(Bristol, R.I.) Historic Linden Place, site of a historic house museum and the Bristol Art Museum, hosted the State's announcement yesterday of the latest State Cultural Facilities Grant and State Preservation Grant recipients. The State has awarded close to $3.8 million for capital preservation work at 33 museums, cultural art centers, and public historic sites around the state. Together, the projects represent $16,736,891 worth of construction activity.
Supported by 60.6% of Rhode Island voters in 2014, the Creative and Cultural Economy Bonds provided $5 million for State Preservation Grants and $6.5 million for the Cultural Facilities Grants. Administered by the R.I. Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission and the R.I. State Council on the Arts, the two competitive grant programs require applicants to provide matching funds for their projects. A list of projects awarded grants in 2016 is included below. An additional grant round is scheduled in 2017. The bonds also included $22 million in support for capital improvements to nine specific Rhode Island arts organizations.
Governor Gina Raimondo forwarded her congratulations, remarking on the importance of Rhode Island's cultural and historic infrastructure. "The arts and history are part of what makes Rhode Island special," Governor Raimondo said. "They attract visitors to our state and contribute significantly to our economy. These capital improvement grants will create jobs, both during and after construction, and expand programming opportunities for Rhode Islanders and visitors alike, all of which contribute to the economic and cultural vitality of our state."
"Our cultural infrastructure is critically important to our state's economy," said Randall Rosenbaum, Executive Director of the State Council on the Arts. "These museums, galleries and performance spaces serve Rhode Islanders, attract visitors to our state, and contribute to the local economy in many significant ways."
"Rhode Island is recognized nationally as a leader in historic preservation and the arts," said Edward F. Sanderson, Executive Director of the R.I. Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission, "These state grants are investments that build on our strengths."
"We're thrilled that State Preservation Grants will restore the visitors' center at historic Fort Adams in Newport, the historic lighthouse complex at Beavertail in Jamestown, and the historic Coggeshall Farmhouse in Colt State Park in Bristol," said DEM Director Janet Coit. "Our state parks are treasured resources, and we extend thanks to the Rhode Island Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission and our partners at Coggeshall Farm Museum and Beavertail Lighthouse Museum Association for making these investments that will benefit Rhode Island families and visitors to our state."
"Pawtucket prides itself on its robust arts district and its historical significance," said Pawtucket's Director of Planning and Development Susan Mara who appeared on behalf of Mayor Donald R. Grebien. "We are very thankful for these preservation and cultural facilities grants that will ensure that residents and visitors continue to enjoy these destinations for many years to come."
About the Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission The Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission is the state agency for historical preservation and heritage programs. The Commission operates a statewide historical preservation program that identifies and protects historic buildings, districts, structures, and archaeological sites. The Commission also develops and carries out programs to document and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Rhode Island's people. Visit www.preservation.ri.gov for more information.
About the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts is a state agency supported by appropriations from the Rhode Island General Assembly and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. RISCA provides grants, technical assistance and staff support to arts organizations and artists, schools, community centers, social service organizations and local governments to bring the arts into the lives of Rhode Islanders. Visit www.arts.ri.gov for more information.
State Historic Preservation Grants Coggeshall Farm Museum,Bristol, $29,452 Friends of Linden Place, Bristol, $58,616 Town of Coventry for Read Schoolhouse ,Coventry, $26,404 Town of East Greenwich for East Greenwich Town Hall,East Greenwich,$150,000 Varnum Continentals for Varnum Memorial Armory,East Greenwich,$43,450 City of East Providence for Crescent Park Looff Carousel, East Providence,$69,652 Foster Preservation Society for Nehemiah Angell Barn, Foster,$19,433 Beavertail Lighthouse Museum Association,Jamestown,$46,475 RI-DEM for Fort Adams Visitors Center, Newport,$109,091 Town of North Smithfield for Kendall Dean School,North Smithfield,$150,000 Pawtucket Public Library,Pawtucket,$150,000 Providence Parks Department for Betsey Williams Cottage,Providence,$150,000 PPAC,Providence,$150,000 Memorial+ Library Association. of Westerly for Wilcox Park Bandstand, Westerly, $15,488 American-French Genealogical Society/Veterans Memorial Museum, Woonsocket,$111,403
State Cultural Facilities Grants Arts in Common,Bristol,$50,000 Bristol Art Museum,Bristol,$20,000 Artists' Exchange,Cranston,$85,000 The Greenwich Odeum,East Greenwich,$195,000 Wickford Art Association,North Kingstown,$98,715 Mixed Magic Theatre and Cultural Events,Pawtucket,$50,000 Sandra Feinstein-Gamm Theatre,Pawtucket,$211,500 Common Fence Point Improvement Association,Portsmouth,$187,000 Dirt Palace Public Projects,Providence,$250,000 Educational Center for the Arts & Sciences,Providence,$8,659 Everett,Providence,$100,000 Festival Ballet Providence,Providence,$59,552 Providence Public Library,Providence,$200,000 The Contemporary Theater Company,South Kingstown,$95,000 Boys & Girls Clubs of Warwick,Warwick,$100,000 Ocean State Theatre Company,Warwick,$240,000 The Arctic Playhouse,West Warwick,$300,000 RiverzEdge Arts Project,Woonsocket,$249,000