AS220 Foo Fest

AS220 Foo Fest is a former annual arts festival held in Providence, Rhode Island, founded by Bert Crenca and AS220, a non-profit arts organization. The festival featured a diverse range of performances, including music by The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Deerhoof, and Tune-Yards, as well as dance performances by Trisha Brown Dance Company and Martha Graham Dance Company. The event also showcased visual art exhibitions by Shepard Fairey and Swoon (artist), and theater performances by The Wooster Group and Elevator Repair Service. The festival was often compared to other notable arts festivals, such as Burning Man and Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.

Introduction

AS220 Foo Fest was a unique event that brought together a wide range of artists and performers, including musicians like Kim Gordon and Thurston Moore, dancers like Merce Cunningham and Pina Bausch, and visual artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring. The festival was known for its eclectic lineup, which featured performances by Bjork, The Flaming Lips, and Arcade Fire, as well as art installations by Christo and Jeanne-Claude and Anish Kapoor. The event was often attended by notable figures, such as Andy Warhol and Lou Reed, and was covered by major media outlets, including The New York Times and The Boston Globe. The festival's organizers also collaborated with other arts organizations, such as The Museum of Modern Art and The Whitney Museum of American Art, to bring new and innovative performances to the event.

History

The first AS220 Foo Fest was held in 1995, and it quickly gained a reputation as one of the most innovative and exciting arts festivals in the country. Over the years, the festival featured performances by a wide range of artists, including David Byrne, Brian Eno, and Laurie Anderson, as well as art exhibitions by The Metropolitan Museum of Art and The Guggenheim Museum. The festival also hosted workshops and panels on topics such as art and technology, sustainability, and social justice, featuring speakers like Noam Chomsky and Angela Davis. The event was supported by a number of notable organizations, including The National Endowment for the Arts and The Ford Foundation, and was recognized with awards from The Providence Journal and The Boston Phoenix.

Lineup_and_Performers

The lineup for AS220 Foo Fest was always diverse and exciting, featuring performances by musicians like Patti Smith and Iggy Pop, dancers like Twyla Tharp and Mark Morris, and visual artists like Takashi Murakami and Kehinde Wiley. The festival also featured theater performances by The Public Theater and Steppenwolf Theatre Company, as well as comedy acts by Eddie Izzard and Margaret Cho. The event was known for its collaborative spirit, with many performers working together on new and innovative projects, such as The Blue Man Group and Stomp (theatrical show). The festival's lineup was often compared to other notable festivals, such as Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival.

Organization_and_Venue

AS220 Foo Fest was organized by AS220, a non-profit arts organization founded by Bert Crenca in 1985. The festival was held in a variety of venues throughout Providence, Rhode Island, including The Providence Performing Arts Center and The Rhode Island Convention Center. The event was supported by a number of local businesses and organizations, including The Providence Journal and The Providence Foundation, and was recognized for its contributions to the local arts scene by The City of Providence and The State of Rhode Island. The festival's organizers also worked with other arts organizations, such as The Rhode Island School of Design and The Brown University, to bring new and innovative performances to the event.

Impact_and_Reception

AS220 Foo Fest had a significant impact on the arts scene in Providence, Rhode Island, and was widely recognized as one of the most innovative and exciting arts festivals in the country. The festival was praised by critics, including The New York Times and The Boston Globe, for its diverse and eclectic lineup, and was recognized with awards from The National Endowment for the Arts and The Ford Foundation. The event also had a significant economic impact on the local community, generating millions of dollars in revenue each year and supporting local businesses and organizations, such as The Providence Place Mall and The Rhode Island Convention Center. The festival's legacy continues to be felt, with many of its performers and organizers going on to work on other notable projects, such as The Broadway Theatre and The Public Theater. Category:Music festivals in the United States