Arts & Entertainment

Creative Folk Invited to Showcase Talent Outdoors This Summer on Main

The Middletown Commission on the Arts is accepting applicants and grant applications to participate in the new Arts Walk @ Riverview Plaza, free performances for the public.

If Lee Godburn had his way, upper Main Street would be as populated with buskers and other performers as say, Boston Common, every weekend this summer — drawing folks from throughout Middlesex County to experience the artistic and cultural talent that makes Middletown the vibrant city it is.

That's the idea behind the Middletown arts commissioner's vision for The Arts Walk @ Riverview Plaza for 10 weeks this summer, where artists, non-profit groups, businesses and vendors will showcase their wares and talent in the pedestrian walkway between Stone Cold Creamery, Haiti's Back Porch and the police department.

Godburn hosted an information session Friday at the Russell Library, where representatives of Wesleyan University, ARTFARM, Oddfellows and the North End Action Team learned about a $3,250 grant opportunity and the chance to sign up for what he calls "a live commercial on Main Street in Middletown."

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Groups will sign up for a weekend — Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday — to occupy one of two 12-by-8-foot stalls provided by the city and showcase their offerings in the form of skits, dancing, singing, music, karate — all free to the public.

"The Middletown Arts Commission will work with organizations for the first year, so they get the most out of their time there," Godburn explained.

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The idea, which will become a signature event for the city, is to draw diners, shoppers and passersby into Riverview Plaza and toward downtown.

"The most important part of this is — it's free," Godburn said.

Vendors could include those selling roses to pedestrians on the "Most Romantic Main Street” designated earlier this year by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. 

The project is presented by the arts commission, with the Planning, Conservation and Development office, the Downtown Business District and Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce Central Business Bureau.

Groups and individuals are invited to contact the Arts & Culture Office for an application this week. The deadline to apply is May 31.

The Arts & Culture Office is in Suite 140 at 100 Riverview Center and open weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1-4:30 p.m. For information, call (860) 343-6620, Ext. 201, or email stephan.allison@cityofmiddletown.com.

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