I’ve been on record as a fan of Disjecta—at least in concept. A multi-disciplinary arts venue in the middle of town is a great thing for any city, and I especially loved that Disjecta was happening—art was happening—in a ratty old building.

Looks like Disjecta’s possibly saying farewell—at least to their building on the Burnside bridgehead. Check out the following letter from Disjecta’s Bryan Suereth. Though he makes it pretty clear that the current question is where Disjecta will physically be in the future, I’m reading one step further into it, and wondering if there’s going to be a Disjecta in the long run—it strikes me that the organization really staked the last few years on the Templeton building and the vision they had for it, and raising money for its renovation. With that vision potentially evaporating, where does that leave Disjecta as a whole?

Suereth promises Disjecta “will provide Portland with large scale, year-round, completely gorgeous contemporary visual and performing art space in the very near future,” but I can’t help but wonder if Disjecta will get caught in another two-year fundraising-to-renovate loop. (I’ll be calling Suereth to ask him this, so stay tuned!) I want Disjecta to succeed, but this seems like a setback to me.

Is it Farewell Dear Templeton?

Disjecta has some startling news—we may say goodbye to the Templeton Building! Yes, it’s true. After nearly two years of programming the immense building, testing the premise of “large-scale contemporary art center”, working with the city, raising money and bringing together tenants we have come to a crossroads: Remain in limbo as the building owner, Lance Robbins, puts the Templeton up for sale; or choose a new location to serve the mission of the organization with immediacy and stability.

Well, we haven’t quite decided yet, to tell you the truth. The issues and decision making process surrounding the development of the Templeton are very complex. It’s a difficult decision to walk away from the Templeton. I love the building, the location, the vitality it could bring to the city. I love the concept of getting foothold in the neighborhood before the Bridgehead casts its juggernaut shadow. Sometimes, though, enough is enough. We’ve accomplished all our goals. We’ve raised our money. We’ve put together one of the strongest business models possible. So, instead of waiting for a decision from the ever-shifting building owner, we began looking at other opportunities. And, alas, we have found several intriguing alternatives.

We’re not prepared to make any decisions just yet however. But consider this fair warning—we may leave the Templeton—either being forced out by the sale of the building, or choosing to exit for a better, more secure opportunity elsewhere. Either way, we are prepared and good things are on the horizon. We thought you should know…after all, your support has meant more to us than you could possibly imagine. And I promise we will provide Portland with large scale, year-round, completely gorgeous contemporary visual and performing art space in the very near future.

In the meantime, please join us this Wednesday for one of the last (for now or for ever) shows at the Templeton—The Marvelous Rob Scheps Big Band. This is a guaranteed party. And the lecture on May 30th with meteoric art superstars Lead Pencil Studio is a must see.

If you have questions about the status of the Templeton, want to ask how this could come to pass, or want to know what the future holds, please call me. I’d love to hear from you.

My best,
Bryan Suereth