Professional Theatre, Symphonies, and a Cultural Arts Center—Oh My! Did you know that Hillsboro is home to not one, but two local orchestras—the Hillsboro Symphony Orchestra and the Westside Community & Youth Orchestra? Did you know that we have a national award-winning theatre company, Bag&Baggage Productions, right in Downtown Hillsboro? Or that you can attend an art opening, live performances, and art classes, all in one place, at the Walters Cultural Arts Center? These are just a few of the arts and cultural opportunities you might be missing right in your hometown. When the City of Hillsboro was working on our Cultural Arts Action Plan, we surveyed hundreds of community members online and in person at farmers’ markets, libraries, and parks. The surveys revealed a tremendous interest in having arts resources available locally. Survey respondents asked for everything from a children’s museum to more late night dance clubs. Most surprising was how many people asked for resources that already exist! Our everyday lives are so busy, and sometimes the more there is—more sources of information, more things to do—the harder it is to find out about the events you would really like to know about. Our local arts and cultural groups are trying to reach you, through websites, social media, and email lists. They post flyers, send mailers, and buy ads in newspapers—online or in print. Even
Photos (starting top left, clockwise): Dawning McGinnis teaches a class at the Walters, Hillsboro Symphony Orchestra performing, Portland Taiko on the Walters’ stage, Bag&Baggage Productions performance.
with all of this effort, there is no way to reach everyone who may enjoy what they have to offer, whether that be a concert, play, festival, art show, or class. October is Hillsboro Arts Month and this year, though you may not be able to attend an event in person, celebrate Hillsboro’s arts community by getting to know some of the fantastic local organizations and art-based businesses in your backyard. Some are taking a necessary hiatus from public programs during the pandemic, but you can still learn about them on their website, join their mailing list, or follow them on social media to hear about new events when they are able to return. Other groups are offering online events—many for free—that you and your entire household could enjoy right now. On the next four pages, we have listings for many of the organizations active in our community. Check them out, start following the organizations that interest you, and, if you are able, consider donating now, to ensure they survive and thrive in our community.
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