ArtWeek SouthCoast Coming to New Bedford, Fall River and More

Get ready for the 2024 ArtWeek SouthCoast. Activities are happening May 9 through May 19 in New Bedford, Fall River and six surrounding towns.

ArtWeek SouthCoast organizers Margo Saulnier, the EDC's Director of Creative Strategies, and architect and AHA Night Committee Chair Anthi Frangiadis joined Townsquare Sunday to discuss some highlights in this year's schedule.

"ArtWeek SouthCoast is a collaborative effort with many organizations involved that celebrate creativity in communities from Fall River to Wareham," Saulnier said. "We want to give a behind-the-scenes look into the artistic and creative process."

As an example, the Marion Art Center is offering six unique programs during ArtWeek, including an original play, a tree-carving demonstration and a performance by a Mashpee Wampanoag storyteller.

The Hatch Street Open Studios in New Bedford will showcase hand-made textiles, ceramics, furniture and more.

In nearby Fall River, the Fall River Arts and Culture Coalition will host the "We HeART Fall River Festival," featuring live performances, food trucks and a display of handmade goods.

AHA Night in New Bedford will fall on May 9, the first evening of ArtWeek Southcoast.  Frangiadis said the schedule will include a celebration of Preservation, a USO-themed concert, and a marine-debris weaving workshop in the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park.

"The arts is very much a part of how I think about community and our region," Frangiadis said. "Arts and culture has the ability to bring people together and see things through a different lens."

In all, ArtWeek SouthCoast will feature more than 50 unique events from Fall River to Wareham. See the full schedule on the website.

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