Radiating like spokes from downtown Portland, the ten bridges that span the Willamette River are central to regional identity, tying the geography and cultures of Portland into a vibrant whole. Beginning with the Hawthorne Bridge Centennial in 2010—followed closely by the Broadway Bridge (2012) and the Steel Bridge (2013) Centennials—we are excited to introduce the PDX Bridge Festival as an annual, citywide cultural arts festival that celebrates the Willamette River Bridges while harnessing the power of Portland’s creative capacity.
The PDX Bridge Festival will reinvent the bridges as a staging grounds for individual works of art and performance. While showcasing the convergence of industrial design and artistic endeavor, and presenting a diverse program of gallery exhibitions, speakers, musical events and performance, we will create a valuable cultural tourist destination in the heart of Portland. Drawing large numbers of visitors and residents to this event, our goal is to bring people together in a spirit of civic pride, aesthetic wonder, and community engagement. In short, PDX Bridge Festival would treat the bridges as a canvas upon which we can tell the story of Portland—who we are, where we come from, where we are going, and how we choose to express the culture of our great city.
Please add me to your e-mail list. And the event(s) sounds fantastic. Our organization is interested in more information so that we can participate.
Tucker and the Basura Sagrada Crew are a group of young professional artists with exceptional “Big Idea” spirits that collectively should be thought of as, The CAN DO Crew”. Whether it’s firing up Burningman, helping friends bring light and song to the Bay Area or in this case, transforming the Willamette River Bridges into enduring 100-year celebrations of Portland’s vision, culture and public works. We must equally salute the City/State Officials who have chosen to embrace the uniqueness of this opportunity and the brave souls who would dare create anew. I’m so envious of those who live near and can actively participate, yet simply know that those of us who live in distant lands will be following closely as the end of July nears!!!
Peace and love to all!