PORTLAND, OR — Portland Queer Arts Foundation (PQA) has officially launched its search for the next Artistic Director of the 2026 Portland Queer Arts Spectacular, inviting visionary queer creatives to shape the theme and artistic direction of the organization’s flagship annual production.
The Request for Proposal, issued February 20, 2026 , outlines PQA’s commitment to rotating guest Artistic Directors each year, continuing the tradition of fresh perspective, bold storytelling, and collaborative performance that has defined the Spectacular since its inception.
The 2026 Spectacular will take place at the Alberta Rose Theatre on September 19 and 20, 2026 at 7:00 PM, featuring 10–12 multidisciplinary acts in a genre-defying evening that blends heart, humor, activism, and art .
“The Spectacular is more than a performance — it’s a curated celebration of queer resilience, joy, and artistic excellence,” said John Perry (he/him), Founder and President of Portland Queer Arts Foundation. “Each year, a new Artistic Director brings a distinct voice and vision that helps our community see itself in new and powerful ways.”
About the Role
The selected Artistic Director will:
- Develop a unifying theme aligned with PQA’s mission
- Curate featured acts across disciplines
- Foster artistic collaborations between artists
- Shape the arc and run of show
- Provide artistic leadership throughout rehearsals and production
PQA will also work with the selected Artistic Director to identify and hire a Featured Performer/Emcee, who will serve as an ambassador for the evening and help guide audiences through the show — continuing a format that has resonated strongly with audiences in past productions.
Commitment to Inclusive Leadership
Portland Queer Arts celebrates and affirms queer and trans artists of all races, ethnicities, genders, abilities, and lived experiences. The organization strongly encourages BIPOC, trans, nonbinary, disabled, and other historically marginalized artists to apply.
Proposals will be reviewed by a selection committee comprised of PQA leadership, artists, and community stakeholders, with evaluation focused on artistic vision, alignment with mission, collaborative approach, and organizational capacity.
Key Dates
- Proposals Due: March 15, 2026
- Artistic Director Selected: March 29, 2026
- Artist Auditions Announced: March 30, 2026
Full submission details and proposal guidelines are available at:
https://portlandqueerarts.foundation/jobs/artistic-director-2025
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.