R 250
2016 -- H 8244
Enacted 05/24/2016

H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N
COMMEMORATING THE EFFORTS OF THE NINE ORGANIZATIONS NAMED IN THE CREATIVE & CULTURAL ECONOMY BOND INITIATIVE ON MAY 24, 2016

Introduced By: Representatives Carson, Morin, Azzinaro, Blazejewski, and Malik
Date Introduced: May 24, 2016

     WHEREAS, In November of 2014, Rhode Island voters approved bond issues to fund a
"Creative and Cultural Economy Bond" initiative that provided $5 million for an historic
preservation grant program to be operated by the Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage
Commission and a $30 million arts and economy grant initiative to be operated by the Rhode
Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA); and
     WHEREAS, Of the $30 million cultural facilities bond, approximately $23.1 million
went to support capital projects and the remaining $6.9 million went to support capital
improvement, preservation and renovation projects for public and nonprofit artistic, performance
centers, historic sites, museums and cultural art centers located throughout the State of Rhode
Island; and
     WHEREAS, Nine significant arts and cultural organizations, located throughout the state,
received these grants, and in addition, the bond funded a competitive matching grant program for
other eligible arts facilities across the state; and
     WHEREAS, The nine organizations are the Trinity Repertory Company, the Rhode
Island Philharmonic, the Newport Performing Arts Center, the United Theater/Westerly Land
Trust, The Chorus of Westerly, The Stadium Theater Conservatory in Woonsocket, the 2nd Story
Theater, AS220, and Waterfire Providence; and
     WHEREAS, Together, these organizations account for nearly $200 million in annual
economic activity and more than 1,900 jobs in Rhode Island, and during the life of the bond, the
improvements made to these facilities will create 612 temporary jobs and 568 permanent jobs;
and
     WHEREAS, The arts and cultural sector creates jobs, stimulates tourism, and builds and
revitalizes our downtowns, neighborhoods and communities, and these nine organizations have
contributed significantly to both the state and local economy, brightening the quality of life for all
Rhode Islanders; now, therefore be it
     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and
Providence Plantations hereby recognizes the contributions made by our state's arts and cultural
sector and commemorating the efforts of the nine organizations named in the Creative & Cultural
Bond Initiative on May 24th, 2016; and be it further
     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to
transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Trinity Repertory Company, the Rhode
Island Philharmonic, the Newport Performing Arts Center, the United Theater/Westerly Land
Trust, The Chorus of Westerly, The Stadium Theater Conservatory in Woonsocket, the 2nd Story
Theater, AS220, and Waterfire Providence.
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LC005966
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