Cultural
Bringing
Heritage to Life
[ image by Jim McElholm-Single Source Inc. ]
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In
the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage
Corridor supporting the folk and cultural traditions of the
Blackstone River Valley is important to retaining a true sense
of who we are and celebrating the ethnic makeup of the region.
The Commission supports activities that perpetuate an understanding
of valley heritage – traditional music, dance, language,
crafts and trades that connect us to our past. |
The further
development of the creative community in the Corridor also contributes
to a vibrant economy and the chance to bring new life to older buildings
and community centers.
Bringing
heritage to life through the arts is one of the ways we celebrate
the Valley for its authentic resources, cultural heritage and natural
beauty.
In addition
to the many attractions in Providence, RI and Worcester, MA, there
are many ways to discover the culture of the Blackstone River Valley.
Throughout the Corridor, you can discover the rich heritage of our
past through exhibits, events, and programs at places like the Museum
of Work and Culture in Woonsocket, Slater
Mill in Pawtucket, RI, Waters
Farm in Sutton and River
Bend Farm in Uxbridge, MA.
The mission of the Blackstone River Theatre is to present the performing and visual arts; to offer arts education; and to preserve and support the cultural diversity and heritage of all types of traditional folk music, dance and visual arts with an emphasis on those groups that settled in the Blackstone River Valley. |
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Believing that the arts are integral to building important cultural bridges, Blackstone River Theatre is dedicated to promoting and developing the arts for our community and its artists by creating awareness, offering performance opportunities and promoting involvement through participation.
Stone
Soup Arts Foundation operates the Stone Soup Coffeehouse
in Pawtucket, RI and is one of the oldest and largest folk music
venues in New England. Concerts present both nationally-known and
local artists, promoting folk music in and around the Blackstone
River Valley.
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In
Woonsocket, RI the Stadium
Theatre Performing Arts Center is housed in a theatre
that dates from 1926 that is renowned for its acoustics, intimacy
and preserved artwork and architectural features. |
A variety of
programs are offered at the Stadium Theatre, ranging from live music
and dance performances to classic movie nights.
In Pawtucket, RI, the Sandra Feinstein-Gamm Theatre, or The Gamm, is a non-profit repertory theater performing plays of substance and distinction, acted with excellence in an intimate setting that emerses audiences in the action. Dramas and comedies (classical and contemporary), and exceptional Shakespeare productions are part of the 5-play season, running from September through June. |
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For information
on places to enjoy in the Worcester area of the Valley, visit Great
Museum Adventures in Central Massachusetts. A Calendar
of Events and links will give you information on the Ecotarium,
Higgins Armory Museum, Worcester Art Museum, Worcester Historical
Museum and the Tower Hill Botanic Garden. You can also download
coupons from the site good at these locations.
Through a partnership
with the Corridor Commission, the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce
Education Foundation in Massachusetts coordinates multicultural
performing arts events in its “Exploring
Our Culture” program. In Rhode Island, the Blackstone
Valley Tourism Council sponsors and provides information
on several cultural sites and events throughout the Valley.
For a listing
of Cultural Sites in the Blackstone River Valley, click here
or find out about current events and performances at the Calendar
of Events
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