Metro's performing arts venues are now Portland'5.
Robyn Williams, the manager of the Portland Center for the Performing Arts, told Metro councilors Tuesday that the venues' rebranding project is complete, with the new name, Portland'5 Centers for the Arts, set to launch on Monday. The 5, in place of an S, reflects the number of venues.
"We wanted a name that would reflect all of these values and our brand, and particularly emphasize that we're venues that belong to everybody, not just a select few," Williams said.
The venues – the Keller Auditorium, the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, the Newmark Theatre, the Dolores Winningstad Theatre and the Brunish Theatre – are owned by the city of Portland but have been managed by Metro since 1989.
Along with a new brand for the collection of venues, each individual theater now has its own unique logo. A new website for the venues is set to launch Monday.
The project was managed by Portland-based design firm Sockeye Creative. Williams said the project started as a simple re-build of the venues' website, which then led to the question of the brand as a whole.
"Our primary message is that these are your arts venues," Williams said.
The venues are overseen by the Metro Exposition and Recreation Commission, which is appointed by the Metro Council. MERC chair Judie Hammerstad introduced the change Tuesday.
"It's a new look, a new name, a new brand and a shot in the arm for these facilities that we can really be proud of," she said.
Metro councilors seemed to agree.
"I think it's very cool," said Councilor Carlotta Collette. "The look is beautiful. Sometimes you forget we have this whole arts side, and to me, it's one of the more fun things we get to do."
Councilor Craig Dirksen also approved of the new designs.
"I thought they were origami," he said. "I think there might be an opportunity to create a 3D version of it."