The Rhode Island Coalition for Arts & Preservation is a coalition of organizations from across Rhode Island working together in support of Question 5, “Creative and Cultural Economy Bonds,” that will be on the Rhode Island General Election ballot on November 4th.
Find Out More Past Recipients Member GalleryIn 2013, General Assembly leadership hosted an Arts Charette and discussed creating a public-private partnership between arts facilities and the state to help fund facility improvements and restoration. Governor Chafee included this idea as well as the reinstatement of the State Preservation Grants in his 2015 budget as the “Creative and Cultural Economy Bonds.” General Assembly members showed strong support for the bonds and they are placed on the ballot for the 2014 general election as Question 5.
Passage of Question 5 would authorize the state to borrow $35 million to support improvements and construction to arts and preservation sites around the state. Nine performing arts organizations (AS220, Chorus of Westerly, Newport Performing Arts Center, Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra & Music School, 2nd Story Theatre, Stadium Theatre Foundation, Trinity Repertory Company, United Theatre and WaterFire Providence) are named in the bond.
The nine performing arts organizations named in the bond already account for more than 1,900 Rhode Island jobs and $150 million in annual economic activity. During the life of the bond, improvements to these performing arts facilities will account for more than 600 permanent jobs, nearly 600 temporary jobs and will add $47 million in annual economic activity.
In addition to the nine identified organizations, the bond provides an additional $6.8 million in funds for a competitive matching grant program for qualified arts organizations across the state. It also includes $5 million to reinstate State Preservation Grants, a competitive program which provides matching funds for capital repairs at historic buildings owned by nonprofits or municipalities which are open for public use. This successful program has been dormant since 2008 due to lack of funding.
