FIRST NIGHT WORCESTER INC

First Night Worcester was conceived in 1981 as a transforming, inclusive celebration that reaffirms and builds community spirit through the universal language of the arts. The annual New Year's Eve festival brings the arts to the widest and most diverse cross-section of the community in an accessible format that encourages creative participation in many forms and introduces and exposes the arts to thousands of celebrants. In addition to the 100+ performances and activities that comprise the event, outreach to city schools, seniors, ethnic communities and under-served populations take place over the course of the year culminating in special and unique performances or installtions that showcase community members. First Night succeeds due to its multigenerational and multicultural model that celebrates the best in all of us.
First Night Worcester, formed in 1981 by prominent business and civic-minded leaders, was conceived as a transforming celebration that reaffirms and builds community spirit through the universal language of the arts. The annual New Year's Eve celebration brings the arts to the widest and most diverse cross-section of the community in an accessible format that engenders pride where we live and work, encourages creative participation in many forms, and introduces and exposes the arts to thousands of celebrants. First Night succeeds due to its multigenerational and multicultural model that celebrates the best in all of us. In addition to the 100+ performances and activities that comprise the event, outreach to schools, seniors, ethnic communities and under-served populations take place over the course of the year culminating in special and unique performances or installations that showcase community members.

The mission of First Night Worcester is to promote and encourage appreciation and enjoyment of the arts of all kinds, and to bring the arts to the widest cross-section of the community as possible via an affordable, accessible, inclusive annual arts festival on New Year's Eve. As part of its mission, First Night makes the arts further accessible with its outreach programs that take place throughout the year with youth, seniors and under-served populations resulting in unique performances or installations that are featured at the celebration.

First Night Worcester takes place during the full day and evening of December 31st, and is comprised of more than 100 performances and activities hosted in over 20 venues in the greater downtown area. For the many thousands of residents from around the entire region, the annual celebration is a portal to our cultural community and the arts of every genre. The artistic spectrum spans rock to Bach, dance, theater, comedy, puppetry, storytelling and other less traditional art forms -- all presented in the city's architectural gems, historic and civic buildings.