Arts + Preservation = Jobs

Every Rhode Islander will benefit from a more vibrant economy, more jobs and greater access to arts and historic sites.

From Woonsocket to Westerly, our local arts and preservation community has been an economic engine that has been creating good jobs, boosting our state’s tourism efforts, and improving quality of life for all Rhode Islanders for many years. As we embark on a statewide effort to recover from the devastating impact brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to make sound investments in our proven assets.

We already know that investments in Rhode Island’s creative economy work.

In 2014, voters overwhelmingly approved the Creative & Cultural Economy Bond Measure, a $35 million initiative to support capital improvements to the cultural infrastructure of Rhode Island.

The results of the 2014 bond measure speak for themselves:

Return on investment

The $35 million Creative & Cultural Economy Bond supported nearly 70 construction and renovation projects across Rhode Island, totaling more than $88.3 million spent by local organizations, with local companies. MBE/WBE earnings were more than $5.3 million.

Jobs

Job Creation

More than 354 Rhode Island companies from 38 cities and towns were engaged to work on the projects funded by the 2014 bond measure. As of today: 1,545 people have been employed, earning nearly $17 million in wages.

Massive, statewide reach

From theater-goers who now have an opportunity to enjoy performances in freshly renovated facilities, to families who can now sign their kids up for a new summer class, more than 1.7 million individuals (including more than 400,000 children and nearly 20,000 artists) have benefitted from the 2014 investment.

How you can help

Thank you for your interest in supporting the effort to pass Question 6 on Tuesday, March 2.

Here’s how you can help pass Question 6!

Sign on as a supporter. We will remind you to vote on March 2 and send you suggestions on other ways you can safely support our efforts during the next few weeks. We will not be soliciting for funds at any time.

If you represent an arts, cultural or preservation organization and would like to join our Coalition, please click here

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For more information, contact yeson6ri@gmail.com