On November 4th, Rhode Island voters approved 35 million for the arts.
The proposition gives funding to local theaters and historical venues to be used for infrastructure of their buildings, preserving arts in the Ocean State.
The 2nd Story Theater in Warren will benefit greatly from this funding. According to the Executive Director of 2nd Story, Lynn Collinson, the Theatre is slated to receive a little over a million.
Collinson notes the theatre will be utilizing the money for some capital projects in 2nd Story- a building that turned 100 this year.
The $35 million Rhode Island has borrowed for the arts hope to pump jobs into a crippled economy. Rhode Island’s unemployment rate remains a staggering 7.7%, one of the highest in the nation.
Eli Dunn, the owner of Eli’s Restaurant in Warren said, “The mood is hopeful. I’m happy to support the arts- food is an art. I know that every time the theatre has a show, we have more business.”
Throughout the years, the arts in Rhode Island have grown. The state boasts small theatres, museums and galleries. The addition of WaterFire has drawn a global audience. With 35 million, there’s no telling what’s next for the Ocean State.
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