Creative Neighborhoods Cultural Exchange

Written By Matt Wagner

Loire Art Show (Orléans, France) × Pickathon (Happy Valley, Oregon, USA)

Introduction

Creative Neighborhoods is proud to present a two-part cultural exchange project linking the Loire Art Show in Orléans, France with the Pickathon Music Festival in Happy Valley, Oregon. This exchange will highlight sustainable design/build practices, international collaboration, and meaningful community impact through public art and placemaking.

Project Overview

Part One: Loire Art Show – Orléans, France (2025)

At the Loire Art Show, Creative Neighborhoods will design and build a Holiday Café/Bar installation.

  • Design/Build Concept:

    • Constructed using the sustainable Pickathon/Creative Neighborhoods design/build model, the installation will function as a central gathering hub for visitors to the art show.

    • The open layout will provide an unobstructed view of the surrounding exhibitions, positioning the café/bar as both functional and artistic.

    • True to our ethos, the space will encourage interaction and dialogue, serving as a welcoming entry point to the exhibition.

  • Legacy & Repurposing:
    After the show, the café/bar structure will be deconstructed and repurposed into storage bins and furniture for local schools in Orléans, extending its life cycle and embedding the project into the daily fabric of the community.

  • Cultural Exchange Opportunities:

    • The Portland installation crew will demonstrate Creative Neighborhoods’ hands-on design/build ethos.

    • Local artists, designers, and community members will be invited to collaborate, providing rich cultural exchange and dialogue rooted in Orléans’ heritage.

Part Two: Pickathon – Happy Valley, Oregon (2026)

The second phase of the exchange will bring artists from Orléans to Pickathon 2026, in partnership with the Loire Art Show and Orléans regional tourism organizations.

  • Artworks:
    French artists will create murals or 3D sculptural installations on-site at the festival. Each installation will be built with Creative Neighborhoods’ sustainable design principles, emphasizing material reuse and community legacy.

  • Educational Integration:
    Students from the ACE Mentor Program will assist these international artists, gaining valuable real-world experience in design/build projects while learning about global artistic practices.

  • Community Legacy:
    After the festival, the completed installations will be donated to local charitable organizations—such as shelters, food pantries, and schools—further extending the value of the exchange into the Oregon community.

  • Cultural Exchange Opportunities:
    French artists will:

    • Experience the unique environment of Pendarvis Farm and the Pickathon festival.

    • Learn about Creative Neighborhoods’ collaborative and sustainable building philosophy.

    • Interact with local designers, builders, and students, fostering mentorship and cross-cultural understanding.

Goals & Impact

  • Cultural Exchange: Strengthen ties between Orléans and Oregon through collaboration, creativity, and shared learning.

  • Sustainability: Showcase circular design practices where every structure and artwork finds new purpose beyond its initial use.

  • Education: Provide immersive, hands-on experiences for students, both in France and the U.S., connecting them to real-world design/build opportunities.

  • Community Benefit: Ensure that installations are repurposed or donated, enriching schools, nonprofits, and shelters long after the events conclude.

Partners

Conclusion

This cultural exchange represents a powerful opportunity to bring together artists, students, and communities across continents. By combining sustainable design with cultural collaboration, the project will leave a lasting impact in Orléans, Oregon, and beyond.

Creative Neighborhoods is excited to build this bridge and invites support in realizing this vision of art, sustainability, and international connection.

Project starts December 1, 2025 and completes on August 5, 2026

Proposed budget: $30,000.00

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Matt Wagner
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