Riverside Celebrates the Year of Arts & Culture in the New Arts District

Riverside launches the Year of Arts & Culture in the new Arts and Culture District (ACD) with a lineup of events, performances, and exhibitions. Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson and City Councilmember Philip Falcone emphasize community engagement and artistic heritage, with activities such as monthly art walks, live performances, workshops, and cultural festivals. The initiative strengthens the bond between local artists and the community, making the ACD a vibrant hub for creativity and inspiration.

In Riverside, California, the city embarks on a vibrant journey, celebrating the Year of Arts & Culture in its newly established Arts and Culture District (ACD). This year-long festivity showcases Riverside’s artistic community, inviting everyone to engage with the myriad of exciting events, exhibitions, and performances that highlight the transformative magic of the arts.

Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson expressed, “The Year of Arts and Culture is a community-wide celebration of the rich and diverse arts scene that Riverside artists have created over the years.” She emphasized the importance of welcoming both habitual visitors and newcomers to experience The ACD’s offerings.

The ACD holds a legacy of artistic brilliance in Riverside, dating back to the 1800s with the establishment of the Loring Opera House and The Mission Inn’s Music Room, which offered free concerts. Over the years, theaters like the Riverside Municipal Auditorium and the Fox Performing Arts Center have cemented the city’s status as a cultural jewel.

Spanning from 3rd to 10th Streets and Fairmount Boulevard to Lime Street, The ACD is a colorful tapestry of galleries, theaters, studios, murals, and architectural wonders, fostering connections between the community and a diverse range of artists. City Councilmember Philip Falcone, the brain behind the district, noted, “The ACD is the artistic heartbeat of Riverside.”

The celebration will offer numerous artistic experiences, including:
• Monthly Art Walks on the first Thursday, featuring open galleries and artisan markets.
• Live performances in music, dance, and theater at renowned venues like the Fox Performing Arts Center.
• Interactive public art installations and exhibitions throughout the district.
• Community-led workshops in painting, ceramics, and more.
• Cultural festivals celebrating Riverside’s diversity through music, dance, and culinary experiences.
• Film screenings, poetry readings, and engaging literary events.

This Year of Arts & Culture promises to strengthen Riverside’s ties to its artistic community, with local businesses, educational institutions, and city officials collaborating to ensure The ACD shines as a beacon of creativity. With a diverse array of events scheduled throughout the year, Riverside’s Arts and Culture District offers something fresh to explore at every turn. To learn more and stay updated on events, visit VisitRiverside.com/ACD.

Riverside’s Year of Arts & Culture is not merely a celebration; it is a testament to the city’s enduring commitment to fostering artistic expression and community connection. Through a diverse array of events, workshops, and performances, The Arts and Culture District stands poised to enrich the cultural fabric of Riverside, inviting everyone to partake in the creativity and vibrancy that flourishes within its streets.

Original Source: riversideca.gov