About Oregon Contemporary

Oregon Contemporary’s symbol is an O (symbolizing Oregon and Oregon Contemporary’s large, bowl-like gallery space) raised to the power of x (inspired by John Cage’s advice to break all rules by “leaving plenty of room for ‘x’ quantities”).

Mission

Oregon Contemporary is a space dedicated to art, community, and the exponential possibilities of contemporary art. We produce powerful, visionary art programs for the communities of Oregon. 

Vision

We believe artists provide unique, forward-thinking ways of connecting people to the nuanced issues that define modern life. We regularly promote voices and points of view—regional to international—that have been historically underrepresented in the arts, and engage these populations to impact and intervene in the contemporary arts dialogue.

By showcasing any and all forms of art in our exhibitions and events, Oregon Contemporary supports and empowers artists, curators, and performers, presenting singular experiences for the public every month. Through individual and business donations, as well as grant support, Oregon Contemporary is able to pay arts producers fairly for their work, while offering the majority of our programs to audiences free of charge.

Equity work

We remain committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility work that we began in 2017. Please read our continued commitment to DEIA, our Equity Statement, and our Land Acknowledgement here.

Oregon Contemporary is W.A.G.E. certified. W.A.G.E. Certification is a national program initiated and operated by W.A.G.E. that publicly recognizes those nonprofit arts organizations demonstrating a history of, and commitment to, voluntarily paying artist fees that meet payment standards.

History and the Disjecta Studio

The Disjecta Studio in our building honors the history of Oregon Contemporary, formerly known as Disjecta Contemporary Arts Center. Learn more about our history here.

Staff and Consultants

Blake Shell, Executive and Artistic Director

Dustin Williams, Director of Exhibitions and Facilities

Eric Long, Gallery and Marketing Coordinator

Lisa De Grace, Development Consultant

TK Smith, 2026 Artists’ Biennial Curator

Board of Directors

Adam McIsaac, Secretary and Marketing and Branding Lead
Principal, Sibley House

Amanda L. Miller, CPA; Treasurer
Controller, Portland Art Museum

Ashley Stull Meyers
Curator and Horning Chief Curator of Art, Science and Technology at Oregon State University

Billy Hughes
Managing Director, ACA Group

Jes Yen
Senior Manager, Strategic Risk Management - NIKE, Inc.

Marcus Fischer
Artist

Melissa Soltesz, President
Art Advisor & Appraiser, Soltesz Fine Art

Michael Bruno
Principal, Enterprise Risk, Airbnb