The WaterFire Arts Center occupies a former industrial building that once served the U.S. Rubber Company. It has been transformed into the first permanent home of WaterFire Providence, offering a 37,000 sq ft multi‑purpose venue featuring a 15,000 sq ft Main Hall with soaring 40‑ft ceilings, expansive windows, and preserved industrial details like steel beams, historic wood roof panels, and exposed bricks. The center hosts rotating exhibitions, performances, community events, and features a flexible Gallery and a Roof Deck, making it both a cultural hub and a social‑enterprise platform that sustains the nonprofit’s mission.
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Day One is stacked. Downtown comes alive on December 4 with free fun, local makers, live music, art, workshops, and holiday magic around every corner. From ice skating at The Providence Rink to carolers on Westminster, the season officially starts here. See you in the parks.
@pvdmayor @providencetourism @providenceact @firstworksri @pneuhaus @pvdcitycouncil @indowncitypvd @avenuepvd @goprovidence @waterfireprov
David Cicilline has always led with inclusion at the heart of everything he does. As the first openly gay mayor of a U.S. state capital, he showed that leadership is strongest when everyone belongs. Whether at neighborhood meetings, school events, or community celebrations, he listened, showed up, and made sure every voice was heard.
As a U.S. Representative, he championed the Equality Act and fought to ensure equality, justice, and opportunity for all. He reminds us that when leadership includes everyone, communities thrive.
He is the only living person featured on our You Belong Here wayfinding banners, honoring his lifelong commitment to making Providence and our country more inclusive, compassionate, and hopeful.
#DavidCicilline #ProvidenceHistory #YouBelongHere
This Thanksgiving, we’re feeling extra thankful for the people who make Downtown Providence amazing — the visitors, artists, musicians, makers, and our neighbors who bring our parks to life every day. 💛
Happy Thanksgiving from the DPPN team!
#ProvidenceParks #DowntownProvidence #Thanksgiving #CommunityFirst #PVDThingsToDo
Getting into the holiday spirit ✨🎁
The PVD Holiday Festival is happening December 4–7 — cozy vibes, local makers, and all the seasonal magic downtown. See you there! ❄️❤️
#PVDHolidayFestival #DowntownPVD #ProvidenceRI #HolidaySeason #HolidayEvents RhodeIslandEvents PVDHolidayMagic
Edward Mitchell Bannister and Christiana Carteaux Bannister built one of the most influential artistic partnerships in Providence history—one grounded in creativity, courage, and shared purpose.
In 1850s Boston, Edward dreamed of becoming an artist while working in Christiana’s successful salon. As a Black painter, the barriers were steep, but Christiana’s business expertise, financial support, and belief in his talent helped make his artistic career possible.
After their marriage, Christiana’s salons became powerful gathering places for abolitionists, artists, and community leaders. She advised Edward on his work, connected him with patrons, and helped him enter spaces that were often closed to Black artists.
When they moved to Providence in 1869, Edward’s career flourished. His painting Under the Oaks won first prize at the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition—a victory challenged when judges learned he was Black, but ultimately upheld thanks to fellow artists who insisted on fairness.
Today, Edward’s statue in Market Square symbolizes his legacy, but Christiana’s influence is inseparable from his success. Together, they remind us how partnership, resilience, and love can shape art—and history—for generations.
#EdwardBannister #ChristianaCarteauxBannister
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30 Exchange Terrace
Providence, RI 02903