FEBRUARY'S DOWNTOWN DIGEST |
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PULP Exhibition: Underground Art |
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Opening night TONIGHT!
Worcester Window’s annual exhibition is back this year with PULP, an innovative exhibition that highlights Worcester’s underground art scene. Organizers encouraged local street artists, graffiti artists, streetwear designers, and even tattoo artists to contribute to this one-of-a-kind show. The grunge concept allows the art to be unique, bold, and loud while still focusing on the importance of community. Many of these local art pieces will be featured in storefronts and other locations Downtown beginning the first week in March, adding to beautification and community engagement efforts. Check out the PULP Opening Nights taking place from February 25th-27th at the Jean McDonough Arts Center, 20 Franklin Street. For more information and to register, click here.
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Artist Residency Opportunity |
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The Worcester Cultural Coalition and the JMAC recently announced a new pilot Artist Residency Program. This program allows selected applicants to utilize all aspects of the JMAC, including the PopUp, BrickBox Theater, and streaming equipment, as well as apply for discretionary funding. Through this exciting residency, an artist, art organization, or group of artists, will be able to showcase pieces that engage the public and inspire the city. Applications are accepted until March 5th - it's coming up quickly! For more information about this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, click here.
Check it out in the news here.
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WPL Celebrates Black History Month |
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The Worcester Public Library celebrated Black History Month with a month of organized events and readings. Due to the pandemic, the WPL is collaborating with other institutions to stream productions, art exhibitions, and readings that are all designed to observe and honor Black History. Check out booklists for kids, teens, and adults; staff picks on Facebook; and a curated watch list through the movie streaming service Kanopy. Anyone with a library card can can create a free Kanopy account. The library is also offering “book bundles” to the community that focus on the stories of African Americans. For more information and insightful resources, click here.
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Until a few days ago, Worcester had the dubious distinction of being the snowiest city in the U.S. Winter in Worcester has been rough this year with nearly 70 inches of snow falling since October. Whether we receive an inch or we're hit by consecutive snowstorms, the Downtown Worcester BID is here to help to ensure that the crosswalks, sidewalks, and business entrances in our District are safe for pedestrians. See below for the impressive details of the services our Downtown Ambassadors provided in January. In addition to improving walkability during the winter, the BID also focuses on maximizing parking and clearing loading zones through snow removal services. So far this winter, we've removed 168 20-yard dump trucks, or approximately 3,060 cubic yards of snow. This equates to over 618,000 gallons of water! |
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click image to view full report |
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Downtown Worcester's Ambassadors continue to make the District clean and safe, especially for pedestrians. Their primary focus in the winter is to keep curb cuts and intersections free of snow and ice in addition to their regular sidewalk maintenance. During the month of January, the Ambassadors used and dispersed 1,851 pounds of ice melt. They also shoveled out 307 sidewalk entrances allowing for more pedestrian accessibility. With COVID-19 case numbers peaking in early January, the Ambassadors continue to pay attention to public safety by sanitizing high-touch surfaces such as business entrances and pedestrian walk buttons.
Presentation is key to a thriving downtown, and the Ambassadors strive to make Downtown Worcester as polished and welcoming as possible. Throughout January, our Ambassadors performed 1,315 trash removal services resulting in a total of 2,370 pounds of trash being eliminated from the District’s streets, including over 5,000 cigarette butts and more than 150 instances of animal waste. Whether it is waste removal services, disinfecting trash receptacles, or wiping down frequently used surfaces, the Ambassadors’ commitment to public health and safety is steadfast and ongoing.
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Shakespeare on the Worcester Common |
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Theater fans and anyone itching to see a live performance again have only to wait a few more months for a not-to-be-missed experience right in the heart of our city! To thank our community for its extraordinary support throughout the pandemic, The Hanover Theatre Repertory (THT Rep) is partnering with the City of Worcester to present free performances of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar on the Worcester Common throughout the month of August. Shakespeare’s timely tragedy is being adapted and directed by THT Rep’s artistic director Olivia Scanlon. An energetic, accessible, and immersive staging of this suspenseful political drama will unfold on the steps of Worcester's City Hall and on the Common itself.
Plan to make a night of it Downtown. Weeknight performances will start at 8 p.m. Come early for a sit-down dinner at nearby restaurant or get takeout for a summer picnic before the show. In the coming months we will highlight local restaurants and businesses with special Julius Caesar offers. For more information on the performance, visit here.
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Our community meetings take place on the second Friday of every month from September through June. Join us for our next meeting on March 12th at 9 a.m.! These meetings are held virtually and are open to all. RSVP to receive the Zoom link.
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The focus of our Instagram page is to highlight the businesses and people of Downtown Worcester. Follow our page for our shop local/eat local series, community event announcements, did you know facts, and Downtown history.
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