Dec. 19, 2025

The RISCA Team and the R.I. Film and TV Office wish you a wonderful 2025!

Attention Arts and Cultural Organizations!

Take our survey and help us update our State Cultural Facilities Grant program to suit your needs

Rhode Islanders overwhelmingly approved Question #5, the Cultural Economy Initiative Bond, for capital improvement, preservation and renovation projects for public and non-profit artistic, performance, museums and cultural art centers. Now, we want to hear from you and get your input into how best to update and improve State Cultural Facilities Grant Program. 

We created a survey to assist us in planning for an effective grant cycle. Your participation in the survey is vital and greatly appreciated. The deadline to complete the survey is Wednesday, Jan. 15.

If you have any questions, contact RISCA's Executive Director, Todd Trebour.

Take the survey

RIBridges data breach call center available

In response to the RIBridges data breach, Deloitte has contracted with Experian to run a multilingual call center. A toll-free hotline has opened and is available daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday-Friday; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekends, at 833-918-6603.  

Call center staff will be able to provide general information about the breach as well as steps customers can take now to protect their data. The breach has had an impact on the following programs:

• Medicaid     
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)    
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)     
• Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) 
• Health coverage purchased through HealthSource RI    
• Rhode Island Works (RIW) 
• Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS)
• General Public Assistance (GPA) Program 
• At HOME Cost Share 

Once individuals are identified, they will be mailed a letter with the information they need to secure free credit monitoring services. 

For more information and tips on protecting your data.

Resolve tax issues during Compliance Day, Jan. 13

Need assistance sorting out and getting resolution for complicated income tax issues? Consider attending Tax Compliance Day on Monday, Jan. 13, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., at Rhode Island College, Alger Hall, Room 110. Representatives from the Division of Taxation, Department of Labor and Training, IRS staffers and others will be available to work with you.

Registration is recommended. Walk-ins are allowed.

• What: Tax Compliance Day.
• When: Monday, Jan. 13, 10 a.m.– 6 p.m.; Rain date: Wednesday, Jan. 15.
• Where: Alger Hall, Room 110, 600 Mount Pleasant Ave., Providence.

Tax Compliance Day.

Call for Artists

Public Art for RIPTA Pawtucket-Central Falls Transit Facility

Budget: $25,000.

Application Deadline: Jan. 21. 

Eligibility: This Call is open to all artists and artist teams residing in Rhode Island. Undergraduate students are not eligible to apply.

Artwork for the Pawtucket-Central Falls Transit Center Passenger Facility is being commissioned via Rhode Island’s Public Art Law. The law mandates that 1 percent of all state capital construction and renovation funds be allocated to the acquisition of works of art to be placed in public places constructed. Through this program, the state recognizes that “public art creates a more humane environment: one of distinction, enjoyment and pride for all citizens.”

Located at 300 Pine St., Pawtucket, this new building will improve the passenger experience for both bus and rail passengers. We seek an artist or a team of artists to create a site-specific artwork for the interior of the facility, noting that this is where riders will wait, and that artwork could help create a welcoming atmosphere.

This Call requests artists to submit examples of their previous work and resume or statement of interest. Only artists selected as finalists will propose a specific work. 

Full information and application on CallforEntry.org.

NEA's latest news and grants update

Shout out to our Arts and Health initiative

Check out the NEA and NASAA's new Strategy Sampler for successful programs and policies in Arts and Health. We are one of seven arts agencies highlighted for our work of administering an innovative program geared toward strategies for health and community well-being.

The research study tells the story of these state arts agencies' initiatives that strengthen social connections; build resilience; help to heal personal and community traumas; and extend the other benefits of the arts to all residents. 

Cross Sector Strategies for Health and Community Well-Being.

Creative Forces Community Engagement

The latest round of Creative Forces Community Engagement grant applications, part of the Creative Forces®: NEA Military Healing Arts Network, are now available through Jan. 15. The program seeks to improve the health, well-being and quality of life for military service members and veterans exposed to trauma as well as their families and caregivers through experiences of art or art making.

Creative Forces grant.

Big Read

An initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) in partnership with Arts Midwest, the NEA Big Read grants support a range of events and activities designed around a single book. The goal of this program is to inspire meaningful conversations, celebrate local creativity, elevate a wide variety of voices and perspectives, encourage cross-sector collaboration, and build stronger connections in each community.

The intent to apply deadline is Jan. 23.

NEA Big Read Introduces New Books and Theme.

Shakespeare in American Communities

Shakespeare in American Communities brings high-quality theater productions and educational activities inspired by the works of William Shakespeare to communities throughout the United States. New for the 2025-26 cycle, nonprofit theater organizations can also apply for a new apprenticeship program and opportunities for engaging audiences in non-traditional settings.

The intent to apply deadline is Jan. 30.

 Shakespeare in American Communities grants.

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