WaterFire Providence

We are coming back to the Providence River September 4th! Thanks to your support over the past year we were able to weather the storm and have announced a scaled back lighting season. We need you contribution now in order to reach our goal of $6,000! Once we hit our target we will be eligible to apply for grants that will have an even greater impact. 

What is WaterFire?

WaterFire Providence has been a leader in Creative Place making since its inception 25 years ago. We are committed to bringing inclusive and accessible art to the Rhode Island community with large scale events that take place in the heart of downtown Providence. Artist Barnaby Evans lit the first of what would become over 100 braziers, lining the Providence River on New Years Eve 1994. Since then, each lighting has incorporated cultural celebrations, artist vendor fairs and collaborations with partnering organizations to rally around a cause dear to the Rhode Island community. 

WaterFire is a major economic driver for the Rhode Island economy, attracting nearly 1,000,000 visitors a year who sleep in Providence’s hotels, eat in restaurants, shop in stores and purchase admission to many of the other amazing cultural offerings throughout the State. WaterFire activity annually creates $114,000,000 in economic output, generates over $9,000,000 in tax revenue for the State of Rhode Island and supports 1,294 jobs for community residents.

The WaterFire Arts Center, a rehabilitated 37,000 sq. ft. historic building in the underserved Valley/Olneyville neighborhood, has welcomed 30,000 people, hosted dozens of arts events and become home to The Providence Flea, WaterFire Arts Festival, The Wilbury Theatre’s Fringe Festival, Pass the Torch Talk and Exhibition Series, (in partnership with Networks RI) WaterFire Symposium author lecture series and more.

With the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, WaterFire, along with many arts organizations has been forced to halt traditional programming downtown and pivot our model. One thing that hasn’t changed is our drive and commitment to producing and delivering world class art to the public in a safe and socially distanced way. Your contribution will significantly impact our ability to continue to achieve our mission and provide free of charge art programming to you and your family for years to come.