My initial plans

My plan once I move to Portland is to find work in the non-profit sector, preferably an arts-based non-profit. I want to get my and our financial situations in order so we can focus our attentions on the center. A job in that field will allow me to obtain the skills, knowledge, and contacts needed to start the center.

During this time period, we can develop plans for the center, its location, and its design. Perhaps start something small in the city, so we can earn the capital for the rural center. My vision of the place in the city would be one that would allow artists of all kinds to network, collaborate, and find the resources needed to further their art. There will also be resources to develop the spiritual and healing side of arts. Probably want the cafe, a large shop area, studios, and conference areas.

The issue of non-profit versus for-profit. There is more freedom for us in being a for-profit. A non-profit would need a board and we would have to have valid, business reasons for our frequent trips. Having a board means giving up some control and accepting other viewpoints into our vision. Neither are insurmountable, our trips would be to enhance the center, and we would need to be quite selective in choosing the board so we get experts in areas that we are not. A for-profit while it has the potential for greater income, might also call for sacrificing quality to earn a profit.