Cranston to revive Arts Commission

By Don Fowler
Posted 5/18/16

Over 30 Cranston residents met last week at Cranston City Hall to set the ball in motion to reconstitute the Cranston Arts Commission. Councilman Steve Stycos, Council President John Lanni Jr. and Jeff Barone from the mayor's office were

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Cranston to revive Arts Commission

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Over 30 Cranston residents met last week at Cranston City Hall to set the ball in motion to reconstitute the Cranston Arts Commission.

Councilman Steve Stycos, Council President John Lanni Jr. and Jeff Barone from the mayor’s office were present to lend the city’s support to reviving the commission, which was formed in 1982 and has been inactive for many years.

The commission will consist of nine members, seven appointed by the City Council and two by the mayor. “At least five of the members will represent the performing arts, music, drama, visual arts, literary arts and the fields of structural and landscape architecture” according to the original ordinance.

A number of people attending the meeting expressed interest in serving on the commission. Others interested should contact Councilman Stycos, Council President Lanni, any member of the city council, or the mayor’s office.

Randall Rosenbaum, executive director of the Rhode Island Council on the Arts, led a lively discussion on the various roles a local arts council could play in service to the people and artists of Cranston, and the cultural and economic impact it could have on the city.

Arts festivals, similar to ones held in Westerly and Pawtucket, topped the list of ideas. An arts center would be a central place for meetings and events and call attention to the many artists who live and work in Cranston.

The cultural diversity of the city was mentioned frequently, along with the need for incubator space, where artists could live, work and perform. Workshops and networking among local artists was seen as an important goal.

Programs for children, similar to the work now being done by Artists’ Exchange and the Rhode Island Youth Theatre, were considered a priority.

Councilman Stycos said that the mayor and the City Council had included a modest amount in the city budget to assist with the organization of the commission and that the possibility of grants could also help.

There is also a need to identify local artists, and there are many in the city. The presence of artists like actress/arts administrator Lynne Collinson, storyteller Len Cabral and artist Sal Mancini demonstrated the interest in the commission.

Following the submission of names of interested parties, the City Council will appoint the members to the commission, and they will begin the task of setting goals, presenting a mission statement, coordinating the many artists and organizations already active in the city, and bringing an active arts program to its citizens.

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