The Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center (IFCC) is a community-based arts center located in

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Portland Portland most commonly refers to: * Portland, Oregon, the largest city in the state of Oregon, in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States * Portland, Maine, the largest city in the state of Maine, in the New England region of the northeas ...

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Description and history

The IFCC was founded in 1982 by Portland's first African-American elected official, Commissioner Charles Jordan. The IFCC is located in a 1910-built former

fire station __NOTOC__ A fire station (also called a fire house, fire hall, firemen's hall, or engine house) is a structure or other area for storing firefighting apparatuses such as fire engines and related vehicles, personal protective equipment, fire h ...

at 5340 North Interstate Avenue and now contains a 99-seat theater, an art gallery, and space for rehearsal or classes. The center's mission statement states that the IFCC, "is committed to creating an environment in which people of every ethnic/cultural background come together as artists and audience to explore, preserve and celebrate their diversity." The building has been designated a Portland Historic Landmark by the city's Historic Landmarks Commission, under the name Interstate Firehouse #24. It is owned by

Portland Parks & Recreation Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) is a Bureau of the City of Portland, Oregon that manages the city parks, natural areas, recreational facilities, gardens, and trails. The properties, which occupy a total of more than . The bureau employs a total ...

, a City of Portland Bureau, and was managed by IFCC, Inc. until May 2010, when that

non-profit A nonprofit organization (NPO) or non-profit organisation, also known as a non-business entity, not-for-profit organization, or nonprofit institution, is a legal entity organized and operated for a collective, public or social benefit, in co ...

ceased operations. In August 2010, management authority was given to Ethos Music Center by a unanimous vote of the Portland city council. The opera ''

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'', had its world premiere at the center on May 7, 2010. On December 31, 2014, Ethos returned management of the building to the City of Portland.

References

External links

{{Overlook, Portland, Oregon 1982 establishments in Oregon Arts centers in Oregon Buildings and structures in Portland, Oregon Culture of Portland, Oregon Defunct fire stations in Oregon Fire stations completed in 1910 Organizations based in Portland, Oregon Overlook, Portland, Oregon Portland Historic Landmarks Tourist attractions in Portland, Oregon