The Cass Project in partnership with the University at Buffalo Arts Management Department is excited to announce the first speaker in a new public lecture series, Umberto Crenca. Bert is an

internationally known arts and cultural leader, whom founded AS220 in Providence, RI, which played a pivotal role in the revitalization of downtown. In 2016, Bert’s efforts were recognized by President Obama, as one out of the ten receipts for “White House Champions of Change for Making.”

This programming has been made available in part by the financial support from University at Buffalo Arts Management Department and Humanities Institute, and supporters of The Cass Project.

Location: Atrium (3rd Floor) @ 500 Seneca
Social Hour: 6:00pm
Program begins: 7:00pm
This event is free and open to the public.

Umberto ‘Bert’ Crenca is an artist and the founder of AS220, Rhode Island’s unjuried, uncensored, all-ages home for the arts located in Providence, Rhode Island. Now in its 32nd year, AS220 serves as an international model for access, equity, and sustainability in the non-profit arts world. Bert has been internationally recognized for his work with AS220, sharing best practices with organizations as far away as New Zealand, Taiwan, Ukraine, Estonia and Kuwait. Notably, Bert recently received honorary doctorate degrees from Brown University and Roger Williams University for his commitment to community development, creating opportunity for artists, and the revitalization of downtown Providence. Bert has also served on transition boards for the last three Mayors of Providence, the Providence School Board, the Providence Downtown Improvement District (DID) Board, and the Advisory Board for the Providence Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau. As a visual artist, performance artist, and musician, Bert’s works and performances have been exhibited globally in galleries and on stages including the Galleria Del Corso in Latina, Italy; La Galeria Matadero in San Juan, Puerto Rico; the RISD Museum in Providence; the Newport Art Museum in Rhode Island; and the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland. www.as220.org

The Cass Project is an arts and cultural initiative that was developed by artist Tina Dillman for 500 Seneca and beyond. The initiative aims: To provide culturally diverse artistic programming and events; That engage, empower, and spark dialogue and action; In hopes of creating community and a nurturing environment for artists and curators to create, exhibit, and/or perform, within the historic former home of the F.N. Burt Paper Box Company, and surrounding neighborhood. www.thecassproject.org