AS220

AS220 is a non-profit arts organization located in Providence, Rhode Island, founded in 1985 by Umberto Crenca, Julie Kidd, and Barnaby Evans. The organization is known for its community arts programs, exhibitions, and performances, which showcase the work of local, national, and international artists, including Shepard Fairey, Swoon, and Os Gemeos. AS220 has been recognized for its innovative approach to arts education and community development, and has been supported by organizations such as the National Endowment for the Arts, Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, and the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. The organization has also collaborated with other arts organizations, including the Museum of Modern Art, Whitney Museum of American Art, and the Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston.

● History

The history of AS220 dates back to 1985, when Umberto Crenca and Julie Kidd founded the organization in a former Providence, Rhode Island warehouse. The organization's early years were marked by a series of exhibitions and performances featuring local and national artists, including Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, and Kenny Scharf. In the 1990s, AS220 expanded its programming to include community arts initiatives, such as the AS220 Youth Program, which provided arts education to local youth. The organization has also been involved in various community development projects, including the Providence Renaissance, and has worked with organizations such as the City of Providence, Rhode Island Foundation, and the United Way of Rhode Island. AS220 has also collaborated with other arts organizations, including the Rhode Island School of Design, Brown University, and the University of Rhode Island.

● Organization

AS220 is a non-profit organization governed by a board of directors, which includes Umberto Crenca, Annie Fischer, and Barnaby Evans. The organization is supported by a team of staff members, including curators, educators, and administrators. AS220 also relies on the support of volunteers and interns from local universities, including Rhode Island School of Design, Brown University, and the University of Rhode Island. The organization has also partnered with other arts organizations, including the New England Foundation for the Arts, National Performance Network, and the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation. AS220 has received funding from organizations such as the National Endowment for the Arts, Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, and the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, and has also been supported by local businesses, including Hasbro, Textron, and CVS Health.

● Programs

AS220 offers a range of programs and services to support the local arts community, including exhibitions, performances, and workshops. The organization's AS220 Youth Program provides arts education to local youth, while the AS220 Industries program offers studio space and resources to local artists. AS220 also hosts a range of events and festivals, including the Providence Festival of Arts, PVDFest, and the Rhode Island Comic Con. The organization has also collaborated with other arts organizations, including the Museum of Modern Art, Whitney Museum of American Art, and the Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston, to present exhibitions and performances featuring national and international artists, such as Ai Weiwei, Marina Abramovic, and Kara Walker. AS220 has also partnered with local schools, including Providence Public Schools, Rhode Island School of Design, and Brown University, to provide arts education and outreach programs.

● Facilities

AS220 is located in a former Providence, Rhode Island warehouse, which has been renovated to include galleries, performance spaces, and studios. The organization's facilities are available for rent to local artists and organizations, and have been used to host a range of events and exhibitions. AS220 also operates a number of satellite locations throughout Providence, Rhode Island, including the AS220 Project Space and the AS220 Window Gallery. The organization has also partnered with other arts organizations, including the Rhode Island Convention Center, Dunkin' Donuts Center, and the Providence Performing Arts Center, to present exhibitions and performances in other venues. AS220 has also collaborated with local businesses, including Hasbro, Textron, and CVS Health, to provide sponsorship and support for its programs and events.

● Impact

AS220 has had a significant impact on the local arts community in Providence, Rhode Island, providing opportunities and resources to local artists and organizations. The organization's community arts initiatives have helped to promote social change and community development, and have been recognized by organizations such as the National Endowment for the Arts and the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts. AS220 has also been credited with helping to revitalize the downtown Providence area, and has been involved in a number of urban planning and community development initiatives, including the Providence Renaissance and the I-195 Redevelopment District. The organization has also collaborated with other arts organizations, including the Museum of Modern Art, Whitney Museum of American Art, and the Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston, to present exhibitions and performances that have helped to promote cultural exchange and understanding. AS220 has also partnered with local universities, including Rhode Island School of Design, Brown University, and the University of Rhode Island, to provide arts education and research opportunities to students and faculty.