# AS220 Providence Guide: Arts, Community, and Events
AS220 is Providence's pioneering unjuried, uncensored arts space located at 115 Empire Street in Downtown Providence. Founded in 1985, this nonprofit cultural center offers free gallery exhibitions, live performances, artist studios, printmaking facilities, a youth program, and the AS220 Foo(d) restaurant. All events are open to everyone regardless of experience level, making it Rhode Island's most accessible hub for grassroots arts and creative community building.
AS220 has transformed Providence's arts scene for nearly four decades, providing a judgment-free platform where established artists and complete beginners share the same stage. This Downtown Providence institution spans multiple buildings and offers everything from Thursday night concerts to screen-printing workshops, embodying the creative spirit that earned Providence its reputation as a cultural destination.
What Makes AS220 Unique in Providence
AS220 operates on an unjuried, uncensored model—meaning anyone can exhibit art or perform without prior approval or artistic credentials. The main building at 115 Empire Street houses three gallery spaces displaying rotating exhibitions that change monthly, with free admission seven days a week. The performance stage hosts live music, poetry slams, comedy shows, and experimental theater typically 3-4 nights weekly, with most events costing $5-15 or operating on a sliding scale.
The complex includes AS220 Foo(d) at 121 Washington Street, a full-service restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with locally-sourced ingredients. Upstairs, the Mercantile building offers retail space featuring local artists' work. The organization also manages 54 affordable live/work artist studios throughout Downtown Providence, creating a genuine residential arts community that keeps creative talent in Rhode Island.
Facilities and Programs Available
The Darkroom at 93 Mathewson Street provides community access to analog photography equipment, including developing tanks, enlargers, and chemical processing. Memberships start around $50/month for unlimited access. The Print Shop at 95 Empire Street offers screen-printing, risograph printing, and letterpress facilities with similar membership options, plus drop-in workshops ranging from $30-75.
AS220 Youth, located at 955 Westminster Street in the West End, serves Providence teenagers ages 13-19 with free after-school programs, summer intensives, and mentorship opportunities in visual arts, music production, and media arts. This program has operated since 1999, providing equipment, studio space, and professional instruction at no cost to participants—a rarity in arts education.
The recently expanded AS220 Industries building consolidates the fabrication facilities, including a wood shop, metal shop, digital fabrication lab with laser cutters and 3D printers, and electronics workspace. Day passes cost approximately $15, with monthly memberships around $100 depending on access level.
Events Calendar and Performance Schedule
Thursday nights traditionally feature the longest-running open mic series in Providence, where musicians, poets, and performers share the stage from 9 PM onward with no cover charge (suggested donation $5). Weekend concerts showcase local and touring acts across genres—punk, jazz, experimental, hip-hop, and indie rock—typically starting at 8 or 9 PM with tickets $8-20.
First Friday gallery openings occur monthly from 5-9 PM, coinciding with Providence's Downtown gallery walk. These free events feature new exhibitions across all three gallery spaces, often with artist talks and live music. The Foo(d) restaurant stays open late during First Fridays, making it easy to combine dinner with gallery browsing.
Special annual events include the Foo Fest music festival (typically in summer), the Broad Street Studio Tour (October), and New Year's Eve celebrations. AS220 also hosts community meetings, fundraisers, and workshops throughout the year. Check their online calendar at as220.org for current schedules, as COVID-19 changed some recurring event patterns and 2026 programming continues evolving.
Getting There and Parking
AS220's main location at 115 Empire Street sits in the heart of Downtown Providence, two blocks from Kennedy Plaza and easily accessible via RIPTA buses. The #1, #3, #6, #11, #17, #19, #27, #28, #30, #33, #50, #54, #55, #56, #57, #60, #66, and #72 all stop within three blocks. The Providence Train Station is a 10-minute walk.
Partner — Viator
Book tours, activities & experiences across Rhode Island.
Street parking on Empire Street and surrounding blocks uses ParkMobile meters operating Monday-Saturday until 9 PM ($1.50/hour). The Washington Street Garage at 50 Washington Street offers evening flat rates around $5 after 5 PM. The 85 Washington Street Garage provides similar rates and is one block away. Weekend parking is generally easier to find, with many meters free on Sundays.
For cyclists, bike racks are available directly in front of 115 Empire Street. The location is also walkable from College Hill, Federal Hill, and the Jewelry District neighborhoods in 15-20 minutes.
