Providence gives $200,000 in awards to local arts, cultural organizations

Photo: KG Kitchen, Hope Street

Mayor Brett P. Smiley and Director of Art, Culture, Tourism Joe Wilson Jr. today announced WaterFire Providence, Community MusicWorks, Trinity Repertory Company, Hope Street Merchants Association, The Puerto Rican Professional Association of RI, RPM Voices of RI, West Broadway Neighborhood Association, AS220 and Rhode Island Black Storytellers as the grantees for the Special Events Nonprofit Arts and Cultural Sector funding through the American Rescue Plan Act.  

“Our local arts and cultural organizations are critical parts of what makes us the Creative Capital and we need to help them fight the lasting economic impacts of the pandemic,” said Mayor Smiley. “Like many of our local businesses, our arts institutions have shown tremendous resiliency and creativity adjusting after the pandemic and rebuilding their audience. I am proud to support their work and the many local artists that contribute to our reputation for world-class arts culture.” 

Mayor Smiley understands that Providence’s arts and cultural institutions were some of the hardest hit businesses throughout COVID-19, and many are still struggling to rebound. These awards are part of a larger effort to ensure that the art institutions that make Providence unique can rebound and grow over the long-term. The $200,000 grants that were awarded are part of over $3 million the city has awarded to various art programs and cultural institutions fighting the economic impacts of COVID-19.  

“ACT is proud to support nonprofits and cultural organizations as they are slowly rebuilding from the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Joe Wilson Jr., Director of Art, Culture, Tourism. “These funds have proven essential to so many in the creative/cultural community, and we are thankful to our federal partners for making these vital resources available. Congratulations to all of the grantees!” 

The Hope Street Merchants Association‘s grant will support local merchants within the association address staffing, supply chain, and inflation issues and compensate for the loss in vendor fees when programming was cancelled due to public health concerns during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Another example of funding made possible through this grant program, Trinity Rep received $25,000 in ARPA funding after being closed for almost two years, suffering incredible economic loss and stopping the many programs they host supporting local artists and Providence youth that want to explore theater. 

“Trinity Rep is incredibly grateful to the City of Providence for this meaningful support. It is essential as we continue to rebuild audiences while experiencing the increased costs of producing theater after the 21-month pandemic-closure,” said Executive Director of Trinity Repertory Company, Katie Liberman. “This investment will help maintain our high-quality artistic and educational programming, like Sweeney Todd and Project Discovery, as we work to restore the momentum we were experiencing pre-pandemic.”  

To learn more about the Department of Art, Culture, Tourism please visit providenceri.gov/art-culture-tourism/