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ArtWeek SouthCoast, the dynamic regional arts festival, returns from Thursday, May 8 through Sunday, May 18, 2025, off ering 50+ unique, hands-on, interactive, and behind-the-scenes experiences that invite residents and visitors alike to celebrate creativity in all its forms. From vibrant gallery exhibitions and live performances to poetry readings, painting demos, and family-friendly activities, ArtWeek SouthCoast is a regional collaboration that unites the community through the power of the arts.
Presented by the cities of Fall River and New Bedford and the towns of Dartmouth, Marion, Westport, Fairhaven, Mattapoisett, Somerset, and Wareham, ArtWeek SouthCoast stands as a shining example of how municipalities can work together to amplify the impact of the creative economy. This annual celebration, originally launched in 2021, honors the legacy of ArtWeek MA by continuing its mission to make the arts accessible, welcoming, and deeply rooted in local identity.
“This festival is more than a series of events – it’s a testament to what’s possible when communities come together to uplift and showcase the creative voices that make the South Coast such a rich and inspiring place to live,” says Kim Goddard, Executive Director of AHA! New Bedford. “Each city and town brings something unique to the table, and together we’re creating something much bigger than the sum of its parts. We’re so proud to kick off the festival during AHA! New Bedford on Thursday, May 8!”
A standout event during this year’s festival is the 5th Annual We HeART Fall River Arts Festival on Saturday, May 10, hosted by Viva Fall River and the Fall River Arts & Culture Coalition (FRACC). This beloved celebration of local talent was born from the early days of the regional arts movement and remains one of ArtWeek SouthCoast’s cornerstone events.
“We are thrilled to be part of ArtWeek SouthCoast again this year,” said Patti Rego, Executive Director of Viva Fall River. “Our participation refl ects Fall River’s deep commitment to the arts and to building community through creativity. The We HeART Fall River Arts Festival is especially meaningful to us, as it was born from this regional movement and embodies what ArtWeek stands for: bringing people together, making the arts accessible to everyone, and showing how creativity can truly transform a community."
The spirit of collaboration doesn’t stop with the municipalities. ArtWeek SouthCoast is made possible thanks to generous support from the local cultural councils of Dartmouth, Fall River, Freetown, Marion, Mattapoisett, New Bedford, Rochester, Somerset, and Westport. These local agencies are funded by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency committed to supporting the arts throughout the Commonwealth. Additional funding has been provided by Bristol County Savings Bank, the Southeastern Massachusetts Visitors Bureau, and the Creative SouthCoast Initiative Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation, all longtime champions of the region’s cultural and economic vitality.
This year’s festival showcases an exciting range of experiences, including:
? Gallery exhibitions highlighting regional artists at Marion Art Center, Dartmouth Cultural Center, New Bedford Art Museum, Fall River Museum of Contemporary Art, and more
? Live musical and theatrical performances by New Bedford Festival Theatre, Our Lady of Light Symphonic Band, Your Theatre at Steeple Playhouse, Oversoul Theatre Collective at Underground Railroad Cafe, Crocodile River Music at Marion Art Center, Eddie Dillon at Shepherd Performing Arts Center, and more
? Hands-on workshops in everything from ceramics to printmaking at Hatch Street Studios, Dartmouth Cultural Center, K&A Creations, NB Arts & Cultural Emporium and more
? Family activities designed to inspire young artists at SoCo Art Labs, Art Pop Somerset, New Bedford Art Museum and more
? Studio tours and artist talks off ering behind-the-scenes access at Hatch Street Spring Open Studios, Greater Fall River Art Association, New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, SouthCoast Almanac’s Walking Book Tour more
? Additional events and programs will added on an ongoing basis
Whether you’re a lifelong art lover, a curious beginner, or simply looking for a fun way to spend time with family and friends, there’s something for everyone during ArtWeek SouthCoast. The idea that art has the power to bring people together, to spark conversations, and to deepen our understanding of the world around us is what motivates all the participants, organizers and sponsors. It’s what ArtWeek SouthCoast is all about. Everyone is invited to join in the celebration of the incredible creativity that lives and thrives in our communities.
For a full calendar of events and to plan your ArtWeek SouthCoast experience, visit the website often as events are added every day at www.artweeksouthcoast.org and chart your own journey for this celebration from Thursday, May 8 through Sunday, May 18, 2025.
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