Bringing Arts, Education, and Community Together
Inspiring Community Creating OpportunityA Community Organization with a Regional Vision
One Instrument Changed Everything
As a child growing up in Del Norte County, Nick Rail dreamed of joining the school band. Although money was tight, his parents found a way to buy him his first cornet. That simple act of sacrifice changed the course of his life—leading to a career dedicated to music education and, ultimately, to the creation of Partnership for the Performing Arts. Today, PPA exists to ensure more young people have the same life-changing opportunities that music gave Nick.
Founded in 2021, Partnership for the Performing Arts is a nonprofit organization serving the Wild Rivers Coast through arts, education, and community engagement. We believe access to creativity and culture helps communities thrive, and everyone deserves the opportunity to participate.
PPA brings together people, organizations, and resources to create meaningful experiences that enrich lives today while investing in the future of our region.
What We Do
PPA works across the Wild Rivers Coast to:
- Expand arts and educational opportunities
- Support students and lifelong learning
- Present cultural and community events
- Build partnerships that strengthen the region
- Lead initiatives that create lasting community impact
Everything we do is rooted in the belief that the arts are a powerful catalyst for connection, creativity, and economic vitality.
Our Mission
To maximize the opportunities for cultural enrichment in Del Norte and Curry counties through education, performing arts, and civic activities.
Our Vision
Transformation of an underserved community through improved access to the arts, creativity, education, and excellence.
Our Values
We lead with opportunity for our youth.
We believe in equal access to the arts.
We listen, and our door is always open.
Milestones of Impact
2020: Building Skills for the Future
PPA helped launch one of the nation’s only high school Band Instrument Repair programs after acquiring and donating a complete professional repair shop. Today, the program trains 25–30 students each year while supporting school music programs throughout the region.
2021: Partnership for the Performing Arts is Founded
PPA was established to expand opportunities in arts, education, and community engagement throughout the Wild Rivers Coast while bringing people together through collaboration and creativity.
2021: Restoring a Community Landmark
PPA helps spearhead the renovation of Crescent Elk Auditorium, improving an important performance venue while recognizing the community’s continued need for a larger performing arts facility. While the updates made a significant impact, the auditorium’s limited stage size and 385-seat capacity continue to restrict many performances, highlighting the need for expanded arts facilities.
2020–Present: Investing in Music Education
Hundreds of donated instruments have expanded access to music education for students throughout Del Norte County, Brookings-Harbor, and neighboring communities. PPA has also supported music students and programs at Southern Oregon University, strengthening educational opportunities and fostering the next generation of musicians across the Wild Rivers Coast.
2024: Expanding Orchestra Programs
PPA began providing orchestral string instruments to local middle and elementary schools, laying the foundation for expanded orchestra education and future mariachi and folklórico programs throughout the region.
2026: Orchestra Returns to Del Norte High School
For the first time in more than 70 years, orchestra returns to Del Norte High School thanks to PPA’s investment in a complete string program, giving students new opportunities to perform and grow as musicians.
2026: Students Take the National Stage
PPA sponsors six local students to attend the prestigious Newport Jazz Festival Jazz Camp in Rhode Island, where they learn from world-renowned musicians and perform on a festival stage.
Every Year: Supporting the Next Generation
PPA provides scholarships for students pursuing degrees and careers in the performing arts, music education, and technical trades, helping young artists and future educators continue their journeys.
Looking Ahead
PPA continues to expand opportunities through arts education, community partnerships, cultural programming, and transformational initiatives that will serve the Wild Rivers Coast for generations to come.
Why We Exist
Opportunity Shouldn’t Depend on Your ZIP Code.
Living on the Wild Rivers Coast offers incredible natural beauty, close-knit communities, and an exceptional quality of life.
But geography can also create barriers.
Students often travel hours to attend performances, workshops, competitions, and educational experiences that many communities enjoy close to home. Community organizations lack a modern gathering place capable of hosting large events, performances, conferences, and celebrations.
The challenge has never been a lack of talent.
It’s been a lack of access.
PPA exists to close this gap by creating opportunities that inspire creativity, strengthen connections, and invest in the future of our region.
Bringing World-Class Music to the Wild Rivers Coast
For more than 37 years, the Brookings-based nonprofit Friends of Music brought exceptional classical music performances to the Wild Rivers Coast, connecting local audiences with nationally and internationally acclaimed artists.
In 2022, Friends of Music partnered with the Partnership for the Performing Arts (PPA) to ensure this beloved tradition would continue for future generations. Today, PPA proudly carries the series forward, expanding access to outstanding live performances while strengthening arts education opportunities for students, families, and the broader community.
Together, Friends of Music and PPA have helped preserve an important cultural tradition that continues to enrich the region and inspire audiences across the Wild Rivers Coast.
Building Through Partnership
The success of PPA is built on collaboration.
We work alongside schools, Tribal nations, artists, nonprofits, businesses, public agencies, foundations, and community members to create opportunities that no single organization could accomplish alone.
These partnerships strengthen our programs, broaden our impact, and help ensure the arts remain an essential part of life on the Wild Rivers Coast.
As PPA continues to grow, we’re investing in new opportunities that will serve our region for generations.
The Wild Rivers Performing Arts and Civic Center is one of those opportunities—a transformational project that will provide a permanent home for performances, arts education, community gatherings, and civic events while supporting the long-term vitality of the Wild Rivers Coast.
The Center reflects PPA’s mission to expand access, strengthen community, and create spaces where people can learn, connect, and celebrate together.
