Local arts and history efforts will expand

Two local nonprofits are among the organizations that will share $385,000 in funding from the Rhode Island Foundation. The winners include a project to commemorate Bristol history and an initiative in Warren to provide students with art lessons.

“Our grants will create places to gather, make friendships and launch new collaborations that will build community connections everywhere,” said Jessica David, the Foundation’s executive vice president of strategy and community investments.

The Bristol Historical & Preservation Society received $2,250 to create five portable exhibits that will focus on aspects of the town’s history. The displays will be made available to local organizations as well as displayed temporarily in public places.

"These exhibits can be installed into any empty storefront, thus turning the streets of Bristol into a dynamic, vibrant history museum that changes as storefronts become vacant and then filled. We are looking forward to bringing the town's fascinating history literally to its streets, but we are particularly excited to show how history and preservation can strengthen Bristol's present-day economic vitality," said Catherine Zipf, executive director.

The Collaborative in Warren won $10,000 to offer free art classes for students K-12 through the Warren Art Academy. The academy’s mission is to provide inclusive art experiences for everyone.

“The hope is that the students not only engage in the enriching arts programming, but also find new friends and potential collaborators for future art projects. This will be the third year of the program and we have already seen many of the same students return, make new friendships and grow as young artists,” said Uriah Donnelly, executive director of the Collaborative.

Partnering with the Collaborative on the initiative are two additional Warren-based organizations, the town's parks and recreation department and MakersRI, an art and enrichment program for children.

"Our project will allow the community to see the talent of the youth around them. Selected artwork will remain in the gallery at The Collaborative for an entire month at the conclusion of the academy. Since part of our mission is about bridging the gap between the community and our local wealth of talent, this showcase will be the connecting factor," he said.

The two nonprofits competed with more than 100 applicants for funding through the Foundation’s competitive Community Grants program. The maximum grant was $10,000. Most of the work is expected to be underway before the end of the year.

“We’re excited about these ideas for making community happen in more and better ways at the local level. Supporting community-building will improve shared places and quality of life, promote collaboration and increase community engagement,” said David of the Foundation.

The Rhode Island Foundation is the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island. Working with generous and visionary donors, the Foundation raised $114 million and awarded $52 million in grants to organizations addressing the state’s most pressing issues and needs of diverse communities in 2018. Through leadership, fundraising and grant-making activities, often in partnership with individuals and organizations, the Foundation is helping Rhode Island reach its true potential. For more information, visit rifoundation.org.