RI
FirstWorks is a Providence-based nonprofit organization with a mission to enrich the social, educational, and economic fabric of Rhode Island by engaging diverse audiences with world-class performing arts experiences. Our cultural initiatives catalyze partnerships that foster equitable access to the arts.
FirstWorks was founded in 2004, as a unique public-private partnership with the newly formed Department of Art, Culture, and Tourism, in Providence, Rhode Island. We have grown to be the only First Night festival in the country operating as a year-round arts organization. We are a key partner in building Providence, RI as the “Creative Capital,” working across three mayoral administrations. We have forged collaborations with over 90 organizations to create new gateways to the arts across businesses, social services, schools, tourism, and government.
FirstWorks’ programming provides “firsts” to the community—artists’ first appearances in Rhode Island, children’s first experiences in arts learning, first theatre experiences for under-resourced audiences and new work presented for the first time. We engage Rhode Island audiences with some of the most significant creative forces of our time including Angelique Kidjo, Paul Taylor Dance Company, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Rosanne Cash, Phillip Glass, Yo-Yo Ma and Wynton Marsalis’ Jazz at Lincoln Center.
Central to our mission is FirstWorks Arts Education—a powerful arts-integrated learning program that has grown to reach over 2,000 students in public, private, and charter schools across Rhode Island. We provide transformative arts experiences through performance matinees, artist-led, in-school workshops, and curricula guides aligned to core standards. Our duo-language Virtual Learning Series which has earned over 25,000 views across students, educators, and families.
“FirstWorks brings to reality the multiculturalism we live in and the diversity of society in Rhode Island and across the US. Our community needs safe spaces that bring us together and allow us to make a better world" - Tomas Avila, Associate Director, RI Office of Diversity, Equity & Opportunity
Additional Content:
FirstWorks: Connecting Art with Audiences
FirstWorks (https://firstworks.org/) connects art with audiences year-round through arts presentation, arts learning and arts creation. We seek out, cultivate, and present a range of world-class regional, national, and international arts programming.
FirstWorks YouTube Channel: Subscribe for Updates and Featured Videos
Institution/Business Type:
Arts Service Organization
Legal Status:
Nonprofit - Independent
Year Founded:
2004
Institution/Business Type:
Arts Service Organization
Legal Status:
Nonprofit - Independent
Year Founded:
2004
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Multi-DisciplinaryAdditional Disciplines:
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