Attention Rhode Island Voters!

Passage of Question 5 would authorize the state to borrow $35 million to support improvements and construction at arts facilities and historic sites around the state.

In addition to the nine performing arts organizations named in Question 5, the bond would fund a competitive matching grant program for other eligible arts facilities across the state.

Question 5 also provides $5 million for State Preservation Grants which repair historic buildings open to the public. These are places we use daily: town halls, theaters, museums, park structures, libraries and other community sites. The highly successful program has been dormant since 2008 due to a lack of funds.

 Proceeds Proposed Use

Trinity Repertory Company$4,647,750will be used for the Lederer Theater and the Pell Chafee Performance Center, both in Providence, for performance facilities, educational instruction, production and administration, including reimbursements of advances of up to $1,500,000 expended for ongoing fire code upgrades.

Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra & Music School$2,390,250will be used for the Carter Center for Music Education and Performance in East Providence, for music teaching, learning, performance and administration.

Newport Performing Arts Center$4,216,800will be used for the Opera House in Newport for use as a multi-cultural performing arts and educational facility.

United Theater/Westerly Land Trust$2,369,440will be used for the United Theater in Westerly for use as space for performing arts, fine arts showcase, arts instruction, cinema, public television station and program administration.

The Chorus of Westerly$1,054,200 will be used for the George Kent Performance Hall in Westerly for music and arts performance, teaching and rehearsal space, administrative and community function space.

The Stadium Theater Conservatory in Woonsocket$2,108,400will be used for set construction, costuming, rehearsal, voice, acting and dance studios and administrative spaces. 

More specifically, the funds will be used to improve, preserve and renovate the Stadium Theatre Performing Arts Centre campus located in Woonsocket, which includes the Grand Hall, lobby, arcade, Marquee room, Conservatory and grounds, and performance, production, rehearsal, educational instruction and administrative facilities.

2nd Story Theater$1,054,200will be used for performance venues in Warren, including performance space, studio/classroom space, set construction shop and administrative offices.

AS220: $2,108,400 will be used for AS220's facilities in Providence used for performing arts, dance studio, youth and adult education, gallery and artist live/work space.

WaterFire Providence3,162,600will be used for WaterFire Providence to develop a 27,000 square foot historic warehouse in the Valley/Olneyville neighborhood into its headquarters, multi-use community arts center, visitor center, education center and arts and creative industries incubator.

RISCA competitive matching grants$6,887,960will be used for 1:1 matching grants to be allocated by the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts to 501(c)(3) nonprofit cultural organizations which lease or own their performance space, and for RISCA's expenses in administering the program.

State Preservation Grants$5,000,000will be used to provide matching grants to cities, towns and non-profit organizations to historic sites open to the public, such as museums, town halls and libraries. The program is administered by the Rhode Island Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission.