New Bedford Hosting 20mi2 Arts and Culture Weekend [TOWNSQUARE SUNDAY]

New Bedford will celebrate a free, city-wide arts and culture weekend on June 9 through June 11, thanks to the hard work of creator Beatriz Oliveira and an enthusiastic group of partners and volunteers.

Oliveira joined Townsquare Sunday this week, along with content creator Shayla Manning, to discuss the event, called 20mi2.

"New Bedford is a neat 20 square miles in land mass, which believe it or not, is the same size as Manhattan," Oliveira said. "Manhattan and New Bedford are both seaside cities, so it's a cool way to think about our little city by the sea."

Oliveira said planning for the event began last October, and she was pleased with the enthusiastic reception she received from non-profit organizations and creators in the city.

"We will have well over 70 partners and creators when the weekend rolls around," she said.

Free exhibits and programs are scheduled city-wide, including live music, displays, and hands-on programs. The weekend will feature performances by the Toe Jam Puppet Band, a family-friendly rock band; bike tours with the New Bedford Starchasers; City Mega from Providence featuring drum performances; and much more.

Organizers are also planning a Colossal CommUNITY Table for Thursday, June 9 at 7 p.m. in the middle of Purchase Street. On Friday, the table will move to the Haskell Public Garden off Shawmut Avenue. Both days will feature life music and performances. 

The complete schedule is available at www.20mi2.com.

The interview with Oliveira and Manning can be heard here:

Townsquare Sunday is an hour-long public affairs program heard every Sunday morning at 6 and 11 a.m. on 1420 AM and 99.5 FM.

The program highlights individuals and organizations seeking to improve the quality of life on the SouthCoast.

If you would like your organization featured on Townsquare Sunday, please e-mail the host at jim.phillips@townsquaremedia.com.