Rhode Island State Council on the Arts Awards More Than $96K in Grants to Newport County

The arts will remain alive and well in Newport County thanks to almost $100,000 in grants from the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts. More than 50 people, including Senate President Teresa Paiva-Weed and Rep. Peter Martin, gathered at the to celebrate the awards.

Grant beneficiaries in Newport include the , , , , Island Moving Co., , Newport Art Museum & Art Association, Rhode Island Arts Foundation at Newport, Inc., , , and other individual artists.

The Newport Art Museum received the largest grant, totaling $23,310 for general operating support, followed closely by a $20,804 grant to the Island Moving Co., also to cover operating costs.

Thompson and Rogers both received $400 grants to fund the Big Yellow School Bus, which will bus 240 students to a fashion exhibit at Rough Point.

“It's important for institutions to have a significant educational component to connect to next generation of attendees [of the museum],” said Randy Rosenbaum, executive director of RISCA. “It's important for the soul of the community.”

Rep. Martin recounted a story of how he did not discover his appreciation for the arts until late in life, when he began a photography class to take up time during his retirement.

“Kids need to learn the arts. . . don't wait until they're retired,” Martin said.

Paiva-Weed echoed Martin's sentiments that the arts “improve the quality of life” and said that Newport County's many art galleries and museums are also an important driver for the economy and tourism.

Jamestown, Middletown and Portsmouth arts programs also received thousands in funding. RISCA granted $96,564 overall to Newport County programs, organizations and artists.

For more remarks, watch the video at right on the RISCA awards ceremony.