Portland Opera Supports Alternative Location
The Keller Auditorium. Photo by M.O. Stevens
After months of reflection, Portland Opera announces its full support of Portland State University as the alternative location for a new performance venue to replace the Keller Auditorium.
Portland Opera has deep concerns regarding the Halprin Landscape Conservancy’s
proposal requiring a staggered closure of the Keller. In previous statements addressing
the potential impact of this closure, Portland Opera emphasized the severe
consequences a complete closure would have on the organization, and the broader
arts community.
"The arts community in Portland was devastated by COVID-19, especially the Portland
Opera,” said Carole Morse, Portland Opera Board chair. “Thanks to our wonderful
partners, staff, donors and subscribers, we are slowly coming back. The Halprin
Landscape Conservancy’s proposal would close the Keller for two to three years, undo
all our efforts, and essentially force us to go through pandemic-level impacts again.”
The performing arts sector was among the hardest hit during the pandemic, being one
of the first to shut down and the last to reopen. The extended closure caused
significant financial and emotional strain on countless individuals and organizations that
depend on venues like Keller Auditorium for their survival Another disruption would
exacerbate this trauma, particularly for those whose jobs and livelihoods are contingent
on work at the Keller.
"The Keller Auditorium remaining open until a new one is built is not only key to
rebuilding our performances and revenue, but also necessary for our continued
existence,” said Sue Dixon, General Director and CEO of Portland Opera. “Closing the
Keller, even for one day, threatens the arts community and all of the artists, performers,
technicians and support staff who all contribute to a thriving arts ecosystem.”
The proposed Keller renovation project by Halprin would require full or periodic
shutdowns, which would have a significant impact on the Portland Opera’s finances. In
contrast, the PSU project presents a more practical and less disruptive option, allowing
continued operations of the existing Keller Auditorium until the new replacement is
built five blocks away on a large four-acre parcel.
"We cannot afford to undermine the progress we have made in recovering from the
pandemic's effects on the arts sector,” said Dixon. “We have a responsibility to our
employees, the community who benefit from the arts in so many ways, and future
Oregonians who one day may sit in a beautiful 21st-century venue on PSU’s campus
and experience performances put on by a thriving arts community.”
Metro conducted a study that estimates a two-year closure would cost nearly $100
million in lost economic benefit, particularly at a time when downtown Portland is still
recovering. The Portland City Council is scheduled to discuss the proposals again on
August 14th.
“It is crucial that we support the continuity and growth of our cultural institutions," said
Dixon. "We strongly urge the City Council to reject Halprin’s Keller renovation project
in favor of endorsing PSU as the most viable solution."