The Arts and Cultural Alliance of Newport County is gearing up for its “Arts Around the Fire” networking event on Feb. 26, 2025. Dan Swain, Director of Programs and Development for Newport Festivals Foundation, will be the featured guest.

Everyone’s welcome to join this free event at Sardella’s Restaurant in Newport from 6-8 p.m. No need to RSVP.

Swain plans to share insights about the foundation’s year-round music education programs on Aquidneck Island. These include free music lessons, afterschool activities, instrument donations, and summer camps.

This event is a great chance for artists, writers, performers, and art enthusiasts to connect with peers, discuss issues affecting the cultural community, and learn about new artistic projects.

Interested in getting more involved? You can sign up for artist membership or become a supporting member of the Alliance. They’re a group dedicated to boosting arts and culture in Newport County.

For more details about the Alliance and what they’re up to, check out www.newportarts.org.

Ryan Belmore is the owner and publisher of What's Up Newp. He took over the publication in 2012 and has grown it into a three-time Rhode Island Monthly Best Local News Blog (2018, 2019, 2020). He was named LION Publishers Member of the Year in 2020 and received the Dominique Award from the Arts & Cultural Society of Newport County the same year. He has been awarded grants for investigative and community journalism, and continues to coach and mentor new local news publications nationwide. Ryan...