In a city with a reputation for cultural homogeneity, Black Portlanders would like a word otherwise. The Portland Art Museum, arguably the city’s cultural center, is standing 10 toes down in support. PAM’s new Black Art and Experiences Initiative, a permanent, multigallery project debuting with the reopening of the Rothko Pavilion, aims to embed Black art, artists and audiences into the core of the museum’s curatorial practice, programming and institutional culture.

The initiative includes four galleries dedicated to Black art, activations and community reflection; robust partnerships with Black-led organizations; an artist-driven residency model; and deep community engagement guided by Portland’s own community of Black artists, curators, advocates and creators, with leadership by ambassa

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