Zeiterion Performing Arts Center

 THE MISSION of the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center is to provide New Bedford and the region with performing arts programming of excellence that inspires, educates, engages and entertains. We seek to bring the community together in shared experience and imbue everything we do with positive energy.  We believe a performing arts center has the ability to galvanize and transform a community and are committed to serving as a catalyst that energizes the city, its citizens and the region.

Our aspirations are to: Present a broad range of the highest caliber national and international performing artists and programs that speak to the diversity of cultures and interests in the region; Engage and enrich young people and the community’s participation, experience and understanding of the world, the arts and creativity; Actively participate in the revitalization of downtown New Bedford; and provide a welcoming home to resident companies and community groups.

PROGRAMS

The Zeiterion Main Stage Series: With a goal of becoming a major cultural force in the region and at the same time serving our community, our performance series features between 35 and 40 world class performances each year including jazz, world music, dance, musicals, theatre, comedy, blues, pop music, and family programs.

The School-Time Performance program annually offers more than 35 quality curriculum based performances to 25,000 schoolchildren in grades pre-K-12 and serves schools throughout southeastern Massachusetts.  Our School-Time Performances are offered during the school day and are offered below cost.

Kennedy Center “Partners in Education” program: The “Z” believes strongly that teacher training is key to the integration of the arts into the curriculum and the development of children’s engagement in the arts. The New Bedford Public School System and The Z were selected as one of only 14 partnerships nationally to participate in The Kennedy Center’s “Partners in Education Program” and together  provide extensive teacher professional development programs that provides them with the skills to integrate the arts into the curriculum.

Arts Access: 5,000 free tickets are provided to low income children and their families.  The Z works with the juvenile court system, Third Eye, Brick by Brick, United Front Homes, and the New Bedford school system among others.

Community Projects: a primary example of the Z’s commitment to engaging the community is “The America Project” which incorporates performances, residencies, and community pot lucks to engage diverse cultural, socio-economic and generational communities.

Revitalization of Downtown: The Z is an active participant in the downtown revitalization efforts, has developed joint marketing partnerships with other art organizations and is a recipient of MOTT funds used to market the Z and the city throughout the region.