A letter from our Executive & Artistic Director: September 2026

Dear friends and supporters,

Over the last several months, we've had a lot of conversations about our plans at Oregon Contemporary (Ox). People have been incredibly generous in how they've supported us as we regroup.

Our collective North Star must be a sustainable existence for artists and arts workers in Portland, and we must find ways to achieve this in the current climate, despite decreased funding and difficult political times.

For Ox, that means increasing staff at a time when we had not planned to. The silver lining is that we're creating space for more talented arts workers to have opportunities and a voice in the future of Oregon Contemporary. Some will be long-term staff and some will be on contract, but none will replace Dustin. Honestly, no one could replace him—he's mastered doing it all with a big heart over decades of working in museums and galleries.

We're choosing to focus on a future for Ox, on Dustin's hopeful return, and on our commitment to providing the space and support for arts workers to grow with us over time and make lasting contributions to our field. The big picture is this: Equity is sustainability. They are not in opposition. DEIA, fair pay for artists and arts workers, work-life balance, and supporting long-term workers through illness or injury are not “nice-to-haves.” They are core to our values and to the future of our communities. They are also how we will stay open, relevant, and engaged in new ways of doing work, while supporting Portland and its artists for the long term.

With that in mind, we are pleased to welcome the newest Oregon Contemporary team member, Candice Bancheri, Ox’s new Manager of Exhibitions and Programs. Candice began as a project manager at Oregon Contemporary over the summer, managing the Biennial deinstallation and quickly showing her deep care for artists and community members, as well as her ability to manage adeptly. We are so pleased to have her now join our staff long-term.

All our best,
Blake + Ox staff and board

A letter from our Executive & Artistic Director: June 2026

Dear friends,

I am writing to say thank you to so many people, and to ask for your crucial continued support. 

This year has been a tumultuous one for Oregon Contemporary. We've reached new lows with the revoked NEA grant due to the participating artists’ bios, a second year of reduced Portland city funding, and the most difficult one yet, our exhibition Director Dustin Williams having a severe traumatic brain injury in May. These moments were met with an overwhelming response of support by donors, collaborating arts organizations, artists, and community support. Ultimately it has braced Oregon Contemporary with a new level of resolve, as we meet the moment by leading, partnering, asking for help when needed, and supporting our folks in the hardest of times.

The year has also shown us incredible highs. The exhibition A Larger Reality: Ursula K. Le Guin was the most well attended exhibition in our 25 year history. Created by Theo Downes Le Guin, this expansive exhibition created a rich, deep experience of a beloved Portlander’s legacy, whose creative impact resonates more than ever today. 

We are also proud to say that our work over the last 2 years with PACE (Portland Art & Culture for Equity) resulted this spring in us securing a $1.6 million release of withheld city funds to 80 orgs along with an approved City amendment providing millions more annually, in perpetuity.

We are now preparing to close our 2nd most well attended exhibition: The Price of the Ticket, the 2026 Artists’ Biennial, curated by TK Smith. We have been honored to work with TK and the 26 artists/artist collectives chosen for the exhibition, which acts as a response to the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. What they’ve created is a stirring, hopeful, and deeply resonating exhibition at a time when we all must consider what America is now and what it should be for our future.

We are so grateful to be able to conclude the Biennial with our program on July 4th from 4-8pm. Forum on the 4th, co-presented by Sitka Center for Art and Ecology with curator TK Smith, the event will include community reflections on the semiquincentennial and the Biennial, public readings by participating artists, curator TK SMith, & community members, a performance of Fifty Clocks Made to Strike Together by DeepTime Collective, local fare prepared by Cheffes Sarah Marguier and Sabah Taratko, and tunes by DJ Omari Jazz. Please RSVP for this free event.

The Biennial was only made possible through the generosity of our community. We received unprecedented levels of gifts from donors and record support from the Ford Family Foundation, Sitka Center for Arts and Ecology (another nonprofit hit by federal cuts!), the Eichholz Foundation, and many more. The Biennial is one of our most impactful programs, and we are so appreciative of the huge numbers of donors and community members who have shown their support.

Finally, I want to share a note about our Exhibitions Director Dustin William, as he continues on the long-road to recovery from his catastrophic brain injury. We are nothing without our artists and curators, and Dustin has always worked with that in mind. I truly don't know how to express my depth of gratitude to Dustin Williams for his amazing talent, work ethic, and resilience over the last nine years. And I know that I am one of so many that feel this tragedy, none more than his lovely family of course.

For Oregon Contemporary, we've seen partners, artists, tenants, board members, and staff come together in a way that I never would've hoped for. We are incredibly thankful for the outpouring of support for Dustin at this time, including the GoFundMe linked here, and to all of you who have stepped up to help Ox during this difficult time. We are working to build out a broader team that is strong and flexible- to support our programs for the next year and to support Dustin’s excellent work when he returns.

As we prepare for a next year with increased staff needs and continuation of our excellent contemporary art exhibitions and programs, your continued support is vital. Give today in support of Oregon Contemporary, our small and mighty staff, and the ideals and values we uphold by platforming innovative, experimental, politically relevant, and resonant artist projects. 

With deep love and thanks,

Blake Shell
Executive and Artistic Director
June 26, 2026