On February 15, 2024 TEMPOart participated in a dynamic discussion at the University of Southern Maine (USM), where collaboration was the focal point. Faculty and staff from USM’s Art Department, along with representatives from leading arts organizations across Greater Portland, came together to envision the future of visual arts at the university. Led by professors Hannah Barnes and Kelly Hrenko, the gathering aimed to chart a path towards increased community engagement, innovative curricular offerings, and signature programs within the Art Department.

One exciting development on the horizon is the upcoming opening of the Crewe Center for the Arts, scheduled for fall 2025. This state-of-the-art facility will feature an art gallery, sculpture garden, and visual arts studio, serving as a hub for creativity and expression. With the addition of the Kate Cheney Chappell ’83 Center for Book Arts, the Crewe Center promises to be a dynamic space for artistic exploration and collaboration.

During the discussion at USM, participants brainstormed ideas for community engagement initiatives at the Crewe Center. From collaborative art exhibitions to workshops and artist-in-residency programs, the possibilities are endless. As TEMPOart looks ahead, it is committed to forging partnerships with educational and cultural institutions like USM to expand access to the arts and create enriching experiences for people of all ages. As the campus expands, there are more opportunities for public art installations on the grounds. When TEMPOart commissions and hosts artists, we share that resource with USM’s faculty and students.

TEMPOart’s involvement in the conversation at USM underscores its dedication to fostering collaboration, creativity, and community engagement. By harnessing the power of public art and forging meaningful partnerships, TEMPOart continues to inspire individuals, provoke thought, and transform public spaces into vibrant canvases of expression. As we look towards the future, let us embrace the vision of TEMPOart and continue to dream big together.

At the recent Kegs & Issues event hosted by the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce on January 31, 2024, Jessica Muise, the Interim Executive Director of TEMPOart, took the stage to share profound insights into the transformative power of public art. As the driving force behind TEMPOart’s mission to enrich Portland through temporary public art and community connection, Muise illuminated the audience with compelling narratives and tangible takeaways.

The Power of Accessible Art

Muise emphasized TEMPOart’s unwavering commitment to making art accessible to all, dismantling barriers that often hinder engagement with transformative artistic experiences. By offering free and inclusive art installations, TEMPOart ensures that the profound impact of art is available to everyone, irrespective of socioeconomic status or educational background. Through collaborative partnerships with educational and cultural institutions, each project becomes a beacon of inspiration, fostering learning opportunities for individuals of all ages and backgrounds.

Community Connection Through Creativity

A central theme of Muise’s discourse was the role of public art as a vital bridge, uniting diverse communities and catalyzing dialogue. TEMPOart’s projects serve as dynamic platforms for shared experiences, sparking conversations that transcend societal boundaries and norms. By igniting a sense of wonder and curiosity, public art cultivates connections that endure long after the installations are removed, enriching the fabric of community life.

Creative Economy and Economic Impact

Muise shed light on TEMPOart’s participation in the Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 Study, which underscored the profound economic and social contributions of the arts and culture sector in Portland. With staggering figures revealing $86 million in economic activity, job creation, and government revenue, the study affirmed the indispensable role of the arts in fostering prosperity and vitality within the community. Muise urged support for local artists and initiatives, emphasizing the transformative potential of the arts as a driver of communal growth and well-being.

Joining the Movement

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, TEMPOart relies on charitable contributions to uphold its mission of making public art accessible to all. Muise passionately invited attendees to join TEMPOart on its journey of cultivating art as a transformative force, uniting communities and inspiring positive change.

About TEMPOart

TEMPOart is dedicated to commissioning temporary public art that sparks dialogue, builds community, and inspires collective imagination. With each project, TEMPOart aims to make the power and possibility of art free, open, and inclusive, offering transformative experiences to individuals of all backgrounds. Through collaborative partnerships and charitable contributions, TEMPOart remains committed to enriching Portland through the transformative power of public art.

