“We all benefit from Portland’s forward‐thinking culture of collaboration, creativity and civic involvement, present every bit as much in our thriving software community as among our visual artists, as Matt Blair and Public Art PDX demonstrate.”
Cary Clarke, Arts & Culture Policy Director, Office of Mayor Sam Adams:
“Whether you find yourself reading in a park next to a sculpture that grabs your interest, are visiting Portland for the first time and want to learn about the art lining the streets near your downtown hotel, or are a school teacher looking to plan a neighborhood walking tour with your students, Public Art PDX will help make your experience of Portland richer.”
Part of what makes Public Art PDX such a unique app is that it is constantly evolving as more art is added to its database. Over 400 works from the City of Portland’s public art collection are already featured on the app, and more are being added.
Regional Arts & Culture Council:
“Public Art PDX provides another way for residents and visitors to locate, investigate and interact with the region’s award-winning public art collection,” said Eloise Damrosch, executive director of RACC. “Public Art PDX is among the first public art apps in the country. We enjoyed collaborating with Matt and the Mayor’s office on this project, and we are tremendously grateful for the many hours Matt contributed to make this project possible.”
Mike Rogoway in The Oregonian:
“Take a look around next time you’re downtown. Sculptures, fountains, arches and paintings are everywhere — but it’s easy to miss them amid the bustle and hustle of a hurried day.
So pause a moment, pop out your iPhone and download a new, free app – Public Art PDX.”
Oregon Public Broadcasting’s Think Out Loud and Arts & Life blog:
It’s like having a museum guide for the entire city. Users can browse through the map to discover pieces ranging from sculptures and murals to paintings and architectural elements. Some can be discovered while walking down the street, others are tucked away in libraries, firehouses or other public buildings.
Marshall Kirkpatrick on ReadWriteWeb:
“It’s a great way to learn about those works of art you might see regularly but never know the story behind, or to discover new gems in your or a new neighborhood.
…
What city wouldn’t benefit from apps like this?”
“This app makes it easy to explore our city’s many interesting and fun works of public art, and what better way to do that than on a bicycle or on foot?! I can already imagine people leading group rides and walks using this app as their guide.”
Portland Monthly’s Culturephile:
“That umbrella guy, that giant lady, the otters, the various seed pods…. You know you’ve seen these things somewhere—you pass them all the time! But suddenly, when you want to snap a picture of a particular one, or show it off to out-of-towners…it’s nowhere to be found. Well, have no fear: a new smartphone app pinpoints Portland’s major art landmarks.”
Creative Advocacy Network Assistant Director Emily Brod:
“And, to get my art fix on, I use the brand new Public Art PDX iPhone app to take a walking tour of all of Portland’s amazing public art.”
“While on our date, I brought up the new app, Public Art PDX, to locate the nearest bit of art, which was this lovely sculpture – Lodge Grass.
How cool is the modern world?? I love it. Amazing!”
“And the trailer is actually pretty funny!”
