New Bedford Celebrates Art and Culture in ‘ArtWeek SouthCoast’

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — Get ready for ArtWeek SouthCoast, returning this May to showcase the creativity and artistry of the community.

The statewide creative festival runs from Thursday, May 9 through Sunday, May 19.

ArtWeek SouthCoast is presented by Fall River and New Bedford cities and the towns of Dartmouth, Marion, Westport, Fairhaven, Mattapoisett and Wareham.

During the festival, visitors can anticipate experiences from live performances to poetry readings to painting demos, giving everyone something to enjoy with friends and family.

One of the festival experiences will be offered through Hatch Street Spring Open Studios in New Bedford. The studio will host a weekend where artists open their doors to the public, showcasing handmade textiles, ceramics, furniture, and more.

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Other events in New Bedford include AHA! Night, which highlights a Preservation Celebration, a Thump and Soul Session at Gallery X, a USO-themed concert by Seaglass Theater Company, and a Marine Debris weaving workshop at the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park.

"We are thrilled to announce that the 4th annual We HeART Fall River festival coincides with ArtWeek SouthCoast," said Ashley Occhino, executive director of the Fall River Arts and Culture Coalition (FRACC).

"We promise engaging activities for families, food trucks, live performances, and a showcase of handmade goods from the Fall River Farmers and Artisans Market," she said.

ArtWeek SouthCoast is supported in part by grants from the Fall River, Marion, New Bedford, Wareham and Westport local cultural councils, local agencies which are supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency, with additional support from Bristol County Savings Bank and SouthCoast Community Foundation.

To find additional highlights happening in this year's ArtWeek SouthCoast, you can visit ArtWeekSouthCoast.org.