Nov. 12, 2024

Thank you R.I. voters for passing the arts ballot measure

The $10 million Cultural Arts and the Economy Grant Program, #5 on the ballot, received a resounding "yes" from R.I. voters. We want to thank Gov. McKee, House Speaker Shekarchi, and Senate President Ruggerio, the legislation sponsors, and all the members of the General Assembly for recognizing how important arts and culture are to our economy and the vitality of our communities.

Nonprofit cultural facilities provide key spaces for arts education, community gathering, and arts and cultural programming. We know that the projects funded by this bond create statewide economic impact -- as ninety percent of the funds from the projects supported by the 2014/2021 cultural facilities bonds were spent in all 39 cities and towns.

Now that the measure has passed, stay tuned! Coming in early 2025, RISCA will start working on next steps for this voter initiative to become reality.

Last Chance to Join!

Learn how to evaluate your facility for climate action

There’s still time to participate in Culture for Climate Action-Rhode Island, a free webinar that empowers arts and culture organizations to lead the way on climate action.

The final session, Evaluating your Facilities and Operations, is coming up on Nov. 20, noon-1:15 p.m. RSVP.

In this session, you’ll learn how to assess your organization’s facilities and operations to align with climate goals. Discover how to set SMART goals that can make a real impact, and hear from a Rhode Island-based arts organization about the inspiring work they’re already doing.

This free session is designed for arts and cultural organizations in Rhode Island that own or lease facilities. If you’re looking to make your organization more sustainable and resilient, this is your chance to get actionable insights!

Still time to sign up your school!

Calling on High School teachers to register for the state Poetry Out Loud recitation competition

Deadline to apply is Nov. 17

The national Poetry Out Loud recitation competition engages thousands of Rhode Island high school students each year, connecting them to great works of poetry, building self-confidence and public recitation skills. Each high school holds competitions to select a school champion who then goes on to compete at the state level. The state champion then competes for the top prize of $20,000 at the national level.

Participating schools receive curriculum resources including Teaching Artists’ workshops, an Anthology of over 1,000 works of poetry, lesson plans and access to expanded competition preparation materials. The program is funded by the Poetry Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts and is sponsored by RISCA.

Register your school today by contacting: Damont Combs, Program Director of Poetry Out Loud R.I. or downloading the registration form (fillable pdf).

Remember to register by Nov. 17.

Learn more about Poetry Out Loud RI.

Last chance to give your feedback on our grants

Deadline is Nov. 15

The RISCA grants team kicked off public meetings and forums on how best to streamline and simplify its arts and culture grants programs and application process. They have been hosting meetings throughout the state to gather feedback from the public to develop improved practices for their granting process.

Since 2020, we have overhauled most of our grant programs through a working group process. Now we are moving on to the mechanics of the grantmaking- the application, decision making process, and support and communications. The grant programs, and what they fund, will stay very similar to what they are now. We are in the first phase and are looking for input from our arts community about how we can make the process better. The answers you enter below are completely anonymous.

If you would prefer to provide feedback by email, telephone, or maybe over coffee (as our schedules allow), let us know at risca.contact@arts.ri.gov.

Grants Streamlining Feedback.

State Arts Agency awards multi-year grants

Congratulations! Artists Claire Andrade-Watkins, Miguel Enrique Lastra, Sara Young

They are the recipients of this year's General Operating Support Artists grant.

Now entering its third year, the grant supports work toward large, specific, self-identified goals in an art practice. This program includes a cohort community, requires that participants submit a report once per year, and remain Rhode Island residents for the full granting period of three years.

The artists receive awards of $6,000 per year for three years. This grant will open for applications on May 1, and close on July 1.

NEA's 'Shakespeare' grant expands to apprenticeships

The NEA, in partnership with Arts Midwest, is pleased to announce updates to the Shakespeare in American Communities initiative. For more than two decades, the program has brought high-quality theater productions and educational activities inspired by the works of William Shakespeare to communities throughout the United States.

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.

For more information on how to apply for these opportunities, please visit Arts Midwest’s Shakespeare in American Communities page.

Read the full announcement.

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