Providence gets $300,000 ArtPlace America grant

With the intention of helping to spruce up the Upper South Providence neighborhood, the Creative Capital recently won a $300,000 ArtPlace America grant.

The project, ‘Illuminating Trinity’, will focus on renovating the Grace Church Cemetery and build capacity and programs at Southside Cultural Center.

“We have seen arts and culture transform our city and we know that cultural expression in our neighborhoods is just as important as in downtown,” said Mayor Jorge Elorza. “I am grateful ArtPlace America has decided to join our efforts by helping provide this opportunity to improve Trinity Square.”

The program also will bring to Providence one of two pilot programs, Community Innovation Lab, developed by EmcArts, which integrates art and artists into the process of developing systemic change.

“We’re thrilled to be working alongside Mayor Elorza, RI-LISC, and the other partners to harvest the unique power of local artists and cultural workers to catalyze systemic change,” says Richard Evans, president of EmcArts. “Public safety is a complex problem. It requires questioning old assumptions, collaborating across boundaries, deep understanding of local system dynamics, and rehearsing many potential strategies for change. The Community Innovation Lab framework creates space for high-impact, creative solutions to emerge and builds a robust network of advocates to ensure that those strategies get implemented.”

Other organizations participating include RI Black Storytellers, RI Latino Arts, the Cambodian Society, the Laotian Society, ECAS Theater, and RISD.

AS220 also applied for the same grant. I sat down with AS220 founder Bert Crenca, who shared his thoughts on the topic.