EDITORIAL: PVDFest Never Became What Was Promised - It Could Be So Much More

EDITORIAL: PVDFest Never Became What Was Promised - It Could Be So Much More

We have to go back to the "Wayback Machine" to look at what PVDFest was supposed to be.

The inspiration was South by Southwest -- SXSW -- the Austin, Texas, event that transformed that city into a hub of arts, tech, and media. 

The idea for PVDFest was to create something similar here on the East Coast. 

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It was an interesting premise, and the original promoter of a similar Providence-based event was then-mayoral candidate Jorge Elorza.

There were just a few problems, namely, Elorza did not understand how SXSW began and what it had become.

It was organic -- not a government-funded and controlled project. 

“South by Southwest prides itself on its scruffy roots. A conference dreamed up in 1986 by a few journalists to bring attention to Austin’s boisterous live music scene. A film festival that epitomized the spirit of a handful of fiercely independent local filmmakers. The interactive component was once so intimate that the closing party was held at the home of science fiction writer Bruce Sterling,” wrote Curbed at the 30th Anniversary in 2016.

In Providence, PVDFest has been highlighted by some interesting music and cultural offerings, that have too often been overshadowed by poor organization, violence, and too much drinking. After dark, it has turned into any night on Federal Hill.

Now, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley is trying to pivot into a “family-friendly” event, further moving PVDFest away from an event that shows off the city and helps reset its future.

It is far from an innovative intersection of local music, technology, commerce, art, and media; it appears now to be a Providence Children’s Museum on steroids -- lovely events, safe for the whole family.

Nothing wrong with it, but it's not what it could be.

This year in Austin, South by Southwest attracted 300,000 attendees to every section of the city.

Roughly 1,400 musical acts performed this year on 77 stages, and 285 total projects were screened at the Film and TV Festival.

Every major tech company was there showing its best and coolest.

Here in Providence, Smiley is now rolling out the details, and FirstWorks is scheduling some intriguing performances headlining people -- from somewhere else. 

But like the roots of SXSW -- wouldn't it be more interesting if instead, we were to show off Providence to the entire East Coast?

How about Viola Davis performing a one-woman show on a stage floating in the middle of the Waterplace basin?

Theater companies like Trinity, The Gamm, and The Wilbury showing their best in the round.

Jeffrey Osborne playing a duet with Duke Robillard.

PVDFest should be transformed — there should be multiple tech pavilions. Brown University researchers, URI oceanographers, and RISD artists should be on display. 

Elorza had an idea, but did not know exactly what to do with it.

PVDFest is going to be fine. It will be located in the "innovation district," and we can always get a snack over at Trader Joe's.