In Bristol, three decommissioned public schools on the town common have taken on new life, the nucleus of a cultural and arts center envisioned by a group of artists, volunteers and supporters.
Incorporated in April 2016 as a nonprofit, Arts in Common has a mission to create a center for connection and creativity in the former classroom buildings.
The initial effort dates back to 2011, with talks among the town, Roger Williams University and a group of volunteers. In October 2015, following a weekend charrette, the pursuit of an arts and cultural center was born.
“We just decided to take it on ourselves, to try to create something in Bristol,” said Doug Popovich, a nonprofit team leader handling communications.
Space in two of the former schools is being leased by the town, with artists attracted to its former classroom spaces. Arts in Common recently received a $50,000 grant to continue its efforts to transform the still-empty Walley School.
“The best thing is we’ve promoted a network and are beginning to build a platform so arts and cultural organizations can work together,” Popovich said.
