Portland’s arts reflect geomorphology. One of the characteristics of a river basin is how drainages converge in unison on a map. The Willamette River does in fact flow through Portland. The city's culture and creative institutions also meet in a symbiotic way. Arts in the city are both influenced by social climate as well as propel dialogue. Oregon has a history of independent thought and the tradition continues with a current of iconoclastic avant-garde. Resilience is a common thread. Ultimately, this delta thrives on a creative impulse.