AS220 facts for kids
 |
|
| Nonprofit | |
| Industry | Arts |
| Founded | 1985 |
| Founder | Umberto Crenca |
| Headquarters |
,
United States
|
|
Key people
|
Umberto Crenca, Susan Clausen |
AS220 is a non-profit community arts center in downtown Providence, Rhode Island. It's a place where artists can live, work, and show their creations to the world. AS220 has art studios, galleries, a stage, a theater, a print shop, photo labs, and even its own restaurant.
What makes AS220 special is that it's open to everyone, of all ages. It's an "unjuried and uncensored" space. This means anyone can share their art without having to be approved by a panel of judges first.
Contents
The Story of AS220
AS220 was started in 1985 by Umberto Crenca, Susan Clausen, and Scott Seabolt. They wanted to create a place where all artists could feel welcome. At the time, some artists in Rhode Island felt it was hard to get their work seen unless they were connected to big schools or government groups.
So, Umberto and his friends created AS220. They believed that art should be open for everyone to make and see. The name AS220 comes from its very first address: 220 Weybosset Street.
.jpg)
What started as a small space with a few studios and a gallery quickly grew. In 1992, AS220 bought its own large building on Empire Street. They turned it into a center for the arts with artist apartments, performance areas, and galleries. This helped create a lively arts and entertainment district in Providence.
Growing Bigger
.jpg)
Over the years, AS220 kept expanding to offer more to the community.
In 2005, AS220 bought an old hotel and turned it into more studios for artists to live and work in. This building also became home to the AS220 offices and a new art gallery.
In 2011, another building was opened on Washington Street. This location, called the Mercantile Block, is home to AS220 Industries. This includes a community print shop, a digital lab where people can create things with modern technology, and a media arts center. It also has more artist studios and space for local businesses.
AS220 has become a key part of Providence's "creative placemaking." This is when a city uses art and culture to make neighborhoods better and more interesting places to live.
What You Can Do at AS220
See a Show
.jpg)
The Main Stage at AS220 is always busy, with shows happening almost every night. It's famous for live music, but you can also see poetry slams, fashion shows, and film screenings.
A unique rule at AS220 is "no covers." This means the musicians perform their own original songs, not songs written by other famous artists. This policy helps new artists share their own unique music.
Besides the main stage, there is also a "black box" theater for experimental plays and a dance studio.
Visit the Art Galleries
AS220 has six different gallery spaces where artists can display their work. Because AS220 is unjuried, you can see art from a wide variety of people, from students to professional artists. The art is always changing, so there is always something new to see.
AS220 Youth Program
AS220 Youth offers free art classes for young people aged 14 to 21. It's a safe and creative space for teens to explore their talents. The program offers workshops in creative writing, dance, music, and visual arts like painting and photography.
Make Your Own Art
AS220 Industries is a collection of workshops open to the public.
- The Community Printshop is a place to learn how to make prints, like for posters or t-shirts.
- The Fabrication Lab has tools like 3D printers and laser cutters for people to build and create.
- The Paul Krot Darkroom is a traditional photo lab for developing film.
- The Media Arts center offers classes in digital art and design.
Foo Fest: A Giant Art Party
Every summer, AS220 hosts a huge block party called Foo Fest. It's a 12-hour festival filled with fun for everyone. The street is closed off for live music from over 20 bands, amazing art projects you can interact with, and booths where artists sell their work.
The festival also includes the Rhode Island Mini Maker Fair, where people show off their cool inventions and creations. Many local art groups also join in the fun. Foo Fest is a celebration of all the creativity that AS220 brings to the city of Providence.
