and design in Portland, the state, and the entire Pacific Northwest. From its origins as a museum art school, PNCA has emerged as a leading arts institution in the region and a robust center for creative practice and visual arts education.
In the past four years, the College’s enrollment increased by 48 percent. Today it is home to more than 500 students in BFA and MFA degree programs. This number is expected to grow, as PNCA offers new programs, including an MFA in Visual Studies and an MFA in Applied Craft and Design, the latter in conjunction with the Oregon College of Art and Craft.
A SHARED VISION FOR THE FUTURE
The integration of PNCA and the Museum of Contemporary Craft is a dynamic collaboration that furthers the creative practice of art, craft, and design. With the added focus on design, the Museum is poised to become an internationally regarded and globally connected teaching museum with a focus on craft and design.
The integration goals are to:
- Preserve the unique heritage of each institution and together serve as a leading voice in contemporary craft and design;
- Maintain the Museum’s distinct identity and sustain its integrity as a regional leader in the American Craft Movement;
- Advance the legacy of craft in the Pacific Northwest; and
- Continue to respect the Museum’s collection, as it is an important cultural and educational resource.
- Continue to respect the Museum’s collection, as it is an important cultural and educational resource.
The integration of the Museum and PNCA will:
- Establish a dynamic and stable educational program committed to fostering creative practice;
- Enhance the Museum’s position as a laboratory for exploring the ever-changing dimensions of human artistry;
- Foster new models of presenting and teaching craft and design;
- Attract recognition for raising the bar in excellence in craft and design;
- Serve as a singular expression of Portland’s many-edged creative community; and
- Reinforce Portland’s reputation as a growing leader for creative services and design.
The diversity of creativity in Portland is unmatched in the country. Our artistic, trailblazing and entrepreneurial spirit as a community parallels the importance that art, craft and design play in all aspects of life in Portland – from the DIY Movement, to the creative economy, to our farmers’ markets and our cycling culture. The integration will result in a creative relationship, fiscal stability, and strengthened organizational capacities and programming – a formula for success.
The Advancing the Vision Campaign will help the Museum achieve
financial stability at this critical stage in its history.
The Campaign’s goals are to:
- Raise the necessary $425,000 to complete the Museum’s 2007 capital campaign;
- Build support for the Museum’s exhibitions and public programming; and
- Achieve sustainability for the Museum’s future.
We hope you will help us by making a gift or pledge today. As always, we welcome your participation as a member and volunteer. Please join us in this effort to sustain one of Portland’s most beloved cultural treasures.
Thank You
CONTACT US TODAY
Deniz Conger, Senior Director of Development
deniz@MuseumofContemporaryCraft.org
tel | 971.255.5511
Museum of Contemporary Craft
724 Northwest Davis Street, Portland, Oregon 97209
503.223.2654 | www.MuseumofContemporaryCraft.org
Download the Case Statement (PDF)
