The Caldera Residency and the Annual Symposium

MA thesis students participate in a five-day writing residency at the Caldera Arts Center in Sisters, Oregon, nestled within a serene forest setting.

This retreat offers an immersive experience where students engage in intensive work sessions and build a strong sense of community as they advance their thesis projects. Surrounded by the natural beauty of towering pines and tranquil lakes, students find inspiration and clarity in their writing. Faculty mentors accompany the group, providing personalized guidance and leading thought-provoking discussions that encourage deep critical inquiry. The residency creates a unique opportunity for students to focus solely on their work in a supportive, close-knit environment.

Symposium

The annual Symposium is a multi-day event that unites scholars, artists, and community partners, embodying the program’s commitment to exploring how writing and research connect to the broader world. Each year students delve into a theme that examines the impact of creative work on society, engaging in rich conversations, lectures, workshops, and exhibits.

This event is free and open to the public, fostering meaningful connections between PNCA students and the Portland community. By bringing together interdisciplinary perspectives, the symposium reflects the program’s focus on addressing real-world issues through critical inquiry and creative expression.

Past themes have included:

• Trans* Geographies (2024)

• Art & Social Consciousness (2023)

• DIY: Do-It-Yourself/Do-It-Ourselves (2022)

• Speculative Futures (2021)

• Forms of Care: Building the Worlds We Need (2020)

The symposium serves as a dynamic platform for collaboration and exchange, emphasizing the vital role of art and scholarship in shaping our shared future.