Mission
Since 1995, Conduit Dance, Inc. has been at the forefront of contemporary dance in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. We draw from our extensive collection of materials to curate exhibitions, performances, screenings, talks, and lectures, both at our studio in Portland and in partnership with organizations nationwide.
In the progressive and independent spirit of our founders, Linda K. Johnson and Mary Oslund, Conduit's mission is to advance contemporary dance while preserving and deepening engagement with the art form’s history, practice, and performance. Through our modular and accessible programming, Conduit fosters learning, appreciation, and creativity for artists and audiences alike.
Conduit is a broad-based arts service organization and a vital hub for collaboration among dancers and artists, both regionally and nationally.
Through the three-tier service model below, Conduit provides support for Portland’s vibrant community of artists and enables contemporary dance to be accessible and affordable to the public.
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Conduit preserves the work of aging and underrepresented artists through modular archives, exhibitions, and educational programs. By safeguarding historical dance materials and facilitating peer-to-peer mentorship, we ensure the region’s dance history remains accessible and influential.
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For the last 30 years, Conduit has supported hundreds of dancers, choreographers, performers, dance students, and teachers. We continue to nurture emerging talent and provide ongoing training for artists at all levels. Residencies, commissions, and cultural exchange programs further enhance artistic growth and foster community dialogue.
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Through curated performances, screenings, talks, lectures, and exhibitions, Conduit connects artists, students, and audiences. As a hub of collaboration with other regional and national dance organizations, Conduit’s programs broaden both community outreach and accessibility efforts, strengthening public appreciation for dance history and contemporary practice.