All Classical On the Move

18 May 2024

"And now, as its 40th anniversary approaches, the “independent, community-funded radio station and multimedia platform” (to use its own description) is moving even farther afield — literally. It’s crossing the Rubicon, or at least the Willamette, relocating its operations from the Portland Opera building on the east bank to an office tower in the heart of downtown Portland, and creating new, state-of-the-art production studios for broadcast, video, recordings, and live performances of music and theater by Oregon artists. Construction is underway, with the move-in expected in early 2024." 

It’s a significant development for a vital Oregon arts institution. But the move also signals an even greater transformation, from backward-looking, Eurocentric preservationist radio to forward-focused, Oregon-spirited, wide-spectrum multimedia cultural generator.

“We’ve been moving from being strictly a classical station to a full fledged arts and culture network,” says the station’s energetic and enterprising president and CEO, Suzanne Nance. “It’s always been a part of our DNA, but now we’re leaning into it.”

Nance also sees it as a much-needed investment in still-reeling downtown Portland’s arts community and economy. The station’s announcement promises the move will “lead urban rejuvenation of downtown Portland through music and the arts.” - Brett Campbell, Oregon Artswatch