Pawtucket has ART!

 The City of Pawtucket, Pawtucket City Council, and the Pawtucket Arts Panel have announced the award of $30,000 in grant funds to provide operational support to 9 nonprofit Pawtucket-based art groups, and funding for 9 creative events and artistic programing, including art exhibitions, music, and other ongoing art activities at Pawtucket venues.

“Pawtucket is known for having a vibrant arts community. The City remains committed to supporting the arts and creative economy particularly during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Mayor Donald R. Grebien. “The City thanks the Pawtucket Arts Panel for their hard work in getting funds into the hands of art organizations, artists and musicians.  We look forward to seeing this creativity at work.”

The Arts Panel, Pawtucket City Councilor Meghan Kallman, Eric Auger of Ten31 Productions, Agueda Del Borgo of Places and Spaces Realty, JMW School Principal Ricardo Pimentel, and Jay Rosa of the Pawtucket Planning Department, reviewed all proposals, ultimately choosing the successful applications. Often, these Art Panel Grants fund programs and activities during the Pawtucket Arts Festival, a September staple in the city and beyond.

Economic and Cultural Affairs Officer Herb Weiss, Chair of the City’s Arts and Cultural Commission Miriam Plitt, and Jay Rosa of the Pawtucket Planning Department reviewed the submitted organizational art grant applications, allocating grants based on evaluation criteria including accessibility, diversity, number of participants, community impact, and artistic quality. This funding is non-restricted and can be used to pay operational costs such as rent, utilities, and staffing.

The successful Applicants include:

Pawtucket Based Organization Grants

• Mixed Magic Theatre                         $4,500
• Burbage Theatre Company                 $4,000
• Community Players                            $4,000
• Empowerment Factory                       $2,000
• Pawtucket Arts Collaborative             $1,500
• RI Watercolor Society                        $1,500
• Art League of RI                                 $1,000
• Art Connection                                   $1,000
• Shri Services                                       $500

Art Panel Grants (Events & Programming)

• Aurea Presents – I Hear America Sing                                               $1,000
• Empowerment Factory – Healthy Living Creativity Contest      $2,000
• 21st Annual Pawtucket Film Festival                                                $1,500
• Harvest Kitchen – Pawtucket Heroes                                                 $500
• SHRI Yoga – 390 Pine Street Mural                                                   $1,000
• Friends of the Looff Carousel – Documentary Short Film                 $1,000
• XOS Plus – 175 Main Street Art Exhibition                                       $500
• Pawt Foundation – Farmers Market Music Showcase                $1,500
• Metamorphosis Dance Youth Prog – Slater Park Dances             $1,000

Photo, top: Mixed Magic Theatre, Pawtucket