Creative Culture - Portland

Portland is famous for its design centric corporate giants the likes of Nike and Adidas America. As well as its design and advertising heavy weights Ziba and Wieden + Kennedy respectively. But its the fundamental support of design and the populations awareness of Portland’s significance there in that’s amazing.

The population appears to have a general enthusiasm for creativity. Creative people appear to be less motivated by money then sharing ideas and creating cultural capital. This is perhaps a side effect of the general friendliness and generosity of the population. Or perhaps, due to a critical mass of like minded people many of which move from larger cities like Seattle and New York.

Regardless, during my short stay I have been invited to world class manufacturing plants and unique education facilities. I have encountered several locals willing speak at great length about the cities culture and surprisingly more then one willing to share it with me personally.

I was directed to spaces like ADX which demystify and democratise the manufacturing process and reacquainted with initiatives like the Oregon Manifest, which create reasons for people to create and evolve.

Take this impression with a grain of salt, as I have only experience Portland over five short days. But what an impression it has made.