Bill > H7707

This joint resolution authorizes the appropriation of $800,000 to WaterFire Providence, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization, to provide operational support. The resolution highlights WaterFire Providence's significant contributions over the past 30 years, including transforming downtown Providence into a major tourist attraction, revitalizing the city's nightlife with free, engaging events that draw nearly a million visitors annually, and generating substantial economic benefits, such as over $151 million in annual economic output and over $11 million in direct tax revenue for Rhode Island, while also supporting approximately 1,300 jobs. The resolution also acknowledges WaterFire Providence's development of the WaterFire Arts Center, a multi-use arts venue, and its investment in programs like ArtLab@WaterFire and WaterFire Accelerate, which aim to empower young members of the BIPOC community and emerging artists, respectively, to foster self-sufficiency and advance their careers within Rhode Island's creative economy.

Budget and Finance

https://status.rilegislature.gov/