PVDFest Returns to “America’s Coolest City” for 2018
PVDFest will bring four days of art, creative education, music and more to the streets of Providence, June 7-10, 2018
Providence, RI – City of Providence Mayor Jorge O. Elorza, the Department of Art, Culture + Tourism, founding partner FirstWorks and the Providence City Council announced PVDFest, Providence’s signature art festival will return for its fourth edition June 7-10, 2018. PVDFest will once again transform streets in the heart of Providence into a celebration of art, music, food, performance and more. Artists and performers, both local and global, will converge in Providence for an outdoor event expected to draw thousands of guests.
“PVDFest has grown so much since its creation in 2015 and this year will be bigger and better than ever,» said Mayor Jorge Elorza. “Thousands have gathered in the Creative Capital to experience this signature arts festival and I look forward to engaging even more artists, performers and makers in next year’s festival.»
Building upon the success and energy of the past three festivals, PVDFest will continue to connect the diverse neighborhoods of Providence with artistic and musical talent.
“PVDFest 2018 invites the world to Providence for a journey celebrating a wealth of local talent, and introduces some of the best in global talent on festival stages,” said Kathleen Pletcher, Executive Artistic Director of FirstWorks. “The access to the arts that PVDFest provides has a profound affinity with FirstWorks mission to connect art with audiences. Festivals are in FirstWorks’ DNA and we are honored to partner with Mayor Jorge Elorza on this city-wide initiative! Throughout the four days of PVDFest, we celebrate all facets of culture – from indigenous traditions to cutting-edge explorations – and invite you to wonder, discover, and dance in the streets.”
The four days of citywide programming will once again culminate on Saturday, June 9, beginning with a celebration that will turn spaces downtown into a world-class performance stage, cutting edge art gallery, and culturally diverse block party. Further details about programming and line-up will be announced closer to the festival date.
«PVDFest demonstrates to our neighbors – near and far – that Providence truly is the ‘Creative Capital,’” said Acting Council President Sabina Matos. “The festival showcases the creativity of our city’s talented artists while bringing together our culturally diverse community in what looks like a never-ending celebration. I look forward to this year’s festival.»
In addition to the dates for next year’s festival, Mayor Elorza announced the launch of the community portal available at www.pvdfest.com. This portal is a place for musicians, artists, makers and creative minds of all kinds to connect with festival staff to express their interest in performing, creating and selling at PVDFest next year.
About Providence’s Department of Art, Culture + Tourism – FESTIVAL PRODUCER
Established in 2003, the Providence Department of Art, Culture + Tourism (AC+T) ensures the continued development of a vibrant and creative city by integrating arts and culture into community life while showcasing Providence as an international cultural destination. Visit http://providenceri.com/ArtCultureTourism.
About FirstWorks – FESTIVAL FOUNDING PARTNER
FirstWorks is a non-profit based in Providence, Rhode Island whose purpose is to build the cultural, educational and economic vitality of its community by engaging audiences with world-class performing arts and education programs. Since 2004, FirstWorks festivals, performances and programs have attracted more than 400,000 participants. The FirstWorks Arts Learning Program reaches more than 4,000 students from public and charter schools across Rhode Island with transformative arts learning experiences. FirstWorks was founded through a public/private partnership with the City of Providence and since 2015 has served as Founding Partner of PVDFest, working with Mayor Jorge O. Elorza to develop the festival into a leading international arts celebration. Visit http://first-works.org to learn more.