Providence Reporter

Providence, R.I. – Teatro ECAS and PVD World Music, two Providence-based organizations, have been awarded cultural sustainability grants by the R.I. State Council on the Arts (RISCA). The grants, funded by the Wallace Foundation and delivered by regional arts agencies like the New England Foundation for the Arts (NEFA), amount to $100,000 for Teatro ECAS and $25,000 for PVD World Music.

The purpose of the grants is to support arts organizations of color with annual operating expenses under $500,000. These funds aim to help the organizations sustain and expand their practices, deepen community engagement, and provide arts and cultural experiences for broader audiences. The recipients will also join a regional learning cohort with NEFA staff to address their organizational needs.

"The Cultural Sustainability grant acknowledges that arts organizations rooted in communities of color deserve to become long-lasting, well-resourced cultural pillars across New England," stated Harold Steward, NEFA's executive director. Bahia Ramos, vice president of arts at Wallace, emphasized the importance of understanding how funders can support these organizations for equity and growth in the arts sector.

Todd Trebour, Executive Director of RISCA, extended congratulations to the grant recipients, acknowledging RISCA's longstanding support of both organizations. Trebour highlighted their contributions to educating young people, driving tourism, and contributing to the community's civic and social health.

Teatro ECAS, located in southeastern New England, focuses on bringing diverse audiences together through Spanish-language theater, with a particular emphasis on youth and families. PVD World Music is centered on preserving the musical traditions of African refugee and immigrant communities in Rhode Island and offers cultural enrichment to underserved communities.

NEFA's mission involves investing in artists and communities, fostering equitable access to the arts, and enriching New England's cultural landscape. The Wallace Foundation focuses on arts, school leadership, and youth development, collaborating on research and innovative approaches to improve community vitality.

RISCA, a state agency, provides support to arts organizations, artists, and other entities, integrating the arts into the lives of Rhode Islanders.