STEVE DURKEE, senior associate for Providence-based real estate development firm Cornish Associates, was presented with the David Wax Award for Outstanding Commitment to the Arts from The Gamm Theatre during the nonprofit’s annual fundraiser at the Rhodes on the Pawtuxet on April 1. The award is presented to an individual who has made “remarkable contributions” to the arts in Rhode Island, according to The Gamm. He also previously served on the board of directors for Providence-based arts nonprofit AS220.
You have worn many hats in public service. What inspired you to give back to the community? It’s always felt like it was something that was important to do. As an architect, I was able to work with and help a lot of artists and groups who were looking for their own buildings. There was a time where that was really going on all over Rhode Island, Providence especially, and it’s still happening, I think. I lived on the West Side and had a real interest in Providence, and especially downtown. It was just good timing that I started working here in the early days of the city’s revitalization. I’ve been working on the downtown in one way or another for 25 years and feel like it’s come so far and is doing really well. There is still much to do and figure out, but there are great days ahead. I’ve really enjoyed the civic engagement for all these years.
You also helped the arts community between The Gamm and your time on the AS220 board. Why are the arts important to you? I grew up in the family of an artist and the arts were a part of life. I came to Providence to go to Rhode Island School of Design, and my relationship to AS220 started early in my time in Providence. There were so many artists involved there that I’ve now known for years. There’s outstanding art of all kinds happening in Rhode Island. It would be great if there was more live music, but the work happening here is really great.
In what ways have you specifically helped The Gamm with its programs? I started helping The Gamm look at the Pawtucket Armory and how they would fit in there. It was a tough space to meet the needs of a theater. I had been a subscriber for many years and was so happy to help them grow. The move to the theater building in Warwick, which was previously the home of the Ocean State Theater Company, has been amazing. They made a comfortable and great, flexible theater space there, and good food nearby.
What else do you hope to help The Gamm with? I meet with Oliver Dow, the managing director, a few times a year to see what we can do. I really like the folks at The Gamm, and we are talking about amenities for the new building. It’s a great opportunity for the theater and the community.
