Artist Perspectives on Polka Dot Downtown" style="display: none;" />
When the pandemic shuttered 289 Portland venues our community’s musicians, like all of us, had to pivot quickly. Performers set up virtual venues and, in some cases, had to venture outside of the arts to make ends meet. Since its launch in July 2020, the Square has given more than 600 local artists the opportunity to perform live in Downtown.
Polka Dot Downtown provided 12-foot vinyl dots for outdoor performance stages, throughout the heart of downtown, and honorariums to benefit the participating artists. To date, more than $150,000 has been paid to local artists and the grassroots fundraising continues. In conversation with artists, musicians, and performers, who have participated in the program, the feedback has been consistent and clear. Polka Dot Downtown has made an impact on the musicians emotionally and economically. It became evident soon into the pandemic just how important human connection is to both the artists and the community, which is why we are thrilled to continue this unique ‘music in the streets’ programming initiative through Summer 2021.
“We are very grateful as artists to be able to perform. The power was in the opportunity to share with others. Mentally it is important. And spiritually, musicians need to have a place to perform. It's just the way we are made. I needed it. I was grateful -- and not just for the economic benefits of performing.”
LaRhonda Steele, musician, comments on the power of the Dots as a stage
“Musicians are more than their music. They create a vibe with their presence, their music, and who they are. It is the way musicians carry themselves and how they treat other people around them. As a musician, if you give off the right vibes, people want to be around that. It doesn’t have to be about being the best musician.”
Jermaine, musician, comments on the power of performing in front of a live audience.
“Sometimes you just have to put yourself out there. It might not be a theatre with lights and a paying audience, but the comradery is important.”
Jen Livengood, founder, A-WOL Dance Collective, comments on a performer’s need for a stage.
Pioneer Courthouse Square and downtown Portland are full of energy every hour there is a musician or artist on a Dot. Performances are continually being added to the schedule through the Summer and we are thankful for the ongoing interest, as more than 100 dots serve as stages throughout downtown. As LaRhonda Steele observes, without a doubt, “music in the air changes the atmosphere.”
“On a broad scale, Polka Dot Downtown reminds people of what’s possible. Sometimes they forget,” reflects Jen Livengood. We could all use a little inspiration from time to time, am I right?