AS220
AS220 is a non-profit community arts organization in downtown Providence, Rhode Island, offering affordable access to galleries, performance venues, educational opportunities, residential spaces, and work studios for all people in Rhode Island.
Services
AS220 provides various services aimed at the arts community, including affordable access to galleries, performance venues, residential spaces, and work studios. They also offer educational opportunities through artmaking workshops and classes. AS220 hosts live music events, theatre, poetry readings, film screenings, and dance classes. Their Community Studios provide spaces for people to learn new creative skills or enhance existing ones. Additionally, they offer public access to specialized workshops, equipment, and spaces for printmaking, media arts, and digital/traditional fabrication.
Racial Justice Initiative
AS220 has been actively engaged in a Racial Justice Initiative since 2019. This initiative focuses on promoting racial equity within the organization and the broader community. Through this initiative, AS220 aims to address and dismantle systemic racial injustices and provide platforms for diverse voices and perspectives, particularly those from underrepresented racial and ethnic communities.
Gallery Spaces
AS220 features multiple gallery spaces across Providence, Rhode Island. The Main Gallery, located at 115 Empire Street, typically showcases work from two artists each month. The Aborn Gallery, also on Empire Street, highlights critical issues through the work of artists of color, emerging artists, and elder artists in Rhode Island. The Project Space and Reading Room at 93 Mathewson Street host one artist per month and offer intimate exhibition environments. The Resident Gallery at 131 Washington Street is designated for use by resident artists, AS220 Youth, Community Studios members, and AS220 staff.
Youth Programs
AS220 Youth is a free after-school arts education program for young artists aged 14-21. The program particularly focuses on youth in the care and custody of the state, providing them with opportunities to develop artistic skills and engage in creative work. AS220 Youth offers a supportive environment where participants can explore various art forms and gain valuable experience.
Affordable Housing for Artists
AS220 has been providing housing for artists for over 30 years, making it one of downtown Providence’s largest providers of affordable housing. They offer living spaces in three main buildings: the Dreyfus building at 95 Mathewson Street with 14 self-contained studios, the Empire Street building at 115 Empire Street with private single-occupancy studios, and the Mercantile building at 131 Washington Street with 22 self-contained studios. These accommodations include amenities such as private kitchens, baths, living quarters, and shared facilities where applicable.