Explore Downtown, support local businesses, and soak up public art while practicing social distancing
July 30, 2020
PROVIDENCE, RI – As summer heats up, PVDFest, Providence’s signature arts festival invites residents and visitors to participate in a virtual scavenger hunt. In the spirit of the festival, starting August 3rd, the scavenger hunt will create an unforgettable experience while also providing a crowd-free way to explore Downtown and support the local economy.
“There’s nothing like PVDFest,” said Mayor Jorge Elorza. “While we couldn’t parade down Washington Street this year, I’m thrilled to offer a safe and creative way to experience our Downtown, with PVDFest’s signature flair leading the way.”
After careful consideration for the safety of the community, PVDFest was indefinitely postponed this year. Despite the postponement, the City of Providence has remained committed to celebrating arts and culture this summer. From three public art installations transforming the landscape of Downtown to exciting programming produced by PVDFest founding partner, FirstWorks, Providence’s creative community continues to thrive. The virtual scavenger hunt provides yet another opportunity to showcase the diversity and vibrancy of the Creative Capital.
“PVDFest partners have a collective commitment to arts and culture programming that astonishes, expands viewpoints, and builds community,” said Kathleen Pletcher, FirstWorks Executive Artistic Director. “As we all explore new ways of creating and connecting this summer, we’re excited to keep in the PVDFest spirit and celebrate all that makes our city vibrant.”
As part of the hunt, 15 locations and corresponding tasks will be announced to the public on August 3rd. Participants must visit the locations, snap an image or video that clearly shows them at the location and share it on social media using hashtag #PVDFestHunt while also tagging @pvdfest (Twitter/Facebook) @pvd.fest (Instagram). For their efforts, they will be automatically entered for a chance to win a collection of prizes donated by community partners.
Kristen Adamo, President and CEO of the Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau remarked, “PVDFest has evolved into a premiere event for locals and visitors alike. While we can’t be all together to celebrate, we can still capture its spirit through this event. It is a great way to rediscover our Creative Capital and support our local businesses and arts organizations.”
The prize packages include:
The Gold Prize
$250 Visa gift card, a 2-night hotel stay at Hotel Providence* (including a complimentary in-room amenity), a 4-guest private PVDFest public art walking tour, 4 tickets to Roger Williams Park Zoo, a customized arts experience for 2 from FirstWorks,** and a PVDFest swag bag!
The Silver Prize
$150 Visa gift card, 4 tickets to Roger Williams Park Zoo, and a PVDFest swag bag!
The Bronze Prize
$100 Visa gift card, 4 tickets to Roger Williams Park Zoo, and a PVDFest swag bag!
The scavenger hunt will officially kick off on August 3rd and will run through August 17th. For more information, including full eligibility requirements*** and a list of safety recommendations, visit PVDFest.com/PVDFestHunt.
*The Hotel Providence stay is based on availability, not valid on WaterFire weekends, and expires 8/15/21.
**FirstWorks is committed to lifting Rhode Islanders through the Arts. During this time when we cannot gather in large groups in crowded spaces, FirstWorks is offering customized performing arts experiences based on your interests–from attending a recording session of a virtual performance, to attending a small, socially distanced gathering, to a virtual chat with an artistic icon–FirstWorks will create a memorable experience for you.
*** City of Providence employees, content partners, and immediate families of each are not eligible to win any prizes but are welcome to participate in the scavenger hunt.