PORTLAND, OR — Portland Queer Arts Foundation (PQA) has launched its first-ever Community Needs Assessment to better understand how to support and uplift LGBTQ+ artists in Portland. The initiative begins with a 10-minute anonymous survey, now live at portlandqueerarts.foundation/survey.
The survey invites queer artists of all disciplines—including musicians, dancers, drag performers, poets, visual artists, and more—to share their experiences, challenges, and needs. Feedback gathered will directly inform PQA’s future programs, grantmaking, partnerships, and performance opportunities.
“This is about listening,” said John T. Perry (he/him), Founder and President of Portland Queer Arts Foundation. “Our mission is to create inclusive, joyful, and interdisciplinary spaces for queer creativity—but to do that well, we need to hear directly from the artists we serve.”
Who Should Participate:
The survey is open to individuals who:
- Identify as LGBTQ+
- Are 18 years or older
- Live and/or create art in Portland or surrounding areas
- Are currently pursuing, or want to pursue, art as a form of income
PQA is encouraging Portland’s queer community to not only participate but also share the survey with their networks. “Every perspective strengthens this work,” added Perry. “By amplifying a diversity of voices, we can help shape a stronger, more visible future for queer art in Portland.”
In addition to the survey, Portland Queer Arts Foundation will be hosting a series of focus groups this fall to create more space for dialogue and collective visioning. These sessions will bring together LGBTQ+ artists across disciplines to share stories, identify needs, and generate ideas for how PQA can serve the community more effectively. Details on dates, times, and how to sign up will be announced soon. Sign up for our mailing list to be notified about future opportunities to share your voice.
Take the survey here: portlandqueerarts.foundation/survey
About Portland Queer Arts Foundation
Portland Queer Arts Foundation uplifts and celebrates Portland’s queer artists, advocates, and allies by creating inclusive, joyful, and interdisciplinary arts experiences. From live performances and artist grants to community events, the organization cultivates space for bold expression, collaborative storytelling, and lasting cultural impact. Portland Queer Arts Foundation is based in Portland, Oregon, and committed to amplifying underrepresented voices across Portland and the surrounding metropolitan area.