Christina DiCostanzo ’24 knows the arts have a powerful impact and she, along with members of Bryant’s Arts Council, are ready to share that message. The student-led group is gearing up for its first Arts Weekend to be held on April 28 and 29 on Bryant’s campus; all events are free, open to the public, and will feature many of the university’s arts organizations.
“We are looking forward to showcasing all the different performing arts groups and other creative arts clubs on campus,” says Katherine D’Ordine ’23, president of the Chamber Ensemble. “Celebrating the arts brings together so many people and provides an environment for everyone to express themselves and build community.”
D’Ordine and DiCostanzo co-founded Bryant’s Arts Council this past fall. The group consists of representatives from Bryant arts organizations who meet once a week for roundtable discussions involving the arts on campus. Students planned Arts Weekend to showcase each organization’s hard work and bring people together to celebrate artistic expression.
Friday and Saturday events are as follows:
- (April 28 from 3 to 6 p.m. on Koffler Lawn): Bryant’s WJMF Radio Station will hold a student-oriented concert featuring two DJs and student acts, including Bryant’s Jazz Band and a guitar player. Bryant’s A Capella group, Bottom Line, will also showcase its recently recorded album. Food trucks will be on site.
- (April 28 and 29): At all Arts Weekend events, the Creative Writing Club will hand out copies of the club’s books, which are filled with short stories from current students.
- (April 29 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Koffler Lawn): WJMF Radio Station returns for a second concert with the Sigma Chi Fraternity, which will be raising money for Derby Days.
- (April 29 from 4 to 5 p.m. in the Interfaith Center): The Bryant Singers’ concert will focus primarily on music from Broadway’s Hadestown. Vocalists will be featured individually and as a group.
- (April 29 from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. in the Interfaith Center): Bryant’s Chamber Orchestra will perform group and duet pieces featuring classical music, movie soundtracks, and other popular pieces.
- (April 29 from 7 to 8 p.m. in Janikies Auditorium): The Velocity Dance Team Expo will capture a variety of dance styles choreographed by team members and alumni.
DiCostanzo, who is also the Velocity Dance Team’s vice president, hopes exposure from Arts Weekend encourages students to join campus arts organizations. The participating groups are also excited to share their creative talents with the community.
“Celebrating the arts provides a platform for creativity and innovation, allowing people to push boundaries and express themselves,” says Ian Cannon ’26, co-president of Jazz Ensemble, adding that the arts contribute to cultural enrichment, creativity, and preserving human history.
