In spring 2021, Bridie Harrington was named the Cultural Arts District Manager for the City of Hillsboro following a national recruitment and interview process.

A City employee since 2012, Harrington stood out due to her dedication to the principles of community engagement and collaboration, her commitment to developing and delivering equitable outcomes for all, and her deep experience in the field of arts programming.

Bridie, when did you first know that you wanted the responsibilities that come with being Hillsboro’s Cultural Arts District Manager?

I began working in our District eight years ago, programming performances, arts education, exhibits at the Walters Cultural Arts Center and collaborating on community events. I’m inspired by working with artists and community partners and welcoming residents and visitors to experience what is special about Hillsboro.

Seeing the ways members of the arts and business community came together over the last year to share ideas and resources with strong support from our City only strengthened my commitment to the goals and possibilities of the Cultural Arts District.

When you walk through Downtown Hillsboro, what do you see and think about?

I see people looking after one another, prioritizing safety, and appreciating the business and art spaces that forge bonds with our Downtown. Many people know that Hillsboro is home to excellent theatre, music, and visual and public art experiences.

When walking along Main Street and the avenues, I also think about how fortunate we are to have a District that embraces our strengths in culinary arts, creative education, design, creative retail spaces, fiber arts, and more.

Even before the pandemic, people are increasingly seeking out meaningful experiences to engage with their neighbors and balance our screen-filled lives. More than ever, I believe the District can play a vital role in supporting our quality of life and connection to our diverse, innovative, welcoming community.

Your phone battery must need charging as you reach out to so many stakeholders. What do you want people to know? And what are you hoping to hear from others?

I’m excited to work collaboratively with our stakeholders, creative entrepreneurs, and champions across sectors. We want the three anchors that make up our District — Shute Park, M&M Marketplace, and the Downtown Core — to be vital, thriving hubs for connections between neighbors and cultures, drivers of shared prosperity, and gateways to our entire creative community.

I look forward to learning from our partners and hearing their strategies as we emerge from COVID-19 and gather together again.

For someone who’s not familiar with the Cultural Arts District, how do you describe what it means for the future of Downtown Hillsboro?

The Cultural Arts District was designed to preserve and amplify our unique creative assets while continuing to welcome diverse artists and culture bearers to grow roots.

I’m looking forward to working with partners like Hillsboro Downtown Partnership, the Chamber of Commerce, Hillsboro Historical Society, and our City’s Economic Development team to invite people to experience the strengths of Downtown Hillsboro, with arts and culture connecting our goals and engaging our community and region.

Were there things in your lived experience that led you to a deep interest in the arts?

As a young person, I found a creative home, exposure to a wider world, and a sense of belonging in theatre. I was fascinated by the quality of listening and the way storytelling opened doors to discovery and confronting hard truths, as well as powerful moments of joy and celebration.

As I moved into my career working in the arts in collaboration with diverse fields — education, STEAM, public and mental health — I’m driven to use the tools the arts provide to support connection, equity, and success outcomes for communities, organizations, and individuals.

What is something you’d like people to know about you?

I believe the arts are for everyone, and everyone is creative. Whether you love theatre and dance, play music (or sing off-key at home like me), pick up a paintbrush or pastry bag, visit M&M on the weekends, or stroll Downtown with friends to try a new restaurant during Art Walk, you are a participant in our District, and you’re helping to create its future.

Meet More City of Hillsboro Employees

• Meet Robby Hammond: City Manager
• Meet Rahim Harji: Deputy City Manager
• Meet Simone Brooks: Assistant City Manager
• Meet Suzanne Linneen: Chief Financial Officer
• Meet Marcus Ford: Community Engagement Manager
• Meet Eunice Makinde: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Manager
• Meet Robin Straughan: Sustainability & Resiliency Manager
• Meet Danny Morato: Supplier Diversity Administrator
• Meet Kevin Ferguson: Lead Building Inspector
• Meet Elizabeth Pereira: HiLight Senior Customer Service Representative
• Meet Danielle Comer: Address Data Coordinator
• Meet Beatriz Medel: Bilingual Communication Specialist
• Meet Mely Gutmann: Little Sprouts Instructor
• Meet Karl LeClair: Public Art Supervisor
• Meet Jessica Stark: Adaptive & Inclusive Recreation Supervisor
• Meet Ryan Stee: Parks & Recreation Project Manager
• Meet Chris Barry: Development Services Manager
• Meet Kristi Wilson: Workforce Development Manager
• Meet The Day Porters Team from the Hillsboro Public Works Department
• Meet Bridie Harrington: Cultural Arts District Manager
• Meet Tammy Wallin: Library Director
• Meet Salomon Hernandez: Library Outreach Coordinator
• Meet Katherine Knox & Laura Mikowski: Library Access Team Members
• Meet Jessica Gagnon: Library Data Analyst
• Meet Magdianamy (Magdy) Carrillo-Sotomayer: Library Manager
• Meet Emily Craft: Administrative Supervisor at Hillsboro Public Library
• Meet Rocio Espinoza-Cotero: Library Supervisor
• Meet Brendan Lax: Librarian