PROVIDENCE – In an attempt to establish a consistent artistic theme for the downtown and add a way-finding program for visitors to the capital city, The Providence Foundation has begun installing mapping kiosks that can also display event information.
The first two kiosks were installed last month,at the intersections of Fountain and Dorrance streets and Weybosset and Union streets.
The project, launched by the Downtown Improvement District, quickly gained the support of the Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors’ Bureau, The Providence Foundation’s Joelle Crane said yesterday.
“It’s the first map that anybody walking around the city will see,” she said. “And it’s also sort of functional art – they were designed by artists at The Steel Yard and by local artist Gillian Christy.”
This week, the Downtown Improvement District announced the kickoff of its second flower-hanging season. The $60,000 in sponsorship funds the program has attracted this year – nearly three times the $23,000 raised last year (READ MORE) – will bring 190 hanging flower baskets, 50 planters and five planting areas to the city this summer.
The Providence Foundation is a nonprofit business advocacy group established to bring private-sector expertise to the development of plans, policies and projects to encourage the creation of a more vibrant downtown. It is supported by 110 of the state’s leading companies. The Providence Downtown Improvement District was established in 2005 through a partnership between the city and the business community. To learn, visit www. ProvidenceDowntown.com.
