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Welcome to Creative Portland, the City of Portland’s go-to resource for all things in the ARTS. As the City of Portland’s official arts agency, our mission is to elevate the artists, makers, and cultural institutions that make our city by the sea one of a kind. With a year-round population of 66,000, Portland is a growing New England innovation hub on the Atlantic ocean, with miles of sparkling coastal shoreline, trails, craft breweries, award-winning restaurants, and a working waterfront, complete with lobsters and lighthouses. 

There’s so much to see, feel, and love here, and we invite you to use our site to browse exciting [events](/happening-now) in art, music, dance, drama, and literary arts. Explore self-guided [tours](/tours) and discover resources for elevating your artistic practice. Plan ahead and pin favorites for [cultural engagement](/arts-and-culture-list).

**See ME, Feel ME, Love ME video credits:**
Animation by Lucky Platt; performed by GoldenOak.

Portland, Maine (ME):  A World Class Arts Destination

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**SEE ME - FEEL ME - LOVE ME**

Portland, ME is a world class arts destination. Explore what's happening now! The Creative Portland App is a groundbreaking customized tool and digital way-finding map that highlights the local arts scene. Read more [here](https://news.yahoo.com/creative-portland-launches-app-exploring-225000779.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAKL6qxY3OOuu8Ac4bkAV5Oz1-GFUmF22GtbbzxN-mLnVzK79QpwCytvELR1sdFCqUyhmZXoZKpnXx02aF_VrwrZcK3ElMZbcjrGduiSk2c0otEr_sZvK6bOUiOohBHXeGJwF-m5E1c8_7UJ21HyWjMniqXcJS0WxWU8OX-Ifft-O) and find us in the app store [here](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/creative-portland/id1616251584?uo=4)!

[Learn more](/creative-portland-cultural-app) about our FREE Creative Portland App, an easy-to-navigate map and guide to galleries & museums, concerts, performing arts events, workshops, art studios, public art, historic landmarks, and augmented reality experiences. Whether you're a visitor or a contributor, this app is for you!

Download the Creative Portland App

On the first Friday evening of every month, the city’s artists, galleries, and arts venues open up their doors for Portland’s thriving First Friday Art Walk. Creative Portland has also launched an accompanying live music program in the heart of the city. The Summer Stage Series takes place in Monument Square during the First Friday Art Walks in July, August, September, and October in partnership with local arts organizations such as SPACE, MAMM, GPIWC, and The Apohadion Theater. 

**MISSION**

To open the doors of Portland’s arts community by joining together and introducing a wider audience to the unique vitality of the artists and venues of Portland, and to promote interest with non-exclusivity and easy access, thereby strengthening the arts and community through diversity and celebration.

**HISTORY**

Started in the year 2000, First Friday Art Walk has blossomed into a monthly arts and cultural event that takes place on the first Friday of every month (regardless of weather) throughout the city, centered primarily in the Arts District. Over 3,000 people come downtown each month to visit galleries and museums, see live performances, buy work from street artists, and greet friends as they stroll along city streets.

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First Friday Art Walk

First Friday Events

Did you know that each month we distribute an e-newsletter where you can find the First Friday Art Walk map and events, as well as monthly arts and cultural events? It also provides information on community news, open calls, job opportunities, workshops and courses, and grant opportunities.

[Subscribe](https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/tD5rkEN) to receive our Monthly Arts Update newsletter in your inbox each month, and check out the newsletter archive [here](/monthly-arts-update)!

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Check Out Our Monthly Arts Update Newsletter!

Welcome to Creative Portland, the City of Portland’s go-to resource for all things in the ARTS. There’s so much to see, feel, and love here - welcome to our site.

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Creative Portland | Non-Profit Art Agency | Portland, ME