Ambrosino Is New Director of Pawtucket Arts Festival

PAWTUCKET – The Pawtucket Arts Festival, now entering its 21st year, has announced the appointment of Anthony Ambrosino as director, a position he took in April.

This appointment comes following the announcement of the departure of Jennifer Dalton Vincent who became the new executive director of Providence City Arts for Youth.

For more than 12 years, Ambrosino, a West Warwick resident, has worked as a producer, director and production manager for feature films, commercials and corporate productions. His films have premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and the Los Angeles Film Festival, winning awards and being distributed by companies such as IFC and Showtime Networks.

According to a release, he co-founded and served as president of the Rhode Island Film Collaborative, a nonprofit bringing together the state’s film industry. As president, he accepted the Dream Makers Award in 2014 from the Rhode Island Film Television Office and the Producers Circle Award in 2016 from the Rhode Island International Film Festival.

Ambrosino has been a long-time volunteer for the PAF, serving as its marketing director and redirecting its publicity outreach to more effectively promote the annual festival throughout New England. Since 2007, he has co-produced the Pawtucket Film Festival with Rick Roth, of Mirror Image of Pawtucket, putting the spotlight on the city’s growing role in the state’s film industry.

“I think my love for this festival and the experience I’ve had as a participant and volunteer have given me the tools to be successful, but it’s the dedicated volunteers and the truly amazing artists that really make it something special,” said Ambrosino. “I can’t thank the city enough for giving me this opportunity.”

“We are truly in good hands with Anthony’s keen eye for detail, his understanding of how the Pawtucket Arts Festival has evolved over its 21 years, and his strong organizational abilities,” said Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebien. “We expect to have one of our best arts festivals under his leadership.”

Pawtucket Planning Director Sue Mara said, “We are delighted to announce Anthony Ambrosino as the city’s next Arts Festival Director. The festival has grown under the tenure of departing Director Jennifer Dalton Vincent. Now, it is an exciting time for the festival and there are exciting opportunities as well as challenges ahead.”

The Pawtucket Arts Festival is scheduled from Sept. 6-22. More information can be found at www.pawtucketartsfestival.org .