The Arts and Cultural Alliance of Newport County’s monthly networking event, Arts Around the Fire, continues on Wednesday, Jan. 21 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Sardella’s Restaurant, 30 Memorial Blvd. West.

The free event will feature Lauren Fogarty, program coordinator for the RI250 Commission. Fogarty will share an overview of the commission’s plans for the yearlong celebration of Rhode Island’s 250th anniversary, which will include historical, cultural and artistic events and exhibits.

She will also provide information about the RI250 Statewide Grant Program, which supports community events and projects across Rhode Island. The final grant deadline is Jan. 31.

Arts Around the Fire is an opportunity for artists, writers, performers and audiences to engage with colleagues about events affecting the cultural community and to learn about new ideas and artistic endeavors.

The event is open to the public and no reservations are needed. Interested parties are invited to sign up for an artist membership or become a supporting member of the alliance.

More information is available at 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...