Building connections in support of Port Townsend’s vibrant cultural sector.
On May 6, 2020, Port Townsend received official Creative District designation from the Washington State Arts Commission. This statewide program provides resources, grant opportunities, technical assistance, training and networking, and tracks the progress of each community’s cultural economy. The PTCD supports creative practitioners who live, work, and show here through resources such as communications, marketing, networking, skill sharing, and advocacy. Read on to learn more, and contact us to find out how PTCD can support your creative endeavors.
The first Saturday of each month, Port Townsend opens up for Art Walk!
From 5 to 8 p.m. on first Saturdays throughout the year, discover art being displayed and created at special exhibitions.
Read more and find a list of participating venues here.
PT Creative District Arts & Culture Plan
The Port Townsend Creative District shared its completed Arts & Culture Plan in January 2024.
More about PTCD
The Creative District spans the Downtown and Uptown Historic Districts as well as Fort Worden, a lifelong learning center and home to many cherished arts organizations and partners such as Centrum, Northwind Art, KPTZ Radio Port Townsend, the Port Townsend School of Woodworking, and others. Traverse the northeast tip of the Quimper Peninsula between these areas via public trails and enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery and original Victorian architecture in the world. You can also pick up a tide chart from the Northwest Maritime Center and plan a trek from the iconic Point Hudson marina. On behalf of the hundreds of working artists in our Victorian seaport and arts community, we welcome everyone whole-heartedly and hope you enjoy what we have to offer.
The Port Townsend Creative District is a collaboration with the Port Townsend Main Street Program and our founding partner organizations: Centrum, Port Townsend Public Library, Northwind Art, KPTZ Radio Port Townsend, Key City Public Theatre, Fort Worden Public Development Authority, and the City of Port Townsend.
Our Mission
The PTCD mission is to expand living-wage opportunities for artists who work, live, and show within the Creative District by providing resources and support to market their craft. Contact us via email with your questions and suggestions at [email protected].
Support
The Creative District currently operates under the auspices of the Port Townsend Main Street Program.
These local businesses, property owners and nonprofits contributed to the required cash match to secure the ArtsWA 2020 grant: The Port Townsend Main Street Program, Centrum for the Arts, The Port Townsend Public Library Foundation, the Port Townsend Food Coop, 1st Security Bank, Northwind Art, KPTZ 91.9 FM Port Townsend Radio, The Kuhn Building, and Key City Public Theatre. The City of Port Townsend committed in-kind services for this project to help with the installation of art markers and wayfinding signage.
The District is coordinated by the Creative District Subcommittee:
Kris Nelson, Chair of the Port Townsend Main Street Program Economics Committee and downtown restaurateur
Rob Birman, Executive Director of Centrum
Owen Rowe, City Council member
Melody Sky Eisler, Library Director, City of Port Townsend Public Library
Denise Winter, Artistic Director, Key City Public Theatre
Mari Mullen, Executive Director, the Port Townsend Main Street Program
Eryn Smith, Port Townsend Main Street Program Coordinator
Jason Victor Serinus, past Public Arts Subcommittee Chair of The Port Townsend Arts Commission, served on the Art Markers review panel.
Calling all Local Artists & Makers!
Are you a creator of unique, handmade gifts in Port Townsend? We want to feature YOU in our Meet the Makers campaign!
This holiday season, we’re celebrating the incredible talent in our community with spotlights on local artists and craftspeople. Each feature will include:
🎤 A brief interview about your craft and inspiration.
📸 Photos of you and your work.
📹 A short video showcasing your creative process.
🛍️ Promotion of where shoppers can find your gifts!
✨ How to Participate:
- Be a maker of handmade or locally crafted goods or art.
- Answer our brief interviews questions (we will send to you when you sign up)
- Want to share your story and passion with the Port Townsend community!
📅 Sign Up Today!
Spots are limited, so don’t wait! Email us at [email protected] for more info.
Let’s make this holiday season unforgettable by showcasing the heart and soul of Port Townsend!
Volunteer with Us!
Discover numerous volunteer opportunities within the Port Townsend Creative District. Whether you’re interested in assisting with events such as Soundcheck and Art Walk, or helping to bring aspects of the Arts & Culture Plan to life, there is a role for you.
Donate to The Port Townsend Creative District!
Help us support our mission to connect audiences with artists to sustain a vibrant, year-round arts economy.
For more information about Washington’s Creative Districts visit www.artswa.gov.
