Here is Oregon is proud to welcome their newest partner, Literary Arts

The Here is Oregon team is thrilled to announce our newest partner, Literary Arts. The Portland-based literary nonprofit is responsible for the infamous Portland Book Festival, Oregon Book Awards, and countless other programs designed to connect, inspire and support readers and writers of all ages.

A History of Supporting the Literary Arts

What began in 1984 as Portland Arts & Lectures, the organization merged with the Oregon Institute of Literary Arts in 1993, becoming known as just Literary Arts, and bringing the Oregon Book Awards and Fellowships under its wing.

In 1996, Literary Arts began programming for youth with Writers in the Schools and now serves thousands of local public high school students every year through various programs. In 2014 Literary Arts officially acquired Wordstock, transforming it into the Portland Book Festival. With writing workshops and other events happening year-round, it has long served as a vibrant hub for the community.

A new chapter

Beyond their exceptional programming, Literary Arts is starting a new chapter with a brand-new headquarters, just in time for their 40th anniversary. The building, located in the heart of Portland in the Central Eastside Industrial District, will not only house their office but also a bookstore and café, and will have space for community gatherings, events and workshops.

“This building will be transformational for Literary Arts. Not only will it be one of the largest physical centers in the nation for literature and storytelling, but it will also stand as a love letter to this city that has been our home for four decades,” commented Andrew Proctor, executive director at Literary Arts. “It will be a place for our community to tell and hear stories, to write in community and in mentorship, to meet each other and talk about the ideas that matter most, and we are grateful every day to our supporters who have made this possible.”

Literary Art’s mission statement is to engage readers, support writers, and inspire the next generation with great literature.

As a good-news platform, Here is Oregon aims to celebrate the people, places, and experiences that are unique to Oregon through storytelling.

This community update is shared courtesy of the Here is Oregon Community Connections team. The team works with community partners and supporters through events and key initiatives throughout the state, amplifying and sharing good news that’s aligned with our mission. See our submission guidelines and learn more today.