of the city. The (non)Festival ran from February 5-6 and February 12-13, 2021. According to Executive Director Alisha Sullivan, “When we approached local businesses, organizations and artists about moving ahead with this year’s experience, we weren’t sure what the response would be – but we were amazed by the positive reaction. It’s clear that everyone is craving a sense of placemaking and civic engagement.” 2022 Within the Ecosystem. Scheduled for February 4-12, 2022, the festival is returning for a seventh year as a decentralized city event with pop-up art in windows, businesses, and unusual spaces, encouraging guests to explore the city to view art while allowing for equitable access for more families and guests. Pop-ups will be interspersed with large, dynamic anchor art installations. This replicates the successful model of 2021, where the festival adapted to the current pandemic climate by pivoting towards touch-free installations, encouraging community celebration while adhering to COVID guidelines. Reception Stephanie Yao Long of The Oregonian called the event "playful and wondrous". Martin Cizmar of the Willamette Week wrote, "This new event makes good use of the new Tilikum Crossing Bridge, not to mention the long, dark winter nights our latitude ensures." In May 2017, the festival was featured on OPB's Oregon Art Beat television show, which stated "An easy walk along the Eastside Esplanade allows a visitor to take in everything from elaborate interactive LED sculptures to large-scale projection mapping to post-apocalyptic, fire-powered spaceships." A feature in Amex Essentials highlighted the Portland Winter Light Festival. The event was the sole American festival to be included. References External links 2016 establishments in Oregon Annual events in Portland, Oregon Art in Portland, Oregon Festivals established in 2016 Festivals in Portland, Oregon Winter festivals in the United States