Portland is a Cultural Hub
As one of the most creative cities in the country, Portland is an ideal place to get an arts education. Our location enhances our students’ creative exploration, offering unparalleled access to resources and opportunities to engage with the art world. With museums and cultural institutions as well as creative businesses and a DIY spirit that permeates Portland culture, students will find inspiration in every corner of our city.
Community Engagement and Hands-On Learning
PNCA is a cultural and creative center with a mission to engage with the broader Portland community. By emphasizing experience-based learning, we foster a sense of community engagement in our students. We prepare them for their future careers by encouraging them to think beyond school and consider the impact they can have on the PNW region – both in the future and right now.
Cultural and Artistic Experiences
To ensure that our students feel connected to their campus community, PNCA hosts a variety of events open to students and the public. From on-campus events such as gallery openings, visiting artist talks, and lectures to partnerships with businesses in the neighborhood, there are plenty of opportunities for students to engage with the shared PNCA and Portland arts community. The campus itself offers an immersive arts experience as student work can be seen throughout the many galleries and exhibition spaces.
Building Connections in Portland
Our deep ties to the surrounding area offer our students opportunities to connect with major businesses and independent creators alike. They have engaged with meaningful mentorship and internship experiences with nonprofits, cultural organizations, and industry leaders. With the support of PNCA staff and faculty, students build connections in the community and gain experience putting their creative skills into practice.
