For five years, PVDFest has brought people from all corners of the globe together for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Despite this year’s postponement, the team that brings you PVDFest is excited to share that we will continue the tradition by offering a series of virtual performances and cultural happenings. From public art installations, to musical performances, to an online marketplace— Providence’s signature arts festival will still be unforgettable.

Starting today, talented performers and entertainers will bring PVDFest magic to the comforts of your home and to the heart of the city. Kickoff your PVDFest experience today at 4:00PM with a family-friendly live mask making workshop curated by FirstWorks. During the event, celebrity costume designer and PVDFest alum, Machine Dazzle, will lead participants in a hands-on workshop using materials you can find around your home.

On Friday, June 12, FirstWorks presents another free virtual event. Kicking off at 7 PM, multimedia artist Carlos Andres Toro and composer/violinist Daniel Bernard Roumain will premiere “Requiem for the Living, In Color.” This timely collaborative performance unpacks and explores the realities of people of color during these unprecedented times.

Also on June 12, Cratftland will again bring artists and the community together—but this time virtually. For the last three years, Craftland has curated and organized the Artist Marketplace during PVDFest weekend. This year, the Marketplace will be hosted on Craftland’s website featuring a small collection of pieces from independent artists from June 12th through 19th. Craftland will donate 20% of the percent received from sales to the National Bail Fund Network.

For individuals looking to experience PVDFest’s signature flair on the streets, three public art installations have been commission to transform the landscape of Downtown. Although this year’s installations won’t be flanked by crowds, PVDFest’s commitment to art and artists will illuminate the streets until fall 2020 along with recent new community additions. The PVDFest pieces be experienced at the following locations:

City Hall Apron, corner of Dorrance and Washington

“Head in the Clouds, Feet on the Ground”

Artist: Jerold Ehrlich

Empire Plaza, 444 Westminster Street

“Bee Violet”

Artist: Allison Newsome

Civic Center Garage, 165 Washington Street

“Dream Weave”

Artist: Karin Giusti

While we won’t be parading down Washington Street this year, PVDFest’s magic can still transform our City. At a time when we need art’s healing power the most, I urge you to take a moment to celebrate PVDFest and Providence in your own way. 

Sincerely,

Mayor Jorge O. Elorza