The magic 25 - 1982, PassinArt: A Theatre Company
In 1982, PassinArt: A Theatre Company was founded by Michael J. Grant, Clarice Bailey and Connie Carley. They chose the name PassinArt which is based on the African tradition of passing art, cultural and oral history from one generation to the next. With that in mind, the three co-founders wanted PassinArt to have a presence in the North/Northeast community and the Portland Metropolitan area. Whether the original founders of the company were still living in Portland or not, we were then and still are committed to providing opportunities for multi-cultural community members to become actively involved in the development and sustainability of the Company.
Michael J. Grant, Director/Co-Founder of PassinArt, wrote and directed, “Portraits in Black: A Theatre Presentation” in 1986, which was done in conjunction with IFCC to highlight its African American Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition. This exhibit drew diverse community members into the IFCC and introduced many to live theatre for the first time. It was one of PassinArt’s most successful productions. “Portraits in Black” was again produced in 1999 highlighting local and other African Americans in history at IFCC.
By 1987, PassinArt had completed two major theatrical productions; coordinated a multi-cultural art exhibit; developed a Cultural Arts Theatre Program for middle school children; and conducted several theatrical workshops at the IFCC and Portland Public Schools. The Company has produced the majority of its’ theatrical performances at the IFCC. However, in 1990–91, Mr.Grant relocated out of state; and Ms.Bailey left the Board to obtain her Masters’ Degree and Ph.D. Mr. Grant currently lives in Florida, and Ms. Bailey lives in Philadelphia. In 1996, PassinArt merged with the Inner City Youth Theatre Company, and its co-founders, Jerry Foster and Wanda Walden-Miller who were a part of the very successful “Theatre in Da’ Hood” Program which presented at IFCC and other locations in North/Northeast Portland.
PassinArt: A Theatre Company is an African American theatre company whose mission is to entertain, educate and inspire artists and audiences while addressing critical issues facing our community. Our goals are to:
1) present quality, yet affordable theatre productions and workshops for African American and multi-cultural adults and youth in the Portland/Metropolitan area.
2) To create a forum for new and experienced local, and regional African-American and multi-cultural to collaborate, develop, and integrate their talents and perfect their skills.
3) To increase the visibility /viability of African American theatre, and artists in Portland and Northwest.
PassinArt will present its’ upcoming production of “A Sunbeam” by John Henry Redwood at IFCC in 2009, a moving portrait of a mother’s desperation to care for and provide for her mentally disabled adult son that leads her to an unimaginable decision about his future.
PassinArt: A Theatre Company continues to support the IFCC mission because it closely align with the mission of our company and has provided an important role in our development as a Company and other emerging and experienced artists who have performed there over the years.
By Connie Carley
Board of Directors
PassinArt
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