Programs & Community
Where the Abbey
Meets the Neighborhood.
From recurring community showcases to co-produced performances and organizational partnerships, this is how Alberta Abbey shows up beyond the rental calendar.
31,295
People served FY2025
1,604
BIPOC artist events
1,097
Artists supported
Community Programs
Recurring programs rooted in NE Portland.
These programs run regularly throughout the year, centering Black and underrepresented artists and audiences. They are free or low-cost, produced or co-produced by the Abbey, and open to all.
Monthly · Showcase
MainStage Open Mic
Every month · the Abbey’s longest-running community showcase
An open stage for performers of all disciplines: music, poetry, spoken word, comedy. No audition, no gatekeeping. The stage belongs to the community.
Monthly
Frequency
All ages
Audience
Recurring · Cultural
Havana Latin Rhythms with Son de Cuba
Multiple dates · Latin cultural programming
Celebrating Latin music and culture through live performance. Son de Cuba brings Afro-Cuban rhythms and dance to Northeast Portland audiences.
Recurring
Series format
Recurring · Add type
Program Name
Frequency and dates
Add a 2-3 sentence description of this program, who it serves, and what makes it distinct.
Key stat
Recurring · Add type
Program Name
Frequency and dates
Add a 2-3 sentence description of this program, who it serves, and what makes it distinct.
Key stat
Recurring · Add type
Program Name
Frequency and dates
Add a 2-3 sentence description of this program, who it serves, and what makes it distinct.
Key stat
Recurring · Add type
Program Name
Frequency and dates
Add a 2-3 sentence description of this program, who it serves, and what makes it distinct.
Key stat
Co-Productions
We don't just host shows. We help make them.
Co-productions are partnerships where Alberta Abbey shares in producing, promoting, and presenting work alongside artists and organizations. We bring the space, the technical expertise, and the audience. You bring the vision.
June · Annual
Co-Production with Elevate Unity
Black Music Month
Each June, Alberta Abbey and Elevate Unity co-produce a live celebration of Black Music Month that puts Portland’s extraordinary music legacy front and center. The program uplifts the local artists, bands, and traditions that shaped a scene with deep national significance, spanning Oregon’s jazz heritage and the soul and R&B voices that defined the city’s cultural identity.
Partner
Elevate Unity, Inc. · elevateunity.org
February · Annual
Co-Production with Elevate Unity
Black History Month
Each February, Alberta Abbey and Elevate Unity co-produce a Black History Month showcase honoring the Portland musicians and artists who shaped the city’s cultural voice. The program celebrates Black excellence in music and amplifies the local history that earned Portland a place on the national map, bringing artists and audiences together in recognition and community.
Partner
Elevate Unity, Inc. · elevateunity.org
Want to perform or co-produce at the Abbey?
We love partnering with artists and organizations who bring strong marketing assets, professionalism, and a commitment to co-promoting their work.
Community Arts Access Program
Subsidized space for the community we serve.
Through the Community Arts Access Program (CAAP), eligible groups may receive free or reduced-cost use of Abbey spaces, made possible by charitable support. CAAP exists because we believe cost should never be a barrier to community arts programming.
The program supports youth-focused and community-centered arts programming that aligns with our mission to amplify opportunities for Black and underrepresented communities, including Black, Native/Indigenous, People of Color, women, and LGBTQIA2S+ individuals.
As funds are limited, subsidized space use is not guaranteed and is awarded based on eligibility, mission alignment, availability, and community impact.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet at least one of the following:
- Artists or arts educators who identify as members of underrepresented communities and are based in the Portland metro area.
- Nonprofit organizations or fiscally-sponsored projects focused on youth arts education, community wellness through the arts, or supporting underrepresented artists or audiences.
- Community groups or collectives offering arts-based programming that serves youth, families, or elders with limited access to creative opportunities.
- Collaborators on mission-aligned events that build community, elevate BIPOC creatives, or provide educational access through the arts.
How It Works
01
Apply at least 7 days in advance
Submit the form with your project description, dates, spaces needed, and budget. Mon–Thurs (and sometimes Sun) are eligible; Fri/Sat are typically not.
02
We review your application
We evaluate based on eligibility, mission alignment, space availability, and community impact. A/V and tech needs may have additional cost.
03
You'll receive one of four responses
Approved
Fully subsidized, no cost to you
Partial
Partially subsidized at a discounted rate
More Info Needed
We’ll follow up with questions
Not Approved
We’ll explain why and offer alternatives where possible
Good to know
Liability insurance is required for public-facing events. We can help guide you to options if you don’t have coverage.
Partnerships
The organizations that make our work possible.
Alberta Abbey’s programs and operations are sustained by a network of government funders, foundations, and community partners who share our commitment to accessible arts in NE Portland.
Government & Major Foundation Support
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Foundations & Trusts
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Community & Business Partners
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Interested in partnering with Alberta Abbey?
We welcome conversations with funders, foundations, and community organizations who share our mission of accessible arts in NE Portland.