Our history

The Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center (IFCC) is a Portland treasure. Established in 1982 with the leadership of then Portland Parks Commissioner Charles Jordan, IFCC quickly became a pre-eminent multicultural arts organization in Portland and the Pacific Northwest. Originally a program of the City of Portland Parks and Recreation Department, IFCC was established as a nonprofit organization in 1988.

During its 25-year history, IFCC has served as an arts and cultural center, a fully-producing theatre, an event space, a summer camp, a community center, an after-school program, a gallery space, a dance studio, a venue for performing artists, a mentoring organization, and an educational facility for the arts.

In the eighties and nineties IFCC was one of the few places in Portland where artists of color and those with disabilities could showcase their work and be nurtured in their arts practices. As the Portland cultural landscape continues to change, IFCC remains committed to diversity—including cultural diversity, age diversity, diversity of experience in the arts, and diversity of artistic expression.

Facts and Figures

• 20,000 people visit IFCC each year, including artists, audience members, students, and gallery goers.

• IFCC was founded 1982 and became a tax-exempt 501© 3 nonprofit in 1988.

• The building is an almost 100-year old firehouse that now includes a
  99-seat theater, art gallery and dance studio. Portland Parks and Recreation Dept. maintains the building.

• The organization is governed by a community-based Board of Directors and run by a staff of three with help from volunteers.

• Earned income, including rental fees, class fees and ticket sales, account for 20% of IFCC’s income. The remainder comes from foundation and government grants, and corporate and individual contributions.