5Q: Umberto Crenca

1. AS220, a Providence-based open forum for the arts, recently was named among 90 national finalists for grants from ArtPlace America. The application, for a proposal called The Interactive Center of Creativity, was chosen from a field of 1,283 submissions. What is the concept? The concept is two-fold: first, to create a tourist and visitor center focused on the amazing arts and culture of Providence and Rhode Island, including collateral materials from various arts and cultural organizations, and profiles on artists, all enhanced with state-of-the-art, interactive technologies; secondly, to create a retail gallery that will showcase and sell work by Rhode Island artists, highlighting both industrial and folk traditional artists. It will also be a convening space to present and organize around artists. [Rhode Island has] glass artists, weavers and jewelers, industrial arts, and there is no one place where we can show them off.

2. What will the Interactive Center of Creativity look like and where will it be located? The ICC will look, feel and be spectacular! The ICC will be housed in downtown Providence. The Satin Doll building [on Aborn Street] is one of [two] locations under consideration.

3. How much is the grant sought by AS220 and is the project contingent on receiving it? The grant application is for $385,000. No, we’re moving forward with the purchase of space. We’re purposeful in getting this done. … Certainly [if we don’t get the grant], that would be a big [hole].

4. How would the grant change the center’s project? For example, will it allow you to change or expand its scope? The grant will support the design and fit-out of the space, including advanced, interactive technologies. [This could involve] real-time exhibits, such as a changing board that would let you know what is going on that night.

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5. How will the project allow AS220 to promote the visibility of Rhode Island artists? Providence and Rhode Island have already effectively established brands for themselves as oases for foodies. However, despite also being known and understood as a community that is flush with arts and culture, Providence has not yet been able to fully capitalize on this rich and diverse asset. The Interactive Center of Creativity will help focus, highlight and disseminate this amazing resource. It gives it a certain level of visibility. And that’s not just for visitors, that’s for people within the state. •

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