Founded in 1993, MetroArts Inc is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. MetroArts Inc is an educational organization dedicated to promoting life-long learning for everyone through the arts. They believe that every person is creative, has something to offer our culture, and deserves the opportunity to know that experience.

Mission

MetroArts Inc's mission is to teach creative and critical thinking processes through innovative arts education programs and curricula.

MetroArts mission consists of three fundamental objectives to support the ideal:

• To inspire every participant in the programs to contribute to the culture of their times by doing their life's work in a creative, artistic, joyful and disciplined manner.
• To educate about the arts of all cultures, provide insight into the process of creative thought and experiences with creativity itself. To promote access to the arts through participation, creation and reflection for all.
• To create partnerships that enable arts education to thrive in the public schools.

Resource Council
To serve MetroArts, a 16-member Resource Council exists to understand and support the mission of MetroArts Inc, and assist the organization by:

• Contributing financially to the organization
• Introducing new donors to the organization, including individual, corporate, or foundation donors
• Serve as advocates on behalf of MetroArts Inc to the community at large
• Provide feedback from the community to MetroArts
• Serve as an independent sounding board for ideas and concerns of the Artistic Director

In recognition of the important role played by the Resource Council, MetroArts recognize members in the following ways:

• Listing on MetroArts stationery, website, and in playbill for Young Artists Concert
• Annual reception to honor Resource Council members
• Invitation to annual Young Artists Concert

Board of Directors

All MetroArts Board Members contribute to the annual operating budget. Their contributions account for 5% of the organization’s overall income.

Niel DePonte, Founder, President, and Artistic Director 
Niel DePonte is currently music director and conductor of Oregon Ballet Theatre and principal percussionist of the Oregon Symphony. He holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from the State University of New York and a master of music from the Eastman School of Music. Niel has appeared as a guest conductor with numerous American symphonies and at various music festivals throughout the U.S. Long an advocate for music in the schools, Niel has played a central role in shaping the future of the arts in Oregon. He was one of eleven panelists chosen from across the country to serve on the orchestra panel at the National Endowment for the Arts in 1992 and served on the executive committee of Portland’s cultural planning process, Arts Plan 2000+.

Max Miller, Jr.,
Attorney of Record, Tonkon Torp LLP

Melanie Diamond, Director
Director of Marketing, Bridgeport Village Shopping Center

Tonia Lindquist, Director
Vice President & Trust Officer, Private Banking Bank of America

Ms. Rachel Larson, Director
Executive Director, Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility

Merrill J. Baumann, Jr.- Director
Attorney, Dunn Carney, LLP