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Relationship with New Urban Arts: Health and Wellness Sponsor, Award Winner
Providence Community Acupuncture is receiving the Founders’ Award, which recognizes organizations and businesses who maintain an ongoing commitment to both New Urban Arts and youth arts education. Providence Community Acupuncture is part of the community acupuncture movement. The organization treats multiple people in a communal setting, making low-cost treatments possible for all Rhode Island residents.
We interviewed Cris Monteiro from PCA and asked her to share with us how she got started with New Urban Arts. Here’s what she said:
How did you first hear about New Urban Arts?
I first heard about NUA around the time I moved here in 2000. I met this really great couple (jack and Sandy Richter) who invited me to a fund raiser at the old train station building. That was a long time ago, and I’m glad to be just down the street from NUA now, and to be meeting many of the staff and mentors and kids.
How long have you been involved with New Urban Arts?
PCA’s (and my) involvement has really just been active since we moved up here last fall. I have known about NUA and followed some of the growth and changes that have happened. Being just down the street has already helped to bring closer connection to NUA. I’m excited about building community in general and with NUA specifically.
What’s something that you think makes New Urban Arts stand out from other organizations?
NUA’s core values as a youth program includes risk; which seems to be not just about risking with the creative process, or in being outside your comfort zone, but in connecting with others and being part of a group process. Risk taking in all of these ways I think pushes people to really learn about who they are and how to grow. I love that the programming is year round and free.
What was the last adventure you chose to go on? What did you do?
The last adventure I chose to go on started about 9 years ago when I decided that boutique acupuncture practice wasn’t what I wanted to do. I’m still on that adventure which has resulted in a lot more affordable acupuncture happening here in Rhode Island, as well as around the North America. The adventure has included growing a big damn clinic together with amazing people, including all of our patients, starting an international multistakeholder cooperative that has more patient members than acu-punks or clinics! starting an affordableacupuncture school, putting on national conferences every year, and being part of what has been dubbed the “quietest revolution.” Acupuncture can (and IS changing) the world!
Why do you support New Urban Arts?
I really dig NUA’s focus on creativity, leadership, inclusion, community and youth. When you step into their space you can feel a really feel life buzzing around; when you talk to people involved with the programs at NUA they’re excited. NUA is doing great work.