Operator of Portland entertainment venues could change for first time since ’80s

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — For the first time in nearly 40 years, a new entity could take over operations at the City of Portland’s five performance venues.

Oregon Metro leaders will soon vote on whether to terminate their intergovernmental agreement with the city, Portland’s Arts & Economy Committee learned on Tuesday.

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The Portland’5 Centers for the Arts — which includes Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, Keller Auditorium, Newmark Theatre, Winningstad Theatre and Antoinette Hatfield Hall’s Brunish Theatre — is currently owned by the city. But regional government Metro has operated the venues since it first signed an agreement with local leaders in the late ‘80s.

Portland’s Performing Arts Venues Workgroup has since recommended that the city abandon its IGA in an effort to consider other “effective” operating models for the spaces, according to Office of Arts & Culture Director Chariti Montez.

Under one potential model, the city would both own and operate P’5 venues. The workgroup noted that a nonprofit entity, for-profit entity or Portland-based university could take over operations as well. The city could also decide to select different operators for each venue.

“Following the workgroup’s recommendations, the city and metro are actively negotiating dissolution of the IGA,” Montez said. “We’re working toward what’s called termination by mutual agreement with a termination agreement that outlines the terms and timeline for transferring management either back to the city or a contracted third-party operator.”

The Metro Council will consider the termination agreement during a meeting on Thursday. If approved, officials expect the IGA to end on June 30, 2027. The city would assume responsibility for the five venues on the following day.

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A potential change in its operating model would mark another significant shakeup for P’5. Earlier this year, the organization laid off 12 employees in hopes of securing the long-term future of performing arts in the city.

Additionally, officials are considering a joint plan that entails the renovation of the Keller Auditorium and the construction of another Broadway venue from Portland State University.

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