PORTLAND, OR — Portland Queer Arts Foundation is proud to announce the return of its flagship multidisciplinary performance, the Portland Queer Arts Spectacular, on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at 7:00 PM at the historic Alberta Rose Theatre.
Now in its second year, the Spectacular continues its mission to uplift and celebrate Portland’s queer artists, advocates, and allies through an inclusive and emotionally resonant live experience. The 2025 show introduces a bold new theme—Do You See Me?—curated by acclaimed choreographer and performer Franco Nieto (he/him), who joins as this year’s guest Artistic Director.
Nieto, a Princess Grace Award-winner and founder of Open Space Dance, brings a deeply personal lens to the show’s artistic direction. His theme, Do You See Me?, invites audiences and artists alike to explore queer visibility, presence, and the power of being witnessed in all forms of identity, artistry, and community.
“This theme is a love letter to all the ways we show up—for ourselves and each other,” says Nieto. “Queer visibility is not just about being seen by the world. It’s about claiming our space and seeing one another with care, curiosity, and joy.”
The 2025 Spectacular will feature original work from an interdisciplinary roster of queer artists across dance, drag, music, spoken word, and visual arts. The show draws on Portland’s dynamic creative community to present an evening that is both celebratory and unflinching, joyful and deeply human.
Auditions for participating artists will be held July 14 & 15, with rehearsals running through August 30. As in previous years, all selected artists will be paid for their participation in the show, with a focus on equity, collaboration, and accessibility.
“Franco brings not only world-class artistry but a heart-forward leadership style that aligns beautifully with our mission,” says President and Founder John T. Perry. “We’re thrilled to support his vision and to welcome audiences into a show that promises to be as visually stunning as it is emotionally meaningful.”
Tickets for the 2025 Portland Queer Arts Spectacular go on sale July 15. For audition details, artist announcements, or press inquiries, visit https://portlandqueerarts.foundation/queer-arts-spectacular.
About Portland Queer Arts
Portland Queer Arts was created to foster representation, visibility, and equity for queer artists and queer art organizations in Portland and the greater Pacific Northwest. By funding artists directly through fundraisers, grants, and scholarship programs for young queer artists, as well as providing a creative container for artists to showcase their work, we hope to create a platform through which queer artists of all socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds can achieve their creative vision unconstrained. It is our belief that honest and thoughtful stories told by queer people, for queer people can become a catalyst for deep and meaningful change.