Eugene: A City For the Arts

Creative expression is the heartbeat of Eugene. Art pulses through the city's neighborhoods and streets. It might be a formal affair like an opera or symphony or it could be the elaborately painted bus heading to the Oregon Country Fair. Sometimes it blossoms in an artist's home studio and sometimes it explodes as a flash mob in Kesey Square — however art and culture manifests, small or large, quiet or loud — in Eugene there is a lot of it!

Public art pops up on traffic boxes, sidewalks or the sides of buildings. The 20x21 Mural Project commissioned 20 world-class murals celebrating the World Athletics Championships Oregon22 (hosted by Eugene). Every year, Eugene packs the summer with free public events showcasing the community's diverse arts from dance troupes to musicians to film screenings. The city has also been known to display pianos in public spaces, inspiring impromptu concerts by passersby. Why all this love for public art? In 1981, the City of Eugene made a commitment to the arts through the Percent for Art Ordinance which charges local government with the support and development of artists.

Visually, you can see that Eugene embraces its art reputation. From large, whimsically painted ducks to classic bronze sculptures commemorating Rosa Parks, Eugene Skinner (the town's founder) and author Ken Kesey, a diversity of media gives expression to Eugene. The weekly Saturday Market held downtown is a showcase of artisan crafts and performance artists.

Art Hubs

The Hult Center for the Performing Arts houses numerous resident companies including opera, symphony, ballet and concert choir. This performing arts powerhouse also hosts touring headliners, Broadway musicals, radio redux, concerts and comedy. The University of Oregon has strong performing and visual arts programs, as well as being home to the esteemed Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art and The Museum of Natural and Cultural History. Fresh ideas flow forth from the colleges and community theaters.

Art Happenings