Portland, Maine
Thursday, February 12, 1998
Arts organization seeks ties with community, culture.The Portland Arts and Cultural Alliance wants to make the arts accessible
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A staff of one: PACA's first executive director, Deb Krichels. |
A little-known resource for local arts and artists, the Portland Arts and Cultural Alliance (PACA), has been in operation since 1995 as an all-volunteer, non-profit organization. Its mission is to increase public awareness of the all things arts-related in the Portland area, and to boost the city's image as a regional arts center.
"We want to become a clearinghouse for Portland arts and artists," says Deb Krichels, the group's first executive director and first paid employee. She says PACA will be a resource for "information that artists of all kinds can use." A resume bank is one of the planned information resources.
Besides providing resources for artists, the organization is also involved in promotion of their work. PACA actively seeks out, and is a resource for, "people who need arts help," says Krichels. "If someone, or a business - a nursing home, for instance - needs artwork for their walls, or an artist to paint a mural, we can refer them to people who can help."
Krichels, who also serves on the city's planning board, is currently working with the city planning office on a Community Cultural Plan, which aims to weave together the city's diverse communities and neighborhoods using the arts and education.
What this means is that "arts" in Portland will encompass more than "arts district". By bringing arts projects and cultural events into neighborhoods, the group aims to create awareness of their importance in our everyday lives.
PACA's temporary headquarters is located in the Portland Intown District office across from city hall on Congress Street. Their new office in Longfellow Square's Community Cultural Center will be open in late spring. The building, purchased by the Portland Performing Arts Center, is currently undergoing renovation. It will also house small performance and exhibition spaces.
Funding for the alliance is generated partially by membership dues, but the majority of support comes from the City of Portland, UNUM, the Maine Arts Commission, the National Endowment for the Arts and the New England Foundation for the Arts.
Artists are encouraged to join PACA in order to make it a comprehensive resource that can help all artists. Volunteer opportunities are also available.
Portland Arts & Cultural Alliance
PO Box 4532
Portland ME 04112
207-772-0150
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