Exploring gateways into Providence's many cultures and wide range of creative practices 

Co-Facilitators: Daniel Kertzner + Marta V. Martinez

Panelists:

1. Ricardo Barreto, Urban Arts Institute, MassArt
2. Christopher Johnson, poet

About This Studio

A vibrant city depends on activities and institutions that are comprised of - and serve - many cultures. Providence is rich in cultural diversity and artistic and creative expression, yet for many of its citizens barriers such as time, money, education, and logistical factors exist, preventing them from fully accessing and participating in these cultural opportunities. Participation in arts and culture is an essential ingredient for authentic community building efforts. The cultural plan must work to break down barriers to participation, make the local arts and humanities communities more representative of the city's population, and pave the way for fuller access to the arts for all. At the same time, the plan should help us broaden our understanding of cultural participation, recognize and support the many ways in which citizens engage with the arts and utilize Providence's culturally distinct neighborhoods as sites of rich cross-cultural exchange.