Membership and Donation Information
AS220 operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit relying on memberships, donations, and earned revenue. Individual memberships start at $50 annually and include priority registration for workshops, discounts at Foo(d), and voting rights in organizational decisions. Studio memberships for artists range from $300-600 monthly depending on space size and include 24/7 building access.
Facility memberships for the Print Shop, Darkroom, or Industries provide equipment access and instruction. Multi-facility memberships offer better value for artists working across mediums. Financial assistance and work-trade arrangements are available—AS220's founding principle of accessibility extends to ensuring cost isn't a barrier to participation.
All donations are tax-deductible and directly support free programming, youth services, and operational costs. The organization regularly faces funding challenges common to grassroots arts spaces, making community support essential for continued operation.
Step by Step
Check the online calendar at as220.org to see current exhibitions and scheduled performances during your visit.
Start at the main galleries at 115 Empire Street (open Tuesday-Saturday 12-5 PM, extended hours during events) to browse current exhibitions across three floors.
Grab food at AS220 Foo(d) at 121 Washington Street for locally-sourced meals in a creative atmosphere (check current hours, typically breakfast through dinner).
Attend an evening event like the Thursday open mic, weekend concert, or First Friday opening to experience the performance space and community atmosphere.
Explore the facilities by taking a Print Shop or Industries tour if you're interested in making art—staff can explain membership options and upcoming workshops.
Mistakes to Avoid
Assuming you need artistic credentials to participate: AS220's unjuried policy means anyone can submit work for gallery consideration or sign up to perform—beginners are genuinely welcome, not just tolerated. Don't let imposter syndrome keep you from engaging with the community.
Only visiting for one type of programming: AS220 spans visual arts, performance, music, food, fabrication, and youth services. Visitors who only attend concerts miss the galleries, and vice versa. Explore multiple aspects of the space to understand its full community impact.
Skipping the donation box: As a nonprofit, AS220 depends on community support. Even at free events, contributing what you can ($5-10) helps sustain programming. Many visitors don't realize how financially precarious grassroots arts spaces operate.
Not checking current hours before visiting: AS220's schedule has changed over the years, and different facilities keep different hours. The galleries, Foo(d), Print Shop, and performance space all operate independently—verify hours online before making a special trip.
Overlooking AS220 Youth: This free program for Providence teenagers is one of Rhode Island's most impactful arts education initiatives, but many adult visitors don't know it exists. If you're looking to support youth arts or volunteer, this program deserves attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AS220 really unjuried and uncensored, or are there quality standards?
AS220 genuinely maintains its founding principles—gallery submissions are displayed on a first-come, first-served basis without artistic review, and performers aren't screened for skill level. The only limitations are space availability and basic safety/legal requirements. This creates eclectic programming ranging from emerging artists' first exhibitions to established professionals' experimental work.
Can I rent AS220 spaces for private events or meetings?
Yes, the main space, galleries, and performance area are available for private rentals including meetings, workshops, receptions, and performances. Rental rates vary based on space, duration, and your organization's nonprofit status. Contact AS220 directly for current pricing—rates typically range from $50-150/hour. Members receive rental discounts.
How do I submit artwork for gallery exhibition or sign up to perform?
For gallery submissions, visit AS220 during open hours with your artwork ready to hang or display—staff will schedule you into the rotation based on available wall space. For performances, check the specific event guidelines (open mic signup happens in-person, booked concerts require advance contact). The website provides detailed submission information for different programs, or call 401-831-9327 for guidance.
Is AS220 family-friendly, or is it primarily for adults?
AS220 welcomes all ages in the galleries and at Foo(d). Performance events vary—some shows are all-ages, others 18+ or 21+ depending on content and liquor licensing. First Friday gallery openings are particularly family-friendly. AS220 Youth specifically serves teenagers, and occasional family workshops happen throughout the year. Check individual event listings for age requirements.
What's the relationship between AS220 and Providence's arts renaissance?
AS220 pioneered the artist live/work model that helped revitalize Downtown Providence starting in the 1990s. By creating affordable studio space and cultural programming in previously vacant buildings, AS220 demonstrated the economic development potential of arts communities. This model influenced Providence's broader creative economy strategy and the city's reputation as an arts destination, though gentrification now threatens the affordability that made this growth possible.
Sources
- AS220 Official Website - as220.org
- Providence Department of Art, Culture + Tourism - goprovidence.com
- Rhode Island State Council on the Arts - arts.ri.gov
- AS220 Youth Program Documentation - as220youth.org