Downtown Portland Clean & Safe, in collaboration with the City of Portland’s Public Environment Management Office (PEMO) and Portland Parks & Recreation, is proud to announce the expansion of the 2023/2024 Winter Lighting Program, popularly known as Project Illumination.
In its second year, Project Illumination has received tremendous support from the City of Portland, PEMO, and Downtown Portland Clean & Safe, along with generous contributions from public-minded sponsors. The initiative aims to infuse the heart of the city with festive cheer during the darker winter months.
An Expanded Program
Due to extra funding from the City of Portland, anticipate a dazzling display of lights throughout a much-expanded winter season and beyond. The lighting program now extends to 850+ street trees, including special light installations.
Click on Image for Printable Map
This year’s program also features a special emphasis on sustainability. The illuminated stars adorning Broadway, 6th Avenue, and 5th Avenue are sustainably crafted using sugarcane and recycled plastic bottles.
More about the Lighting Installations
In addition to street tree lighting, we have been working with Chris Herring, the co-founder of the Portland Winter Light Festival and founder of Tungsten Heart. Herring has been working with large-scale light artists to bring some remarkable illuminated sculptures to the downtown area:
- Schmanski Square (SW Salmon and SW Park): An illuminated golden canopy will envelop the entire square, creating a safe, celebratory, and inviting public space.
- Lincoln Block (SW Park and SW Madison): Renowned West Coast artist Paige Tashner’s Trust Cats, featuring large-scale cat sculptures, will captivate visitors.
- Roosevelt Block (SW Park and SW Main): TFC’s Tyler FuQua and Jason Hutchinson present Mechan 1000, a 15′ robot adorned with lights, illuminating the winter months.
- Carwash Fountain (SW 5th and SW Ankeny): As part of the Ankeny Business District Triangle initiative, Chad Fez Gaetz’s Helianthus Enorme or “Sunflower” returns to welcome visitors.
- SW 5th & Ankeny: The Twinkling Ankeny Light Curtain will encompass the infamous district with warm light brought to us by Tross Build & Maintenance.
- Director Park (SW Park and SW Yamhill): Also courtesy of Tross Build & Maintenance, “Pretty in Pink” brings a backdrop of light and joy to downtown.
Special thanks to these sponsors who have helped expand the lighting program: Kaiser Permanente, Multnomah County, Old Town Community Association, Portland Metro Chamber, Portland Parks & Recreation, Portland Mall Management Inc., Portland General Electric, TriMet, and the Visit Downtown Campaign.