Most Artistic: FirstWorks

Over the last ten years, FirstWorks has fulfilled its mission of “connecting art with audiences” in increasingly bold and exciting ways. From convincing the legendary Yo-Yo Ma to launch his North American tour in Providence, to its innovative Pixilerations new media festival, to hoisting aerial dance troupe Bandaloop 30 stories over Kennedy Plaza, the organization has continued to find unexpected creativity, and present it in unique, engaging settings.

Not content to rest on its laurels, the organization plans on celebrating its ten-year anniversary with the FirstWorks Decade Bash from September 18-20, including an Urban Carnevale with music from Australia, Morocco, Italy and, of course, Providence. Beyond that, Executive Artistic Director Kathleen Pletcher is not exactly holding back on the next season of programming, calling it “our boldest, most exciting ever!” There will be premieres of new works by local ensembles, including an opera; a celebration of composer Philip Glass, featuring a performance by the man himself; and a Jazz + Math education project in partnership with Jazz at Lincoln Center; and much, much more. Plus, they’ve got plans to turn last year’s festival at Kennedy Plaza into a biennial. Bravo, FirstWorks.