New Bedford, MA – In 1993 the founders of ArtWorks! envisioned that the arts and artists would become a critical factor in New Bedford’s renaissance. As the 21st century unfolds, arts-related businesses, institutions and organizations represent a growing sector of all jobs and a robust economic growth sector for the city. Creative industries, entrepreneurs and new ways of learning are building healthy and dynamic communities across our country adding value to the quality of life for all and engaging youth in 21st century careers.

ArtWorks! Partners for the Arts & Community will host a community dialogue and 15th Anniversary celebration entitled, “Creative Solutions for the 21st Century” on Friday, September 12, 2008 beginning at 4:30 pm. A distinguished panel of leaders from government, education and business will explore creative ideas for student learning, innovative technologies and business strategies that will define the 21st century.

The event is free and open to the public and will be held in the Corson Maritime Learning Center at the New Bedford National Whaling Historical Park in Downtown New Bedford. Following the forum, ArtWorks! will host a reception in their galleries at 384 Acushnet Avenue, NB. Space is limited and reservations are encouraged by calling (508) 984-1588.

The four panelists are:

Representative Daniel E. Bosley, (N.Adams) Chairman of the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies and the lead sponsor of the Creative Challenge Index Bill, will be discussing the incentives for schools that foster creative skills through arts education and other creative educational opportunities the Creative Challenge Index Bill will establish.

Dr. Ann M. Galligan, Co-Director, Cultural and Arts Policy Research Institute, Northeastern University, has an extensive background in arts education and is responsible for drafting the Arts and Cultural plan for the City of Providence RI and drafting a comprehensive cultural plan for Pawtucket, RI.

Gwen Dadoly, Market President, Bank of America, Southeastern MA. The Bank of America Foundation is building strong, healthy neighborhoods by investing in innovative programs designed to serve local community needs.

Dr. Jean F. MacCormack, Chancellor, University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth, who said, “No community can truly grow and flourish if its citizens don’t exercise imagination—visioning a better future. I have always seen the arts as the source of inspiration and nourishment for my own imagination. ArtWorks! provides multiple opportunities for exercising one’s imagination.”

The forum will be moderated by Senator Mark C. Montigny. ArtWorks! has planned the event to present a platform for looking into the future and a time to bring city leaders together with an emphasis on creative thinking for both economic and social development. Artworks! welcomes the public to bring creative and unique thoughts and ideas to the forum.

About ArtWorks!
ArtWorks! Partners for the Arts and Community, Inc. is a vital community art center founded in 1993, serving the residents and artists of Southeastern Massachusetts. Our goal is to create an accessible environment which promotes participation in the arts through exhibitions and education. Artworks! strives to collaborate with diverse cultural groups to spark community engagement.

ArtWorks! is housed in a four-story historic 19th century building (circa 1875) located in the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park and the New Bedford Arts District. The facility has art galleries, studios, a ceramics workshop, a multipurpose classroom, a teen art center. It operates year-round offering quality exhibitions, art instruction and experiences for adults and children, and advocacy, education, and retail space for local and regional artists and artisans.

ArtWorks! is located at 384 Acushnet Avenue, in downtown historic New Bedford. Centrally located, ArtWorks! is walking distance from the 24 hour Elm Street parking garage. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 12 Noon - 5 PM and until 9 PM on AHA! Nights (second Thursday of every month). For more information, please visit www.artworksforyou.org or call 508-984-1588

September 7, 2008