Performance Works NW (PWNW) is marking a significant milestone this month as it celebrates its 25th anniversary with an event titled ’25 Hours!’ from August 1–3, showcasing a rich tapestry of workshops, performances, and community engagement. Founded by acclaimed dancer, choreographer, and performance artist Linda Austin in 1999, this studio and performance space has become a cornerstone for artistic experimentation and dialogue in the contemporary performance scene.
’25 Hours!’ honors 25 years of dedicated art-making that has included ‘avid experimentation, sublime mayhem, tender intimacy, community-building, rigorous play, and dedicated art-making.’ The celebration includes workshops, conversations, performances, karaoke, a dance party, and a closing brunch, offering a unique opportunity for the community to engage with the evolving arts scene.
Austin, who hails from Medford, Oregon, originally studied at Lewis & Clark College before planting her roots in New York City during the late 1970s. Immersed in the vibrant downtown dance scene, she began to present her work at renowned venues such as Performance Space 122 and the Kitchen.
After returning to Portland in 1998, Austin transformed a small church in Southeast Portland into the studio that now houses PWNW. Over the years, the space has developed into a hub for artists and audiences, facilitating a rich environment for experimentation and creation.
Austin’s artistic journey stretches back to 1983, with her work often blending highly choreographed elements and improvisation, using unusual visual components, humor, and poetic gestures to redefine traditional dance forms. Her numerous accolades include the prestigious Foundation for Contemporary Arts Merce Cunningham Award and fellowships from both the Regional Arts & Culture Council and the Oregon Arts Commission, highlighting her significant impact on the arts community.
As PWNW reaches this landmark anniversary, it does so amid a broader context of summer dance activities throughout the Pacific Northwest. The region is teeming with diversity and creativity, with events showcasing various movement styles and artistic voices.
For example, A-WOL Dance Collective will present ‘Art in the Dark: 10 Laws,’ once again bringing aerial performances suspended from trees in West Linn. The Vancouver Arts & Music Festival will feature a multitude of dance forms alongside other art, music, and food offerings in downtown Vancouver from July 31 to August 3.
Additionally, the ‘Summer Soup’ showcase by Open Space will run from July 31 to August 8, presenting a mix of dance works in an intimate setting. This allows emerging artists to explore their craft and engage with the community.
The NW Dance Project will host its Summer Dance Platform Showings, allowing its participants to share new works developed during a three-week summer training program.
The 25 Hours! event for PWNW will not only celebrate Austin’s contributions to the Portland arts landscape but will also feature a range of performances from various artists, providing a platform for collaboration and sharing of ideas.
Highlight performances will include the Moose & Squirrel Poet’s Cabaret and a PASTfuture long-form archival conversation between Linda Austin and artist Linda K. Johnson. This conversation seeks to explore the interconnectivity of local artists and the stories woven into Portland’s dance community.
The schedule for 25 Hours! aims to demonstrate the creative zest that Performance Works NW has fostered over the past 25 years while inspiring a new generation of artists and dance enthusiasts.
With the ongoing offerings of summer dance activities ranging from classical to experimental, audiences are invited to immerse themselves in a vibrant artistic landscape. The contributions from renowned artists and innovative companies continue to strengthen the fabric of community and culture within the Pacific Northwest.
As Performance Works NW steps into its next chapter post-anniversary celebrations, it remains a vital part of Portland’s artistic identity, nurturing new talent and providing a space where creativity can flourish uninterrupted.
’25 Hours!’ promises to be a memorable tribute to the significance of performance art and community-building. It invites the public to participate in a historic celebration that emphasizes the importance of sustaining artistic endeavors that unite and inspire.
For more information on the full event schedule and additional offerings throughout the summer, art enthusiasts are encouraged to visit the websites of the various dance companies and Performance Works NW. The neighborhood and regional dance events not only showcase the rich cultural tapestry of the area but also highlight the artists’ resilience and capacity for innovation as they continue to evolve in a changing landscape.
image source from：orartswatch
