The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA) has announced that it will distribute more than $944,604 in grants to 160 recipients across the state. The funding will support a wide range of arts and culture organizations, individual artists, folk apprenticeships and fellowships, arts educators and schools, as well as projects at the intersection of arts and health.
The grants are made possible through appropriations from the Rhode Island General Assembly and federal funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.
In Fiscal Year 2024, RISCA grantees reported reaching over 693,000 adults, 150,000 young people, nearly 11,000 artists, and over half a million participants in virtual workshops. The arts sector contributed to economic development by representing 3.25 percent of Rhode Island’s gross domestic product and providing close to 18,000 jobs according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Grant-supported projects this year include choreography honoring traditional Irish dance in Barrington; weekly ballroom dance classes for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities in Bristol; theater skills development for students at The Learning Community Charter School in Central Falls; sustainable quilt-making in Lincoln; printmaking and ceramics immersion for students at Metropolitan Regional Career and Technical Center in Newport; community performances highlighting local history in Newport; support for Colombian American cultural celebrations in Pawtucket; art classes introducing teens to traditional woodland artforms at Jonnycake Center for Hope in Peace Dale; a nine-month songwriting program led by Saulo Castillo in Providence; youth smoking prevention efforts through Southside Elementary Charter School; wellness workshops by Shri Service Corps for patients and staff at care centers; Bolivian Charango music apprenticeship with Silvio Cuellar in Providence; support for high school theater programs via the Rhode Island Theater Education Association’s Drama Festival in Warwick; documentary filmmaking about family memory preservation by Nicholas Stahl in Westerly; and free family-friendly music series revitalizing public spaces organized by Woonsocket Neighborhood Development Corp.
Governor McKee commented on the significance of these investments: “On behalf of the State of Rhode Island, congratulations to our State’s Arts Council for all of the thorough work to provide key investments in the arts, including folk artists, artists, arts and health professionals, organizations and arts educators — an important sector in improving the well-being and lives of Rhode Islanders. The grants being announced today, in addition to continuing to ensure R.I.’s reputation nationally as an arts and cultural destination, are a reminder of the economic impact the arts have on our cities and towns.”
U.S. Senator Jack Reed stated: “These organizations enrich our communities, diversify our economy, and help tell Rhode Island’s story. The Trump Administration seeks to terminate the NEA and deny future support to artists, non-profits, and arts education programs. I strongly oppose these cuts and will continue working to support federal funding for Rhode Island’s artistic, cultural and educational endeavors.”
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse added: “Rhode Island’s outstanding arts and culture organizations are engines of economic activity that significantly contribute to our quality of life. Thanks to RISCA for its stewardship of federal investments in the Ocean State’s creative economy.”
Congressman Seth Magaziner said: “These grants will support artists, educators, and organizations that enrich Rhode Island’s culture and economy. By supporting artists we nurture creativity preserve traditions and make Rhode Island an even better place to live work and raise a family.”
Congressman Gabe Amo remarked: “The arts are essential to the cultural educational and economic vitality of Rhode Island. I’m proud to celebrate the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts’ nearly $945000 investment to uplift local artists. I’m fighting in Congress to protect the National Endowment for the Arts from Trump’s cuts because federal support helps inspire Rhode Island’s creativity and future.”
House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi stated: “Rhode Island is renowned throughout the world for its rich tradition of arts and culture and these grants will only continue to enhance that reputation. RISCA does a terrific job identifying these deserving grantees who will continue to bolster quality-of-life and economic opportunities…”
President of Senate Valarie J. Lawson commented: “Investments … benefit all … by spurring innovation enriching neighborhoods driving economic opportunity… Congratulations … grant recipients who will contribute so much…”
Todd Trebour Executive Director of RISCA expressed gratitude: “At RISCA we are grateful …for enriching lives… In addition …our community contributes …by fostering expression building community ties perpetuating cultural traditions… we are grateful for ongoing support by NEA Governor McKee members General Assembly.”
RISCA offers various grant programs including:
– $50,000 dedicated toward non-clinical Arts & Health initiatives.
– $42,000 allocated for Folk & Traditional Arts Apprenticeships supporting mentorship within shared cultural heritages.
– $10,000 provided through Folk & Traditional Arts Fellowships recognizing individual artistic excellence.
– $84,421 awarded via Project Grants supporting meaningful student engagement with art.
– $113,400 given through Project Grants benefiting organizations with relevant programming.
– $504,383 available under General Operating Support offering unrestricted multi-year aid.
– $58,500 designated as Community Engaged Project Grants directly involving residents.
– $81,900 distributed via Make Art Grants supporting new or ongoing artistic creation.
