UPP Arts Archive Opening at PPL: Public Invited April 11

UPP Arts Archive Opening at PPL!

A Celebration

PROVIDENCE, RI — Join us to celebrate the opening and public presentation of the UPP Arts Archive to Providence Public Library’s (PPL) Rhode Island Collection at the Library (150 Empire Street, Providence) on Wednesday, April 11 from 6 – 8 pm, 3rd Floor Meeting Room & Balcony.

Formerly known as Urban Pond Procession, UPP Arts uses public art, history, and science to give community members a voice in the environmental issues that impact their well-being. Focused on Mashapaug Pond and its surrounding South Providence community for the past 10 years, UPP’s place-based arts programming has borne witness to the histories of Mashapaug, including the respectful relationship between Indigenous People and the land and water; a diverse neighborhood displaced in the name of urban renewal; industries providing economic opportunities but also polluting the land, air, and water; and the resulting environmental impact and cleanup.

The UPP Arts Archive will be a part of PPL’s Rhode Island Collection, which documents the history and current state of Rhode Island with a focus on the social and cultural history of the City of Providence.

Come engage with selections from the collection and learn more about UPP Arts’ signature approach to local history, education, environmental stewardship, and creating change from a panel of artists, educators, and community members who have been instrumental in the work of UPP.  The public is invited to visit the UPP Arts Archive in person at PPL’s Special Collections and select materials will be online at http://www.provlibdigital.orgsoon.

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