Mission

Converge 45 supports Portland’s creative ecosystem by promoting the work of artists and organizations in the Pacific Northwest and improving access to broader art discourses within our communities.

Statement of Work

Converge 45 is a non-profit arts organization that produces a contemporary art triennial in Portland, Oregon. In collaboration with a dynamic community of artists, organizations, galleries, corporate partners, alternative venues, and a guest curator, Converge 45 develops a citywide exhibition across the metropolitan area every three years. The triennial intersects regional, national, and international perspectives around art and the futures it seeks. Outside of the triennial program, the organization works in continued collaboration with community partners to build strength and resiliency within the Portland arts ecosystem.

Equity Statement

Converge 45 believes art is a fundamental right and a vital source of inspiration for new futures. Equity lies at the heart of our dedication to contemporary art, one of the few spaces in which curiosity, excitement, and experimentation can foster autonomy and challenge systemic structures. Arts programming’s capacity to challenge existing perspectives is meaningful and liberating for artists and viewers.

These beliefs are the foundation of Converge 45’s commitment to upholding and honoring the voices of the oppressed and creating welcoming spaces for all bodies, regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, age, gender identity and expression, sexuality, ability or disability, and economic class. Converge 45 is committed to centering these voices, prioritizing accessibility, and promoting cultural partners and organizations who share this commitment. 

We are committed to partnering with a diverse group of artists and continually broadening our audience. We recognize we can do more to support the voices of marginalized community members. We will employ Constructivist Listening to learn from these communities and evolve as an organization. We strive for representation within our artist selection, staff, and board that directly reflects the diversity of our local community. 

We recognize that inequity is expressed not only through violent action but also within more subtle cultural structures, social systems, and internal beliefs. Converge 45 embraces anti-racism, equity, and inclusion and is working to identify and eliminate implicit tendencies in our organization and ourselves. We are committed to identifying how our organization can create opportunities for growth, unity, and resiliency within existing systems of oppression.

This statement is not the end of our work. Equity and inclusion are an ongoing commitment.

Converge 45 serves all members of the community regardless of age, race, color, religion, creed, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected status under applicable law.

Land Acknowledgement

Converge 45 operates in Portland, Oregon, which lies within the traditional homelands of the Multnomah, Oregon City Tumwater, Watlala, and Clackamas Chinooks, and the Tualatin Kalapuya Peoples who were relocated to the Grand Ronde Reservation under the Kalapuya etc., 1855, ratified treaty (also known as the Willamette Valley Treaty, 1855). Today, these Tribes are a part of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. The Grand Ronde people continue to maintain a connection to their ancestral homelands and maintain their traditional cultural practices.

*Converge 45 acknowledges the importance of Land Acknowledgements and is working closely with the City and other community partners to ensure ours is relevant, accurate, and reflects our deep commitment to honoring and acknowledging Native communities in our region.