Passage of Question 6, the Cultural Arts and State Preservation Grant Programs Bond Measure, will authorize the state to issue bonds of $7 million to support arts facilities and historic preservation efforts across Rhode Island.
These bonds are sound investments in the state’s vibrant arts & cultural community – a community that has served as an economic engine for Rhode Island for many years, and is currently in need of support due to the unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 crisis.
Two of Rhode Island’s most storied performing arts organizations (Trinity Repertory Company and the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra & Music School) are named in the bond measure. Together, these two organizations support $34 million in annual economic activity; directly or indirectly employ nearly 900 full-time, local workers; and create more than $1.7 million in state revenue.
The bond measure will also provide the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts and the Rhode Island Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission with funding to be allocated to additional non-profit arts, cultural and preservation organizations across the state.
