Providence arts, cultural organizations awarded $200K

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The arts and cultural organizations in Providence are getting $200,000 to help them recover from the economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.

Mayor Brett Smiley said Wednesday several organizations, including WaterFire Providence, Trinity Repertory Company, the Puerto Rican Professional Association of RI, were picked 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 Smiley.

The Democrat said these awards are part of a “large effort” to make sure these art institutions can rebound and grow over the long-term.

The $200,000 grants awarded are part of over $3 million Smiley has awarded to various art programs and cultural institutions affected by COVID.

Smiley said through this grant program, Trinity Rep received $25,000 in ARPA funding after being shut down for almost two years. He said the theater suffered incredible economic loss and paused programs that support local artists and Providence youth wanting to pursue theater.