PROVIDENCE – The nonprofit arts organization FirstWorks was awarded a $270,000 multiyear grant from the Rhode Island Foundation, FirstWorks announced Wednesday.
The funds will support a three-year strategic plan to expand the organization’s capacity to deliver live arts programming and educational opportunities to Rhode Island audiences.
“FirstWorks has demonstrated that it can harness the power of the arts to meaningfully impact our community. By supporting its work developing new initiatives and building partnerships, we can enhance the arts in our schools as well as boost the arts and culture sector of Rhode Island’s economy,” said Jenny Pereira, the foundation’s vice president of grant programs, in a statement.
The plan includes the development of new partnerships, the improvement of managerial systems, a refinement of organizational and program models, as well as technology onboarding. The shifts will be designed to strengthen its model of main-stage performances as a centerpiece to larger audience engagement.
“As FirstWorks approaches its 15th anniversary, this strong endorsement of our strategic plan by the Rhode Island Foundation will help us grow and build our national reputation for connecting art with audiences,” said Kathleen Pletcher, FirstWorks founder and executive artistic director. “Our objective is to become the cultural nexus for a state that celebrates the arts as essential to its success.”
