The Colleen Toohey Porter Emerging Artist Award
| IPAY lost one of the driving forces and most vibrant members of our community when Colleen Toohey Porter passed away on March 22, 2012.
While Colleen's contributions to the organization are readily apparent in her record of service—on the Showcase 2013 Steering Committee, as VP of Programming on the IPAY Board, three-time Showcase host, Selection Committee Chair, and Learning Communities Co-chair—it is impossible to measure her impact on her local Cleveland community, the IPAY community, and the entire community of performing arts for youth worldwide. She was a tireless advocate for artists and for the transformative power of the performing arts. A creative and visionary leader, she inspired all of us to dream big, and generously shared her practical knowledge to help us turn our dreams into reality. |  |
Colleen would have cringed at the thought of having her name attached to a memorial of any kind, but it is only right that we honor her dedication to the arts, to education, to artists, to colleagues, and to children. With the same intentional focus that Colleen brought to every project, we have given much thought to creating a fitting tribute to her legacy. We are proud to announce this new award, established in her name.
The Colleen Toohey Porter Emerging Artist Award advances the growth and development at an international level of North American-based professional artists working in the field of performing arts for young audiences. This juried award supports professional development—linked to the annual Kindling focus at Showcase—including mentorship as well as participation in creative residencies and laboratories. Through this distinguished honor, Colleen's innovative, generous, and nurturing spirit will live on in the artists of the future.
Gifts to the Colleen Toohey Porter Emerging Artist Award fund may be made by check, payable to IPAY. Please indicate "Colleen Porter Fund" on the memo line. You may also make a gift online by clicking here.
