Five Portland theaters rebranded with new name, website

Some of Portland’s iconic theaters will be recognized this week by the city council.

The group that manages the Arlene Schnitzer concert hall and other venues is re-introducing itself with a new name.

The organization has been known for decades as Portland Center for the Performing Arts. It manages five downtown performance spaces: the Schnitzer, Keller, Winningstad, Newmark and Brunish theaters. Combined, they handle over 1,000 events a year.

A recent website overhaul led the group to consider re-branding. Executive Director Robyn Williams explains it was important to choose a name that would represent the five venues. So it’s now “Portland’5 Center for the Arts.”

Williams says, “If you glance at it quickly, it looks like ‘Portland’s Center for the Arts’. But if you look at it closely, you’re like, ‘Ah, it’s Portland — five’ and that’s the five performance spaces that we have.

Odd looking? Sure. But Williams says that’s perfectly acceptable.

Williams says, “For the first time in many many years, people are really talking about us!”

The Portland City Council recognizes the new name with a proclamation Wednesday.