Our  Origin  Story

It was mid 2015, when the idea for IPP came to be at the Western Arts Alliance Conference in Vancouver, BC. I had been working at an organization serving Native artists, where I had come to understand that no matter how much money was granted, it would be almost impossible for them to thrive in the performing arts industry. Contemporary Indigenous performing artists face significant barriers to breaking into touring. It's not uncommon for them to hear things like  "you are not Native enough."  Conversely, many presenters will not book Indigenous artists because they are "too cultural." I've been told by venues that contemporary Indigenous artists are "too complicated" to book, this is code for your artists do not check a box. Contemporary Native artists challenge antiquated stereotypes of what Native people should look and sound like. 

As I stood watching the incredible genius of Native/Indigenous artists at the Indigenous Artists Symposium at WAA, I knew from experience that these artists could have a real chance of breaking into touring if they had someone who could advocate and negotiate industry prejudice. It would require educating and connecting like-minded network of venues and partners together to bring about social change. This would become what is now known Indigenous Performance Productions. 

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Six months later, we had five clients under my previous company, Walrus Arts Management, an LLC. In 2019, I transitioned to a non-profit, so I could expand our artists services.  Soon after, I launched our production program to complement our tour management so we could invite more Indigenous performing artists to partner through our production projects and touring operations.

Today, we stand as a multifaceted organization with an international roster of Indigenous contemporary artists providing consistent outreach, almost 100 shows a year and providing support for over100 Indigenous artists each year at high-profile venues.  We have made a difference in the lives of our artists, their communities, and the communities we serve alongside our network of venues, allies, and supporters. We have come a long way together, but this kind of work, the work of social transformation takes time and community, it is the work of many hands - and we have much work to do.