NeighborWorks’ recently developed event space at 40 South Main Street
In September, NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley hosted a Creative Placemaking summit to discuss plans for arts and culture in Woonsocket’s Island Place Historic district. The District houses the ARTech hub, which includes the recently developed event space at 40 South Main Street and the surrounding mill buildings. LISC defines Creative Placemaking as “residents coming together to make social, physical, and economic changes in their neighborhoods through the arts and culture.” The summit was one of the first of hopefully many more discussions about Creative Placemaking in Woonsocket.
A goal for the discussions was to begin developing a network of residents and organizations dedicated to Creative Placemaking. We feel that community involvement will be valuable in activating the ARTech district as a center for arts and culture.
Director of Resource Development & Communications Meg Rego gives a tour of the ARTech District
Attendees toured the area, which we hope to occupy with retail and studio space in the coming years in addition to event space. Longtime residents brought up previous uses for the buildings, as well as ideas for future projects. NeighborWorks will be providing grants ranging from$250-$5,000 to fund projects over the course of the next year. Those interested in proposing a project should view the Call for Artists form below.
Recently, LISC awarded NeighborWorks with a generous grant to support Creative Placemaking projects. Representatives from LISC were in attendance at the summit. Helping us facilitate the conference were Michael and Mark from the Center for Performance and Civic Practice. Also attending were community members representing artists, teachers, business owners, and local non-profit leaders.
Summit attendees engaged in Creative Placemaking discussion
A draft of our Call for Artists form was circulated and discussed. Many of the comments and concerns expressed at the summit are reflected in the final draft of the application form. We encourage anyone with a connection to the Woonsocket area and ideas for cultural events or projects to apply. The rolling deadline for proposals will be the last day of each month, and applicants will be notified of their status by the 15th of the following month.
