2026 HeART of Portland: April 15-September 20
Mark your calendars for April 15, 2026, as Portland Public Schools (PPS) and the Portland Art Museum (PAM) unite for the 2026 HeART of Portland—a celebration of student artists whose talents have been cultivated by the generous support of Portland taxpayers. The performing arts showcase kicks off a visual arts exhibition full of student work from across the district. The exhibition will close in September.
The 2026 HeART of Portland Theme, “Windows of Our Future,” draws inspiration from multiple exhibitions and honors key milestones within the Portland arts community. It opens a space to consider the relationship between where we stand today and the future ahead – a theme you’ll see mirrored in the architecture of the Museum, its exhibitions, and the conversations they spark.
Windows serve as portals, mirrors, and sources of light and fresh air; they allow us to both look out and within. These traits are reflected in the transformed Portland Art Museum campus, featuring the glass facade of the welcoming Rothko Pavilion and large, street-facing windows reflecting shared community values of transparency, accessibility, and inclusivity.
This year holds particular significance: students who began kindergarten during the first year of the Arts Access Fund are now graduating seniors. They step into a future shaped by both their arts education and a revitalized Museum — a future imagined and advocated for by generations of Portlanders.
The event is free and open to everyone!
APRIL 15, 2026 @ 6:30 pm | OPENING RECEPTION AT THE PORTLAND ART MUSEUM
The opening reception will include student dance, music, and theater performances, as well as over 100 works of visual art, that highlight the diversity of arts offerings across PPS. Guests will visit the brand new Silver Youth & Community Gallery, where student work will be displayed for the first time in the Museum proper.
APRIL 15th - SEPTEMBER 20th | VISUAL ART EXHIBITION AT THE PORTLAND ART MUSEUM
Come explore the 2026 HeART of Portland Collaborative Project and individual student pieces through the duration of April.
Student artwork will be displayed in the museum, open during normal museum hours until September.
HIGHLIGHTING THE MASTER ARTS EDUCATION PLAN
The HeART of Portland is a chance to see the Master Arts Education Plan in action. The MAEP is a nationally recognized plan that increases equitable access to high-quality arts education for all PPS students.
Event Archives
2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014
