In order to provide our programs free of charge, First Saturday PDX has developed partnerships with several organizations over the years, including the Portland Lan Su Chinese Garden, Northwest China Council, Portland State University, Portland Art Museum, University of Oregon, Oregon State University, Hoyt Arboretum, Portland Suzhou Sister City Association, Portland Community College, Northwest Natural Gas, Portland Japanese Garden, the Port of Portland, Swarthmore College, Willamette University, and Reed College.
The Institute for Asian Studies (IAS), a part of Portland State University's Office of International Affairs, is an interdisciplinary resource center and administrative unit, connecting over 70 faculty and academic professionals across 30 disciplines at Portland State University (PSU). In collaboration with departments across the PSU campus, and in partnership with community-based organizations, international partners, and private funders, IAS promotes knowledge and understanding about Asia through curricular development, research, scholarship, international engagement, resource sharing, community outreach and public service programming. Learn more at www.pdx.edu/asian-studies and www.facebook.com/PortlandState.AsianStudies. IAS is currently a co-sponsor of our programming.
Northwest China Council (NWCC), established in 1980, is a non-partisan, non-political, dues-based 501(c)3 non-profit educational organization, dedicated to promoting greater understanding of Chinese culture, business, and contemporary affairs; and to be a regional resource, providing educational programs, information services, and foreign trade expertise in Oregon and southwest Washington. NWCC sponsors lectures, seminars, and workshops; offers Mandarin Chinese language classes; organizes China Business Network events; and leads to unique cultural and business tours to China. It is located in Portland, OR. Learn more at www.nwchina.org.
The Asian Art Council (AAC) is a collection of volunteering members led by the Curator of Asian Art that provides opportunities to learn about Asian art and cultures. Members plan and enjoy lectures, study groups and social events. Join a travel group to visit Asian countries, collections, and exhibitions around the United States. Learn more at portlandartmuseum.org/support/councils/asian-art-council/.
Hoyt Arboretum, established in 1928, is Portland's museum of living trees where we grow and exhibit trees and plants from around the world while educating our community and conserving vitally important plant biodiversity. The arboretum encompasses 189 ridge-top acres in Washington Park that are accessible by 12 miles of trails. Our collection nurtures 6,000 specimens from around the world, including over 2,000 species, 63 of which are vulnerable or endangered. Hoyt is an urban oasis for education and recreation to the local community, and a critical partner in scientific research and global conservation to the world. Learn more at www.hoytarboretum.org.
The Portland-Suzhou Sister City Association (PSSCA), founded in 1988, is dedicated to promoting mutual friendship and understanding between the people of Portland and Suzhou. PSSCA promotes ongoing exchanges of cultural, educational, and business of the two cities. One of eleven sister cities in Portland, it is overseen by the Office of Government Affairs under the Mayor of the City of Portland. Learn more at www.portlandsuzhou.org.
