By Carolina Matos, Editor

The FABRIC Arts Festival returns to New England, October 9–12, transforming Fall River (MA) and Providence (RI) into vibrant stages for art, performances, gastronomy, and cultural events. 

In its sixth edition, the festival is organized by Casa dos Acores da Nova Inglaterra (CANY), directed by Francisco J. Viveiros, with Michael Benevides and artistic director Jesse James, in partnership with multiple entities and partners.

Founded in 2019, FABRIC has established itself as a multidisciplinary platform for contemporary art and cultural dialogue between Portugal and its Azorean diaspora in New England, exploring connections across borders.

The FABRIC 2025 program* will bring together local and international artists, chefs, visual art exhibitions, live music performances, large-scale installations, educational workshops, gastronomy and communal dinners, educational workshops and various exhibitions, sound installations, walks, and communal gatherings at unique, diverse venues.

Examples of specific events include Salo Salo (dinner-performance) on October 9 in Fall River: Post Scarcity sculpture opening (October 10) at FR MoCA, Fall River; Crosscurrents / Contracorrentes sound installation (Providence); and Gisela João fado concert in Fall River on October 14. 

The festival will also bring to Fall River and Providence a diverse lineup of local and international performing artists from various backgrounds to present multidisciplinary events and activities that reflect traditional and cultural themes, with a special focus on the Portuguese heritage across borders.

“FABRIC is about weaving together people, places, and ideas — celebrating heritage while creating new ways of coming together,” said co-founder Jesse James, Artistic Director of the festival. 

“This year’s edition highlights food as a medium of art, memory, and storytelling, making space for diverse voices to connect across communities,” he said.

Organized by Casa dos Açores de Nova Inglaterra (CANI) in partnership with local cultural institutions, FABRIC reflects the deep historical and cultural ties between New England and the Portuguese Azorean diaspora. The event is supported by regional sponsors, foundations, and community partners.

For the most part, activities are free and open to the public. For the full program and ticketing, visit FABRIC @  www.fabricfallriver.com

Founded in 1982, Casa dos Açores de Nova Inglaterra (CANI) is headquartered in Fall River, Massachusetts. Its mission is to preserve and promote Portuguese heritage across New England. Through festivals, academic programs, youth initiatives, and artistic collaborations, CANI fosters transatlantic ties between Portugal, the Azores, and the Portuguese-American diaspora. CANI is a founding partner of the FABRIC Arts Festival, reinforcing its mission to build bridges that celebrate cultural heritage and identity that support the Portuguese diaspora across generations.

To learn more about FABRIC, visit fallriver.com or follow on Instagram / Facebook 

*Program Highlights