March Newsletter
Happy almost spring, friends! Big thanks to everyone who came out to our Winter Money Talks workshop to ask your finance questions, and special thanks to our Finance friends for sharing their knowledge:
Chaim Schramm, CFS, CAS, AIF (Chaim Investment Advisors)
David Hackett, EA (Pacific Tax Relief)
Jesse Swordfisk, CPA
Nicole Long, CPA (Breath & Taxes)
We talked about everything from mileage deductions to becoming an S-Corp, the differences in types of debt to business credit cards that accumulate points/miles you can use for yourself 😉 We’ve got more finance workshops in the works but would love to hear from you if there are specific areas you’re looking for support in.
Updating our Mission Statement
We are getting back to our roots and locking in to March by revising our mission statement and setting intentions around why we do this work:
PORTLAND IN COLOR envisions a future where our community’s Black, Indigenous, and people of color artists can thrive and sustain their creative livelihoods. We challenge systemic oppression impacting artists through an expansive framework guided by community building, collective wellness, and economic justice. We advocate for ethical compensation and use tools including professional growth opportunities, artist-centered programming, and a free public directory highlighting our members as vital steps towards advancing the state of the arts for BIPOC creatives.
Announcing the Portland in Color BIPOC Artist Residency at Sitka
Another exciting announcement is a partnership with Sitka Center for Art and Ecology dedicating two of their artist in residency spots for PIC creatives
We dream of bringing more folks out to creative retreats and residencies and after our founder Celeste Noche received a spot as a Ford Family Foundation Golden Spot Visual Artist in the residency in 2024, she knew it would impact other BIPOC artists on their creative journey in the same way it has enriched her.
“I’m so thankful to Sitka for the time, space, and opportunity to focus on my practice as a photographer and writer during my artist residency. I often forget how much everyday life can prevent us from dedicating the time we’d like to our creative work– sometimes years passing by without realizing.
As a new parent, it meant a lot that I was able to bring my family for a portion of my visit but that I also had uninterrupted time to focus on my work. I dug into my archives working on a personal project I started in 2020, created a roadmap for the next phase, and got to meditate on the story in the peace and tranquility of Sitka’s campus.
What I didn’t expect was how much I’d love meeting other residents and how I felt myself growing as an artist just being in community with them. I’ll never forget crabbing in the estuary, cooking Filipino food for my new friends, and feeling so in tune with nature and the tides.
As artists, so much of our identities gets tied to what we produce– what we can take from ourselves to share with others. At Sitka I was thankful for the emphasis on rest, for taking the time we need, and for no expectations other than to make our time in residence truly our own.”
The Portland in Color BIPOC Artist Residency at Sitka has reserved two spots for Oregon artists of color for the Fall 2025-Spring 2026 season. Portland in Color is thrilled to collaborate with the Sitka team to enhance the access of BIPOC to enriching their creative practices. Applications are due April 4, 2025 by 11:59PM PST.
Applicants are also welcome to apply directly to the general Sitka residency program, due March 17, 2025. For a fee waiver, contact the Sitka office at info@sitkacenter.org
Upcoming Events & Opportunities
Oregon Art in Public Places Roster – Request for Qualifications - The Oregon Art in Public Places Roster is now open for applications, and all artists are welcome to apply. The Oregon Arts Commission manages the Art in Public Places Program for the State of Oregon. The roster is completely refreshed every three years. If you were selected for a previous Oregon Art in Public Places Roster, you must reapply to be considered for the 2025-2027 roster. Apply by March 14, 2025.
City of Portland is Hiring Public Art Administrator - The City of Portland’s Office of Arts & Culture is hiring a full-time Public Art Administrator to guide the evolution and refinement of Portland’s public art programs. This role is not just about managing what already exists, it’s about imagining what’s next. The administrator will oversee the city’s public art collection, Percent for Art program, coordination with contractors and public engagement initiatives, ensuring that public art reflects the city’s diversity, enriches civic spaces and strengthens cultural vitality. Apply by March 17, 2025.
Awakening Abundance Workshop - Join us this Spring Solstice for an “Awakening Abundance” workshop. We will visualize, meditate, and reflect on self-limiting beliefs. March 19, from 7:30 - 8:45PM.
The Word - A Storytelling Sanctuary is accepting applications for the 2025 Editor-Writer Mentorship. Are you a writer, author, editor, bookseller, or book enthusiast? Apply here by March 17, 2025.
The IPRC is hiring a contract UX/UI developer to design, build and test a library catalog for our zine collection! This is a temporary, grant funded, hybrid or remote position that starts in March/April 2025 and ends in June 2025. Proposals due March 19, 2025.
Regional Arts and Culture Council is hiring an Executive Director - The Executive Director will serve as the organization's chief executive, leading its strategic direction and overseeing all aspects of its operations in alliance with RACC’s values and commitment to equity and access. The ideal candidate is an experienced leader with a proven track record of coalition building, fundraising, and advocacy and an understanding of the region's cultural landscape. This role is based in the Portland Metro Area, Oregon. The salary range is $140k—$160k, depending on experience. Apply by April 2, 2025.
BIPOC Hot Yoga with Mikhayla Pitts - This hot yoga class is intended for practitioners of color to connect with their bodies and minds in a supportive and inclusive environment. April 12, 2025 from 11am - 12:30pm.
City of Hillsboro, Oregon – Call for Artists to Apply for Mural Funding - The City of Hillsboro, Oregon, has a growing collection of murals in parks and public spaces that celebrate its collective culture and heritage. The application process for the inaugural round of funding for new mural projects is currently open, with a focus on Hillsboro’s Cultural Arts District. The amount of funding awarded annually will depend on the number, type and geography of the proposals received and could range from $10,000 to $30,000. All murals in Hillsboro must receive approval before painting begins. Apply by April 21, 2025 at 9am.
That’s all for this month’s newsletter— thanks for joining us and as always, feel free to send over your events and opportunities for us to share.
- The PIC Team
This newsletter is such a rich resource 🙏🏽❤️ thank you for assembling these opportunities for us