Portland Metro Performing Arts is registered as a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization within the State of Oregon. PMPA sponsors a variety of arts education, performance and outreach programs and projects throughout the Portland Metropolitan area, year-round. The organization has gone through a great deal of change since its beginnings in 1978.
Originally formed as Ballet Workshop Advocates in 1978, it changed names to Metro Dance Advocates in 1983 and has recently emerged as Portland Metro Performing Arts in 2000. Each change reflected the broadening of interests and scope of the organization, to encompass a wider range of arts disciplines.