The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA) has announced recommendations for grants totaling approximately $2.75 million to 17 arts and cultural facilities organizations across the state. The announcement took place at The Gamm Theatre in Warwick and is part of the State Cultural Facilities Grant Program, which is funded by appropriations from the voter-approved 2024 Cultural Arts and Economy Grant Program Bond.
These matching grants are intended to support essential capital projects at public and nonprofit venues, museums, and cultural centers throughout Rhode Island. Projects will focus on improving accessibility, bringing facilities into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), updating building and fire codes, enhancing energy efficiency, and expanding organizational capacity to serve local communities.
In addition to these competitive grants, the ballot measure also designated funding for three specific arts entities: Tomaquag Museum in Kingston on the University of Rhode Island campus, Newport Contemporary Ballet in Newport, and Trinity Repertory Company in Providence.
Governor Dan McKee stated: “When we invest in the arts, we’re investing in jobs, tourism, education, and the vitality of our cities and towns. Making cultural facilities more modern and accessible positions them for long-term success and makes a real difference in their communities. I’m proud to see the results of what Rhode Islanders made possible when they voted to support this bond.”
House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi commented: “I was proud to strongly support the arts economy bond measure that provided the funding announced today because Rhode Island’s arts and cultural organizations are vital to our state’s identity and economic vitality. These grants will support jobs, tourism, and local businesses, as well as local institutions that bring people together and enrich our communities.”
President of the Senate Valarie J. Lawson added: “Investments in Rhode Island’s artistic and cultural communities benefit all of us by spurring innovation, enriching the fabric of our neighborhoods, and driving economic opportunity. RISCA plays a vital role in supporting the individuals and organizations that make Rhode Island a widely recognized hub of creativity, and I am grateful for its outstanding work. Congratulations to all the grant recipients, who will contribute so much to cities and towns across our state.”
Senator Hanna Gallo said: “Rhode Island has a well-deserved reputation as a hub of creative expression, and Rhode Islanders have consistently stood up to support important investments in the artistic and cultural institutions that enrich the fabric of our communities. These awards through the Cultural Facilities Grant Program will help so many venues and organizations continue to thrive and ensure all Rhode Islanders can access the life-changing power of the arts.”
Todd Trebour, Executive Director of RISCA, explained that past ballot measures have demonstrated broad statewide economic impact: “Non-profit cultural facilities provide spaces for arts education, community gatherings, and arts and cultural programming. We know that the projects funded by past ballot measures created statewide economic impact — as 90 percent of the funds from the projects supported by the 2014 and 2021 cultural facilities bonds were spent in all 39 cities and towns,” Trebour said. “We’re grateful to voters, Gov. McKee, Speaker Shekarchi, and Senate President Lawson. Without them these key investments would not be possible.”
Tony Estrella from The Gamm Theatre emphasized how these investments affect daily life: “An investment in much needed infrastructure for our arts institutions is an investment in our everyday quality of life and Rhode Island’s future… This grant will go a long way at The Gamm to help make our facility… more accessible… visible… impactful.”
Stephanie Tavares from Cape Verdean American Community Development highlighted community impact: “This investment from [RISCA] is a powerful affirmation of… culture… community… building a stronger Rhode Island while also anchoring arts … as a driver of community connection … For … Cape Verdean community … this support helps transform our vision into a permanent space where culture … creativity … opportunity come together.”
Among funded projects:
– Cape Verdean American Community Development received $500,000 toward modernization efforts at its Pawtucket location including safety upgrades; repairs; accessibility improvements; HVAC; plumbing; electrical updates; building envelope upgrades.
– The Sandra Feinstein-Gamm Theatre was awarded $331,652 for facility improvements such as lab space for new play development programs; expanded education initiatives; lobby entrance upgrades; installation of an elevator.
– Newport Art Museum received $211,841 for improvements like integrating new building management systems; climate control upgrades; walkway repaving.
– South County Art Association secured $200,000 toward adaptive reuse at John Russell House—expanding classrooms/studios/galleries; parking/outdoor programming enhancements; ADA compliance.
– Granite Theatre obtained $92,522 for replacing stage lights with LEDs along with related electrical work.
The full list includes additional grantees across various locations.
