Economic Developments. Despite some skepticism about whether the Portland Ar

Economic Developments. Despite some skepticism about whether the Portland Arts District really exists, cultural spending brings $33 million to the city (more than many communities much larger than Portland), employs 340 people, and funds over 2,000 arts events a year, more than half of which are free. The average person at an arts event spends $22.36 in the city, making the arts industry an economic force to be reckoned with