On Tuesday, April 16 at the Central Library, the Cranston Arts Commission and Mayor Ken Hopkins held an open forum to discuss ways to bring more arts and diversity into the Cranston community.

“We had a fantastic discussion generating ideas about how the city and commission can work together to promote Cranston's culture and history through public art, and I presented the commission with a check for their annual funding,” said Mayor Hopkins on Facebook.

With about a dozen people in the audience, suggestions and ideas quickly filled the white board.

Ideas ranged from collaborating with schools, an opera night utilizing the gazebo at Itri park, to repainting crosswalks with 3D and 4D, to historical murals throughout the city, to establishing an actual arts district on Rolfe Square, to collaborating with Cranston’s diverse cultures for outreach.

While nothing was actually decided on as a plan moving forward, the Commission was pleased with all the suggestions and positivity.

Revived in 2016, by former Council member Steve Stycos, the Commission has met regularly and receives a small $3,000 appropriation

The volunteer-run CAC is looking to recruit up to six more members for it's 12 member board.

Learn more about how to get involved as a volunteer or submitting artist by visiting www.cranstonartscommission.org/home