“Collaborating with FirstWorks has allowed us to punch above our weight as a City when it comes to arts and culture.” —Mayor Jorge O. Elorza, Providence
Spring 2022 Newsletter
SPRING 2022
APRIL
Over 500 individuals joined us on April 27th for our return to The VETS for the incomparable collaboration between Grammy Award-winners the Blind Boys of Alabama, and ambassadors of Malian music, Amadou & Mariam. From Bamako to Birmingham featured soul-stirring music that transcends cultures and knows no borders.
“I’m on the verge of tears. This is the first time we’ve gotten students together for an assembly in over two years, and it almost feels like normal.” —Traci Westman, Principal
Claiborne Pell Elementary
MARCH
Reaching Students in Newport Native of Mali, Africa, local djembe master, Sidy Maiga gave an invigorating performance to over 130 fourth graders at Claiborne Pell Elementary this March. Sidy’s unparalleled energy was echoed by the students in their first live assembly in this school year. FirstWorks’ commitment to arts-integrated education programs has not wavered throughout the challenges of the pandemic. Our programs combat unfinished learning and the youth mental health crisis, lifting students through the arts!
FEBRUARY
2022 Grammy Winner Connects with Students “Africa’s greatest living diva” Angélique Kidjo met with Providence students, and FirstWorks Education Director Jamil Jorge, this February via Zoom for an inspirational discussion on making your way compassionately through the world through art. When asked about the trajectory of her life and career, Angélique shared candid advice, encouraging the students to hold fast to their dreams. In April, Angélique went on to win the Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album! FirstWorks is thrilled to connect artists of distinction with our local youth.
“Don’t let people define you. Focus on what makes you happy! What do you want to do? What do you want to say? Who do you want to be?” —Angélique Kidjo
JUNE 10-12
JULY + AUGUST
PVDFest is Back
FirstWorks Summer Beats
Since 2015, FirstWorks has partnered with the City of Providence to curate jaw-dropping spectacles and performances for all ages. This June, the Creative Capital will once again come alive—after two long years—for this FREE festival that celebrates artists from around the globe and around the corner. See you downtown this June!
FirstWorks is excited to share globe-spanning Afro-Rican jazz, hip-hop, and Ukrainian roots music performances to provide joy, discovery and renewal to audiences.
¡EN ESPAÑOL!
¡El sitio web de FirstWorks ya está disponible en español!
Our summer line-up features three FREE concerts: Experience the hip-hop stylings of hometown hero Flawless on July 24th, thunderous beats and urgent messages of DakhaBrakha on August 7th, and cultural icon of Puerto Rico William Cepeda on August 14th. Check out our website for location and details and follow us on social media all summer long!
firstworks.org IMAGE CREDITS: Photography by Erin X. Smithers and Jared Jorge; Cover image: eVenti Verticali, FirstWorks 2019.
firstworks.org
275 Westminster Street, Suite 501 Providence, RI 02903
PROVIDENCE RI PERMIT NO. 973
PA ID
NONPROF IT U.S. POSTAGE