Myrtle is located in the East Providence Arts District, and our production efforts help to validate and set the standard for what “arts” looks like in East Providence. To that end, we work collaboratively with other businesses along the Warren Avenue and Waterman Avenue business corridors, to ensure a sense of inclusion and mutual benefit for both major business corridors in the East Providence Arts District. We recognize that for the Arts District to be truly perceived as such, it requires an arts presence. We serve as a springboard for artists to think of the area as a corridor and a potential space for them to create. Our performances and markets have brought many people, and those seeing East Providence for the first time or in a new light, have started to express interest in becoming businesses here and occupying empty storefronts.

We often provide stage time to musicians just starting out - giving a potential performance space for youth who aspire to be professional musicians. We’ve also proven our ability to bring visitors from untapped markets in the East Bay and southeastern Mass through our almost-daily free performances, bringing in over 1000 patrons each week into the vicinity, increasing visibility and sales for our neighboring hospitality businesses.

As we grow our mission, we look to grow performance opportunities to artists through expanding programming at Myrtle, as well as producing free shows at other small venues and public events throughout New England.

Monthly and annual member donations provide a stable operational stream for arts organizations like ours, allowing us to plan long-term initiatives, invest in artistic development, and consistently deliver programs, while also fostering a deeper connection between donors and the arts community through sustained support.