Meet Jessica Muise

Jessica Muise brings over 15 years of experience in the arts and cultural sector to her role as Interim Executive Director of TEMPOart. With a diverse background as a multidisciplinary artist, educator, advocate, and advisor, Muise is passionate about leveraging the arts as tools for social change. As a visionary leader, Muise continues to guide TEMPOart towards its mission of fostering community connection and inspiring positive transformation through public art.

Thank you to Will Wohler of Wohler & Co for amazing photos of this event.

Join TEMPOart at Kegs & Issues
Wednesday January 31, 4:30-6:30PM at AURA

Don’t miss the January Kegs & Issues as the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce welcomes @tempomaine Portland Executive Director Jessica Muise to discuss their mission of “creating art that sparks dialogue, builds community, and inspires our collective imagination”.

Through their public art installations, which feature no cost or need for instructions, TEMPOart works to create vibrant and inclusive communities with an appreciation for art, each other, and the beautiful place we call home.
These temporary (1-2 year) art instillations give artists the chance to let their work speak, while transforming public spaces into centers of wonder, discussion, and deeper thought about the world we share. We hope to see you there!

For registration please visit:
https://www.portlandregion.com/kegs.html

TEMPOart is a resilient, strategic, and growing organization, and we need your support to continue to thrive.

We know there are many worthwhile organizations seeking your support this year. Every dollar contributed to TEMPOart has a meaningful impact, and is an investment in free accessible public art for everyone. Your support sparks dialogue, builds community, and inspires our collective imagination!

If you’ve already made a gift, thank you! If you haven’t, please consider making your tax-deductible gift by December 31 to help us reach our goals.

Alice Spencer

TEMPOart Founder and Chair

TEMPOart is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that relies on donations from individuals like you. Thank you for helping to make Portland, ME a public art city!

We are grateful through our partnerships to reach youth across Portland with free education programs inspired by the public art we commission. This initiative aims to inspire creativity, curiosity, and a deeper appreciation for the transformative power of public art. Here are some recent photos from our program with students at the Reiche Elementary School led by our partner Side x Side.

The program kicked off with a memorable event, as enthusiastic students visited the vibrant sculptures if Carousel Cosmos by Chris Miller. This provided a unique opportunity for the youth to engage with art, learn about the talented artist behind the installation, and gain insight into the stories and inspiration behind the piece. The excitement and curiosity among the students was palpable. Students responded with collaborative play and creative drawings.

As we celebrate the success of our partnership programs this year, we extend our gratitude to everyone involved—artists, educators, and community members—for their support. Together, we are making a positive impact on the lives of young individuals, fostering a love for art and our public spaces.

Since founding in 2015, TEMPOart commissions and programs have attracted:

• 500,000 visits
• 15,000 event attendees
• 4,000 youth served by programs

This Giving Tuesday, we are reflecting on TEMPOart’s 2023 commission of Carousel Cosmos, by Chris Miller, installed on the Western Promenade.

• Catch a glimpse of the unforgettable experiences youth had this summer during our programs
• Experience some of the magic of the carousel in a recent video by Buoy Media.
• Take Carousel Cosmos home with you by downloading your own Interdimensional Craft Kit, developed by artist Chris Miller in partnership with chickadeeds.

In other news, TEMPOart was honored to receive Coffee By Design’s 2023 Rebel Blend award, along with four other organizations serving artists in Maine. We are also pleased to share the results of the latest Arts & Prosperity Study from Americans for the Arts, highlighting the positive impact public art programs like ours have on our economy, community, and health.

As a community organization, we are excited to be developing a new strategic plan and invite your input. If you have two minutes, we would truly appreciate your response to our audience survey. Your responses will help shape our shared future and inspire our collective imagination.

We hope you’ll consider supporting temporary public art that sparks dialogue, builds community, and inspires our collective imagination this Giving Tuesday.

May the coming weeks be filled with boundless imagination, creativity, and the magic of Carousel Cosmos. We look forward to announcing our 2024 project plans soon!

Alice Spencer

TEMPOart Founder and Chair