Arts Center Plan for Portsmouth

The Portsmouth Arts & Culture Committee discussed its plan for a community arts center with the Portsmouth Town Council at its meeting on March 11th at town hall.  The plan calls for the Portsmouth Arts Guild, designated as the managing entity for the center, to take control of the north wing of the former Coggeshall School on East Main Road through a lease arrangement with the town.  The Portsmouth Arts Guild is a federally approved non profit organization with approximately 140 members.

The site, close to the geographical center of Aquidneck Island, would provide a vibrant community arts center for the residents of Portsmouth and surrounding communities.  Its offerings would include educational opportunities in the visual arts, music, theater, dance, writing, and many more.  There currently are a number of "nomadic" arts organizations operating on Aquidneck Island, many of whom are seeking a more permanent base of operations.  What a great opportunity to bring them all together in a centralized location.  It would provide educational and entertainment opportunities for all citizens, regardless of age, economic status, race, or religious preference, and would provide amenities that would enhance the quality of life in our community.

An ancillary benefit is that it would preserve and restore a valuable piece of property that is currently being neglected and in a state of physical decline.  The Town Council is currently considering this plan, and we are expecting them to take action on the committee's recommendation in the near future.