About ProArts
ProArts Mission Statement | ProArts in an incubator of artistic expression representing the African Diaspora and is dedicated to the production of transformational and accessible works for the enrichment of the community.
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ProArts Vision Statement | ProArts exists to celebrate and honor the African Diaspora and its arts culture. We do this by creating inspiring works of art in partnership with the diverse Austin community. We pursue this mission with perseverance, fairness and spirit of excellence in everything we do. 
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ProArts History | | ProArts Collective was co-founded in 1993 by Boyd Vance. At its founding the organization was envisioned as a site for the promotion, production and preservation of African-American theatre arts. After producing several showcases Vance realized that African-American theater artists in Austin needed a service organization to provide a schedule of services such as networking, administrative consultation, production and fiscal management, and referrals for theater and film production in Austin. ProArts Collective became that organization. Boyd Vance -Founder | In 1996 ProArts received its first grant from the Cultural Contracts Program of the City of Austin under the auspices of the Austin Arts Commission. At that time the collective expanded its mission. It not only provided technical resources, but added to its list of productions a full season of main stage theater productions focusing on the literature of African American dramatic and musical theater. Under Mr. Vance's artistic leadership ProArts also began to produce and present a full calendar of arts activities, including arts programs in local area schools and an annual African-American dance festival. The organization has now produced more than 150 stage productions, festivals, concerts, music and comedy revues, art and photo exhibits, seminars, classes, and workshops in its ten year history. | | ProArts became a 501 © 3 tax-exempt organization in 1999. This development helped expand its financial base beyond the Cultural Contracts Program of the City of Austin including Dell, 3M, Apple, Motorola, the National Endowment of the Arts, and the Texas Commission on the Arts, among others. | | 2001 ProArts Collective underwent an organizational structure change with the founding of the African American Arts Technical Resource Center (AAATRC). ProArts Collective became the presenting and producing arm of the organization and AAATRC provided services to artists and developed or collaborated on community-based projects such as the Project MLK Youth March and Essay Contest, a Title One school chamber ensemble concert, the Minority Arts Apprenticeship Program, and providing umbrella services for artists and arts organizations. | | ProArts Collective and the AAATRC have collaborated with numerous Austin area organizations and institutions including Austin History Center, Austin Writer's League, Aztlan Dance Company, La Peña, Austin Chamber Music Society, Huston-Tillotson College, LBJ Library and Museum, Austin Museum of Art, Carver Museum, Austin Public Library, Austin Independent School District, Austin Fire Department Public Education Department, TreeFolks, Texas School for the Blind, Center for Mexican American Culture, Austin Children's Museum, St. Stephens Episcopal School, Texas Empowerment Academy, and Communities in Schools. | | ProArts Collective's and the AAATRC's founder and director, Boyd Vance passed away suddenly in April, 2005. The organization continues under the leadership of Lisa Byrd and provides stewardship in the African American community as arts and culture take center stage in the city-wide discussions on the quality of life for African Americans in Austin. |
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