Events
At NBAM it is part of our mission to bring creative experiences to our community. Return to this page to get updates on events for the whole family and special events such as our holiday and summer fundraisers.
AHA!
AHA! (Art, History & Architecture) is New Bedford’s free Downtown Cultural Night and collaborative cultural organization with over 60 downtown venue partners. On the second Thursday of the month, NBAM offers free admission, extended hours (we're open until 8 pm), crafts, and other experiences, such as live performances.
FEBRUARY AHA!: RICHARD NEAL ARTIST TALK
Richard Neal speaks about his artistic process and sources of inspiration for artworks included in the exhibition, Comfort & Displacement.
February 9, 7-7:30pm
Complimentary admission
Garden Party
Every summer NBAM hosts an event to raise essential funds to continue the Museum’s mission of making art accessible to all –and help ensure that the Art Museum continues to serve New Bedford and our global audience, as it has for more than 25 years.
This event commonly features live music, artist talks, hors d'oeuvres, and the opportunity to mingle with other members active in the arts community in New Bedford. Last summer's Garden Party was actually a series of three intimate events in which two artists discussed their work and two musicians from the New Bedford Symphony performed.
Holiday Party
Our annual Holiday Party is an important part of our fundraising efforts. This evening raises vital funds to bring programs to youth, teens, and aging adults by removing barriers to access art and education.
Patron of the Arts
Each year New Bedford Art Museum/ArtWorks! has been privileged to recognize individuals and organizations that have helped the arts succeed through their generous support and work in the community. Because of them, the arts flourish here in New Bedford.
December 2021 marked the 8th anniversary of this tradition.
Previous Patron of the Arts include:
2021- Gayle and Roger Mandel & New Bedford Historical Society
2020 - Norm and Irene Buck & New Bedford Symphony Orchestra
2019 - Allan and Priscilla Ditchfield & Ralph and Merry Eustis
2018 - Senator Mark Montigny, Rep Tony Cabral, and Your Theatre Inc.
2017 - Nelson Hockert-Lotz and The Standard-Times
2016 - Festival Theatre and Neal Weiss
2015 - Peter DeWalt and AHA!
2013 - Island Foundation, Community Foundation, City of New Bedford, and CVPA (known still as Off the Wall)
2012 - Gig Lang and UMass Dartmouth/Jeanne MacCormack (first honorees)