02/06/2026
A huge thank you to the Portland Metro Chamber
for hosting an inspiring panel on The Performing Arts Scene in Portland.
PHAME Board Member & student Andrea attended on our behalf, reminding us how important it is that every voice is included when we talk about the arts in our city.
Our biggest takeaway: Portland’s arts scene is alive and thriving — and engaging with the arts is good for your mind, body, and soul.
✨ Call to Action: Show up for the arts. Attend a performance. Support local artists. Invest in organizations—that make creativity accessible to everyone.
Let’s keep building a community where every artist belongs and every story has a stage. 💛
Huge thanks to the incredible panelists and moderator who made the conversation so rich and energizing.
•Paul Snyder – President & CEO, Oregon Symphony
•Luke Burbank – Host, Live Wire Radio & Correspondent, CBS Sunday Morning
•Dani Rowe – Artistic Director, Oregon Ballet Theatre
•Poison Waters – Drag Performer, Darcelle XV Showplace
•Moderated by Jessi Duley – Founder & CEO,
BurnCycle & The Reckless Optimist
ID1: Two people stand side by side, smiling at the camera in a backstage or event setting. On the left is a performer wearing a sparkling, deep red sequined dress. They have voluminous, styled hair, dramatic eye makeup, bold lipstick, and statement jewelry. On the right is a person wearing glasses, a denim jacket over a light-colored floral dress, and red tights. They are leaning in close, smiling broadly, conveying warmth and joy. Black curtains hang behind them, with folding chairs and event equipment visible, suggesting a live performance or panel environment.
ID2: A panel of five speakers is seated on high stools on a stage in front of black curtains. Each person holds a microphone. The central speaker wears a red sequined dress and is actively speaking. The other panelists dressed in dark or neutral professional attire, face toward the speaker attentively. Stage lighting casts a cool blue and purple glow across the scene. Large speakers sit at the front edge of the stage, reinforcing the setting as a live discussion or event.