AS220 is a non-profit community arts center located at 115 Empire Street in Downtown

Downtown, Providence, Rhode Island

Downtown, also known as Downcity, is the central economic, political, and cultural district of the city of Providence, Rhode Island. It is bounded on the east by Canal Street and the Providence River, to the north by Smith Street, to the west by Interstate 95, and to the south by Henderson Street...

, Providence, Rhode Island

Providence, Rhode Island

Providence is the capital and most populous city of Rhode Island and was one of the first cities established in the United States. Located in Providence County, it is the third largest city in the New England region...

, USA. AS220 maintains 19 artist live/work studios, 4 galleries, a performance space, a community darkroom, and The Broad Street Studio. The mission is to provide a forum and home for the arts and the creative population of Rhode Island. The facilities and services are made available to all artists who need a place to exhibit, perform or create their original artwork, especially those who cannot obtain space to exhibit or perform from traditional sources because of financial or other limitations. Exhibitions and performances are unjuried, uncensored, and open to all ages.

Fools Ball/ Foo Fest

AS220, often aided by local sponsors, throws an annual block party and fundraiser for the community, often called "Fools Ball" or "Foo Fest". Since 1995, the festival has been known for its showcase of live local music acts and resident artists. A concert will oftentimes take place in the middle of Empire Street, flooding downtown with festival goers. It is considered a staple summer tradition which aims to help continue the revitalization efforts in the downtown Providence area by involving and uniting residents and local artists.

External links

• Official site
• Foo Fest