Overview:
As Central Oregon grows, so does the demand for more arts. Many local artists and organizations are scrambling to find venues.
Despite Central Oregon’s expanding cultural landscape, local artists and arts organizations report being constrained by Bend’s shortage of dedicated performance and rehearsal venues.
“One of the challenges we’ve consistently heard from members of our artistic communities involves the limited availability of performance and rehearsal spaces,” says Taylor Dusick, marketing and communications manager for the Central Oregon Center for the Arts. “There simply isn’t a large, full-time, multi-use hall that can serve as a year-round home for the arts in Central Oregon.”
As theaters, dance groups and musicians compete for limited space in community centers and school auditoriums, a growing chorus of arts leaders is calling for a solution.
Limited options, high demand
Currently, the most accessible venues for performance or rehearsal include community spaces operated by Bend Park and Recreation District and Bend-La Pine Schools.
According to Katy Aceto, rental and event supervisor for BPRD, there are three main locations available: Aspen Hall in Shevlin Park, Hollinshead Barn and Larkspur Community Center rooms.
Meanwhile, Bend-La Pine Schools allows community use of its auditoriums and other facilities during non-school hours, but the process is tightly regulated. Requests must often be submitted months in advance. Availability is also dependent upon school activities, construction schedules and the presence of on-site staff and auditorium managers, which can lead to denied rental applications.
“There are a few reasons why an event might be denied: a conflict with a school event, a conflict with an outside group that has already been approved to use the venue or availability of District staffing,” says Scott Maben, director of communications for BLPS.
For arts groups seeking space for large audiences, extended rehearsal times or regular use, the options often fall short.
Building a home for the arts
In response to this growing need, COCA has formed a nonprofit specifically for this purpose, and has taken major steps toward making a dedicated arts center a reality. The organization has hired Netzel Grigsby Associates, a fundraising consultancy, to guide the planning and development of a capital campaign. John C. Jepson, a Bend-based executive with the firm, will serve as lead development counsel.
According to COCA, the organization has already completed a comprehensive funding feasibility study. Dusick described this as a “pivotal moment” that clarifies the community’s need and willingness to support the project.
While architectural designs have not yet been finalized, the vision for COCA includes a concert hall and theater, rehearsal spaces and support facilities designed for flexibility and accessibility. COCA aims to serve not only local artists but also regional and national performers, ranging from symphonies and ballet companies to solo acts and speakers.
“Our vision is clear,” Dusick says. “COCA will create a lasting home for the arts in Central Oregon — one that provides space, opportunity and artistic inspiration for generations to come.”
Private efforts also underway
While COCA works toward a large-scale public facility, other local leaders are taking their own initiatives. Peter Franc, a principal dancer and former artistic director at Oregon Ballet Theatre, is developing Ballet Bend, a new dance company. The company aims to bring nationally and internationally renowned dancers to perform in Central Oregon.
“Our first shows featuring international companies are scheduled for next fall at the Tower Theatre,” says Franc.
Franc’s effort has two goals: to elevate the level of professional dance available locally and to provide a performance platform that doesn’t currently exist in Bend.
Arts advocates call for coordination
For now, local arts leaders emphasize that the region’s creative growth is outpacing its infrastructure. While some groups manage with what’s available, others find it increasingly difficult to secure space that meets their needs.
“There are passionate, talented people across theater, dance, music and interdisciplinary arts here in Bend,” says Dusick. “But without adequate space, those talents remain underutilized. The goal isn’t to replace the wonderful venues that exist, but to complement and expand them.”
This article appears in the Source September 25, 2025.
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There is another space that will become available for rent very soon with a spacious dance area and an area to accommodate other kinds of activities and rehearsals- The Open Arts Center, corner of Greenwood and 2nd.
http://theopenartscenter.org/
Our City Council and Deschutes County must take the lead on this issue. Bend-La Pine Schools struggle to provide adequate space, yet dozens of community organizations urgently need a dedicated performing arts facility and the BLPS process if extremely frustrating. Instead of directing millions towards a pedestrian bridge, tax deferments for savvy developers, or low barrier shelter projects that are not addressing the root cause of homelessness, we should prioritize an investment that directly benefits residents, fosters creativity, and strengthens community ties.
A performing arts space would meet a critical local need while generating lasting cultural and economic returns. Visit Bend and Visit Central Oregon should also be key partners, given the arts’ proven role in tourism and community vitality.
This is a real opportunity for our city and county to collaborate, think long-term, and invest in a project that truly elevates Bend’s future.
It’s irritating that this wasn’t enough of an issue when Kulongoski and Barber killed Magic Circle Theater in 2003. Pinckney Center for the Arts sits in decay and people are whining about not having space now. You’ve had 20 years to revitalize a once-teeming arts space that was host to some of the BEST local performances of music, dance, and theater east of the Cascades. If it was such a priority, you would have acted before now.