College of Visual & Performing Arts Dean Adrian Tio to Serve Two Year Term for New Cultural District
UMass Dartmouth's College of Visual & Performing Arts (CVPA) Dean Adrian Tio has been appointed to serve a two year term as Co-Chair of the Executive Committee for the New Bedford Seaport Cultural District.
"New Bedford is fortunate to have the benefit of your energy, experience, and enthusiasm as we look to expand opportunities for residents and visitors alike through the Cultural District initiative," said New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell in his appointment letter to Dean Tio.
The City of New Bedford received approval of its application to establish a state designated cultural district in its downtown in March. The Seaport Cultural District is the only cultural district in Southeastern Massachusetts recognized by the state. Within the cultural district is UMass Dartmouth's Star Store Campus. Many of the spacious, well-lit studio facilities offer stunning views of the New Bedford Historical National Park and Atlantic Ocean. The Star Store is also home to a number of impressive exhibition spaces--most notably the University Art Gallery, which features exhibitions of local, national, and international renown.
UMass Dartmouth's CVPA is also an essential partner in AHA! Night, which occurs the second Thursday night of each month serving as the city of New Bedford's own monthly arts and culture celebration. In all, the New Bedford's Seaport Cultural District contains 49 cultural attractions, 29 creative economy businesses and is just one hour from Boston, and 30 minutes from Cape Cod, Plymouth, Providence and Newport.