Vibe’s Mission

Empowering Portland’s underserved youth through art and music; Inspiring the next generation of creative leaders.

Vibe of Portland was founded with the belief that every child deserves access to quality arts and music education, regardless of income, zip code, or school funding.

Until public schools are fully funded with robust arts programs for all students, Vibe exists to fill that gap—and to do so with joy, creativity, and equity at the heart of everything we offer.

A blue ukulele resting on a colorful, abstract painted canvas.

How We Live Out Our Mission

  • Arts Access & Education
    We provide high-quality visual arts and music programming to youth who might otherwise go without, with a focus on meaningful, process-based learning.

  • School Partnerships
    We partner primarily with Title I schools—those serving a high percentage of students from low-income backgrounds—to deliver arts programming directly where it’s needed most.

  • Community-Based Studios
    Our Vibe Studio locations bring art opportunities to kids and families in historically under-invested neighborhoods. Classes are offered on a fee-for-service basis, with scholarships available thanks to grant funding and community support.

  • Youth Leadership Development
    We support the next generation of creative leaders through teaching assistant opportunities, where youth learn by observing, participating, and gradually stepping into teaching roles themselves.

  • Collaboration at Our Core
    We believe we’re stronger together. Vibe actively collaborates with fellow teaching artists, local arts and music organizations, community partners, and the general public to build an inclusive, connected creative community.


Moose Lodge Mural designed and painted by middle school students in 2022 in SE Portland at SE 52nd & Flavel.

Children sitting in a row playing drums with adults in an outdoor setting surrounded by green trees and artwork on the walls.

Art & Rhythm Camp with Alex Addy & Leslie Barnum - visual arts and music summer camp

VIBE in PORTLAND

Map of Portland with map tags highlighting Vibe studios, school and band camp locations.

Impact 2025

  • 4 PDX school districts

  • 7 studio locations

  • Rural OR outreach

  • 2058 students

  • 60 summer camps

  • 40K+ hours of arts education