Creative Neighborhoods Cultural Exchange

Written By Matt Wagner

Loire Art Show (Orléans, France) × Creative Neighborhoods (Portland, Oregon) x Pickathon (Happy Valley, Oregon, USA)

Introduction

Creative Neighborhoods is excited to propose a two-part cultural exchange project that connects Orléans, France and Happy Valley, Oregon through collaborative design/build public art. The exchange will highlight sustainable practices, foster international dialogue, and create community-centered installations that leave a lasting impact beyond the events themselves.

Project Overview

The exchange will unfold in two stages:

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

Creative Neighborhoods will partner with the Loire Art Show to produce a large-scale, sustainable installation titled “My Favorite Thing.”

  • Design/Build Concept: Constructed using repurposed wood and Pickathon’s signature sustainable methods, the installation will serve multiple purposes:

    • Information Desk: Acting as the central hub of the art show.

    • Gift shop: Acting as a merch booth, art shop and connection to visitors

    • Community Engagement: Visitors will be invited to write a note about their “Favorite Thing” in Orléans. These notes will be displayed on a bulletin board wall within the structure, creating a living archive of community voices and promoting local tourism.

    • Public Art: Designed with aesthetics in mind, the piece will be a welcoming, visually appealing entry point to the show.

  • Legacy & Repurposing: After the show, the installation will be deconstructed and repurposed back into the community as storage bins and furniture, ensuring zero waste and long-term utility.

  • Exchange Opportunities:

    • The Portland installation crew will demonstrate Pickathon-style sustainable builds.

    • Local artists and designers in Orléans will collaborate with the crew, offering cultural exchange and dialogue about the region’s rich design and architectural traditions.

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

As the second half of the exchange, selected artists curated from the Loire Art Show will travel to Oregon to produce art installations at Pickathon 2026.

  • Artworks: Artists may contribute murals, 3D sculptural works, or other creative projects, all built with sustainable materials.

  • Community Impact: After the festival, these installations will be donated to local charitable organizations—such as shelters, food pantries, and schools—ensuring they continue to enrich community spaces.

  • Cultural Exchange: French artists will experience life at Pendarvis Farm and participate in the Pickathon festival. They will learn about Creative Neighborhoods’ design/build philosophy while engaging directly with local Oregon-based artists, builders, and designers.

Goals & Impact

  • Cultural Exchange: Strengthen ties between France and the U.S. through shared creativity and design.

  • Sustainability: Model circular design practices by creating art that can be repurposed into long-term community assets.

  • Education: Provide hands-on learning opportunities for emerging designers and builders in both Orléans and Oregon.

  • Community Engagement: Center community voices by inviting active participation, from Orleans visitors writing about their “Favorite Thing” to Oregon organizations receiving donated art pieces.

Partners & Support

  • Loire Art Show (Orléans, France)

https://www.instagram.com/loire_art_show/?hl=en
https://www.orleans.fr/actualites/detail/loire-art-show-2023
https://youtu.be/2pAFg1TJTm4?si=SX1Ab3QRpqbveKCv

Conclusion

The Creative Neighborhoods Cultural Exchange is more than just an art project—it’s a bridge between communities. By celebrating sustainability, creativity, and cultural connection, the exchange will leave behind not only public art, but also a deeper sense of shared experience and understanding.

We invite your support in bringing this vision to life, and in helping us build a lasting cultural dialogue between Orléans and Oregon.

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

Proposed budget: $30,000.00

Matt Wagner
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