A Time-Honored Commitment to the Performing Arts
Portland Ovations is a nonprofit cultural organization based in Southern Maine dedicated to gathering communities to share in the power of live performance. Ovations connects artists and audiences both onstage and off — making the arts an integral part of community life.
Our unique array of live performances for the public and school audiences are curated to delight, inspire and educate. Venues used throughout greater Portland include historic and modern theaters, clubs, galleries, and classrooms — chosen carefully to ensure the best possible experience for both audiences and artists.
Join us for a season of performances that span the traditional to the contemporary, the intimate to the spectacular, the popular to the unexpected.
Our Vision
To inspire a curious and imaginative community where the experience of the performing arts is a vital part of every day life.
Our Mission
Portland Ovations propels the artistic, social, educational and economic wellbeing of communities through the power of the performing arts.
Our Core Values
- celebrates the power and brilliance of the performing arts.
- commits to being anti-racist.
- continues to evolve governance, operations, finances and programs to embody inclusivity, diversity, equity and access.
- nurtures a staff, board and collective culture that is compassionate, committed and enthusiastic.
- collaborates with other arts organizations, nonprofits, education systems and the business sector to promote lifelong learning through the arts.
Racial Equity Statement
At Ovations, we recognize that promoting racial equity and anti-racism in the arts and culture sector is essential to showcasing the brilliance and artistry of diverse and multicultural communities from around the globe. Our commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity and access extends to all aspects of our operations, including governance, programming and community engagement. We aim to include all voices, stories and perspectives in our programs and inspire similar efforts in the Portland, Maine area, resulting in a more just and equitable society where everyone’s contributions are valued.
Racial Equity Plan
Portland Ovations is committed to advancing racial and cultural justice through the arts. From the artists we present from around the world to the networks we participate in across the country and beyond, Ovations is part of a global community. The goals and aspirations in this Racial Equity Plan reflect that larger global perspective and are not limited to Maine’s predominately white demographics and systems which have in part, contributed to its history of racism.
Code of Conduct
Portland Ovations is committed to advancing racial, social and cultural justice through the arts. From the artists we present from around the world to the networks we participate in across the country and beyond, Ovations is part of a global community.
Ovations promises to provide a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for everyone to enjoy live performance. This is the expectation of all spaces that Ovations occupies throughout the season, and is to be adhered to by all, including and not limited to staff, audience, artists, volunteers, and board.
The purpose of this agreement is for all of us to be a part of creating a welcoming space.
When attending a Portland Ovations event, the following is expected by all:
- Be respectful. Ovations does not tolerate disrespectful remarks, unwanted advances, verbal attacks or harassment of any kind.
- Be mindful of what you say or do. Portland Ovations does not tolerate any physical, verbal, cyber or other harassment based on but not limited to race, gender, nationality, disability, sexual orientation.
- Experience performance as you wish. Ovations recognizes each individual experiences live performance differently. Bring your whole self and express joy and appreciation as you wish. Any safety protocols around noise or movement will be communicated ahead of the performance. Disrespectful responses to the art, artist, staff or fellow audience members will not be tolerated.
All patrons removed due to violations of our Code of Conduct will not receive a refund.
If you experience or witness racist actions or remarks, and feel safe/comfortable reporting, please follow these steps: (make clear any expected order of next steps)
- Alert an usher. The usher will then alert the House Manager who will take immediate action if needed.
- Fill out a Hate & Anti-Bias Reporting Form
- In-person with the House Manager
- Online after the performance
- Downloadable on website
- Email to info@portlandovations.org
Land Acknowledgement
Portland Ovations programs are presented on Wabanaki land, home of the Maliseet, Mi’kmaq, Passamaquoddy, Abenaki and Penobscot Nations, their elders past and present, and future generations.
We encourage you to learn more and take action in support of Maine’s Indigenous communities through the following organizations
Abbe Museum
Maine’s premiere museum dedicated to Indigenous history and culture. Their mission is to inspire new learning about the Wabanaki Nations with every visit.
Wabanaki Reach
Supporting the self-determination of Wabanaki people through education, truth-telling, restorative justice, and restorative practices in Wabanaki and Maine Communities.
What is a “land acknowledgment?”
A Land Acknowledgement is a formal statement that recognizes the unique and enduring relationship that exists between Indigenous Peoples and their traditional territories. (source: http://www.lspirg.org/knowtheland)
