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Public Annex is an all volunteer run 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in Portland, Oregon that provides accessible urban farming and arts programming, focusing on inclusivity of artists and farmers who experience developmental disabilities.

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Mission
Our mission is to break down systemic barriers that prohibit marginalized populations from inclusivity by building a community around accessible farming and art programming. 

 

Programming
Services we offer include but are not limited to weekly art classes, urban farming, lectures and workshops, artist residencies and artist representation.

Why art + farming? Both art and farming are trades in which there is not a single defined approach; they can be accessed by all. We believe that art and farming can act as forms of communication – forms that cross barriers of language, culture, physical and cognitive ability. These are our chosen entry points for the change that we strive to see in our society. We work to empower and connect people - of all abilities and mobilities, people who share a passion for art and/or farming - to learn from each other, find meaningful connections to "work" and define their chosen identity within society. 

We utilize the spaces of other arts organizations around Portland, Oregon and operate our urban farm project on the Side Yard Annex Farm to provide our programming. We believe that in partnering with other established organizations, we can further our mission of helping marginalized populations become included in communities and spaces that they have not historically been able to access.

View full descriptions here!
Buy class passes here!

 

Accessibility
Our goal isn't simply to make resources available to artists with developmental disabilities. It's to remove the stigma of disability and expand the understanding of what disability is. Our goal is to create programming that is accessible in every aspect, by all people. We aim to instigate conversations. We want to create a culture of sharing and collaboration. We need truthful exchanges that lead to meaningful changes in how we all think and act. We believe the way to do this is to knock down the physical and metaphorical ways that separate creative people. These sessions, classes, lectures and workshops are just a small step towards the truly integrated society we know can exist.