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.
| Organization | Bond Proceeds | Proposed Use |
| Trinity Repertory Company | $2.5 million | For renovations to the Lederer Theater, in Providence, used for performance facilities, educational instruction, production and administration. |
| Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra & Music School | $1.5 million | For the Carter Center for Music Education and Performance, in East Providence. The Carter Center is used for music teaching, learning, rehearsal, performance and administration for the Philharmonic and numerous other community-based nonprofits, including: The American Band, The Autism Project, The Miracle Project, Narragansett Bay Symphony Community Orchestra, Ocean State Pops Orchestra, Providence Country Day School, Providence Singers, Rhode Island Children’s Chorus, Rhode Island Music Educators Association, RIOTRI/Youth Rock (formerly Girls Rock). |
| Rhode Island State Council on the Arts | $2 million | For 1:1 matching grants to be allocated by RISCA to 501(c)(3) nonprofit cultural organizations which lease or own their performance space, and for RISCA expenses in administering the program. In awarding such grants RISCA shall consider financial need, the availability or actual expenditure of matching funds for the projects, available gifts or grants for projects, the amount of square footage to be improved, the geographical location and characteristics of audiences benefitted. |
| State Preservation Grants Program | $1 million | Provides one million dollars ($1,000,000) in funding to cities, towns and nonprofit organizations to preserve, renovate and improve public and nonprofit historic sites, museums, and cultural art centers located in historic structures in the State of Rhode Island to be administered by the Rhode Island Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission. |
Here's the full text of Question 6, which you’ll see on your ballot on Tuesday, March 2.
Question 6, relating to bonds in the amount of seven million dollars ($7,000,000) to fund the Cultural Arts and the Economy Grant Program and the State Preservation Grants Program, to be allocated as follows:
(a) Cultural Arts and the Economy Grant Program $6,000,000
Provides funds for 1:1 matching grants to continue the Cultural Arts and the Economy Grant program administered by the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA) for capital improvement, preservation and renovation projects for public and nonprofit artistic, performance centers and cultural art centers located throughout the State of Rhode Island. Contracts for construction entered into, on, or after November 6, 2014 shall be in compliance with § 37-13-1 et seq. (prevailing wage); however, contracts entered into prior to November 6, 2014 shall not be subject to this requirement.
Trinity Repertory Company $2,500,000
For the Lederer Theater, in Providence, used for performance facilities, educational instruction, production and administration.
Rhode Island Philharmonic $1,500,000
For the Carter Center for Music Education and Performance in East Providence, used for music teaching, learning, performance and administration.
Other funds to be allocated by RISCA $2,000,000
For 1:1 matching grants to be allocated by RISCA to 501(c)(3) nonprofit cultural organizations which lease or own their performance space, and for RISCA expenses in administering the program. In awarding such grants RISCA shall consider financial need, the availability or actual expenditure of matching funds for the projects, available gifts or grants for projects, the amount of square footage to be improved, the geographical location and characteristics of audiences benefitted.
(b) State Preservation Grants Program $1,000,000
Provides one million dollars ($1,000,000) in funding to cities, towns and nonprofit organizations to preserve, renovate and improve public and nonprofit historic sites, museums, and cultural art centers located in historic structures in the State of Rhode Island to be administered by the Rhode Island Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission.
