Fort Worth’s Cinetrea Grace Fuels Creativity in Local Youth

Cinetrea Grace, the founder and CEO of 619 Productions, has dedicated over two decades to fostering artistic expression among the youth and seniors of Fort Worth. Her organization provides free and low-cost arts programming, aiming to inspire creativity in underserved communities.

Grace, 61, launched 619 Productions in 2001, and since then, it has served more than 10,000 students in the Handley and Como neighborhoods. The organization offers a variety of after-school programs, including theater, dance, music, and writing classes, at local community centers such as Handley Meadowbrook and Como. Grace believes that artistic outlets are essential for both children and adults, stating, “It’s important not just for the kids, but the adults to have an outlet. Some are still carrying burdens because they never got to do their artistic stuff.”

A significant moment in Grace’s life came after enduring the loss of nine family members and friends in just three years during the late 1990s. This profound grief fueled her commitment to sharing the arts with those who lack access to such opportunities. She aims to provide the same support and inspiration that her drama teacher, Mary Porter, offered her during her formative years. “My teacher was the spark that lit the match,” Grace reflected about her early influences in the arts.

The impact of 619 Productions is evident in the success stories of its students. One notable alumna, Samille Kotei, first connected with Grace while serving as captain of her high school drill team in the late 2000s. Kotei, who participated in a stage production led by Grace, credits her mentor for helping her grow into a confident performer. Today, Kotei is an actress and singer based in Atlanta and serves as the board president of 619 Productions, becoming the first alumna to take on such a leadership role.

“Ms. Cinetrea is a very hands-on, reality-driven person. She’s motivating, uplifting, and pulls out the best in anybody,” Kotei stated. “Even a person who never had any art experience would come out, and you would think they have been performing their entire lives.”

As she looks to the future, Grace aspires to open a large-scale performing arts complex in Fort Worth, a dream that reflects her ongoing commitment to the community. She envisions a space where creativity can thrive, stating, “A true artist never stops soaring to new heights.”

With her tireless work, Cinetrea Grace continues to inspire both young and old in Fort Worth, proving that the arts can be a powerful tool for healing and self-expression. Her organization stands as a testament to the profound impact of creative outlets in transforming lives.