“We are really excited to end our first year of activity with a small surplus in the budget, and thanks for that are due to the tremendous support we received from generous individuals, corporations, foundation and government grantors, and ticket buyers,” said the Festival’s board president Kara Larson. “Maine has embraced the Festival idea and enabled it to grow.”
Earlier this year, Americans for the Arts’ National Arts Index reported that 43% of nonprofit arts organizations ran an operating deficit in 2010 (the latest year analyzed). In the current challenging economic
environment, it is remarkable that this new arts venture is thriving. Its leaders attribute that, at least in part, to its mission being not just to support the arts but also to contribute meaningfully to Portland’s (and Maine’s) economic development through cultural tourism.
The first Portland Performing Arts Festival debuted the last weekend of June 2012 and featured performances by classical guitarist Sharon Isbin (whose performance was later broadcast by MPBN as a part of the Maine Arts series), Maine choreographer Alison Chase’s new dance company, performance art duo Eepybird, the Celebration Barn Ensemble, and more.
The second Portland Performing Arts Festival is scheduled for June 26-30, 2013. The increase to five days from three and a half and to sixteen events from seven will allow the event to present more ticketed performances as well as new free public programs. A schedule and details on performances are currently being finalized and will be announced publicly early next year.
More information about the Festival is available at www.portlandfestival.org.
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