WaterFire Providence is established with the purpose of continuing the WaterFire sculpture installation and of fostering and promoting the creation, exhibition and performance of works of art by visual and performing artists, both in and out of the State of Rhode Island.

Description:
We provide an accessible artistic experience in downtown Providence that appeals to many different people and encourages citizens to interact with the city and each other. WaterFire centers on a series of 100 bonfires that blaze just above the surface of the three rivers that pass through the middle of downtown Providence. The string of fires illuminates nearly two-thirds of a mile of urban public spaces and parks, and residents and visitors gather to stroll along the river while listening to a memorable and eclectic selection of classical and world music that serves as a melodic accompaniment to the normal sounds of urban life. The fires are tended from sunset to past midnight by black-clad performers in boats who pass quietly before the flames. There are no admission charges to WaterFire.

WaterFire is an experience that surrounds viewers on all sides and impacts all five senses. The crackling flames, the fragrant scent of blazing cedar and pine, the flickering firelight on the arched bridges, the silhouettes of the firetenders floating by in their torch-lit vessels, and the extraordinary music from around the world engage all of the senses and evoke unique emotions from the many thousands who come to stroll along the river walks. WaterFire has captured the imagination of hundreds of thousands of people, transforming downtown Providence and enlivening the nights of the state's capital city.

History:
Barnaby Evans created First Fire in 1994 as a commission to celebrate the tenth anniversary of First Night Providence. In June 1996, Evans created Second Fire for the International Sculpture Conference where it became the gathering place for thousands of participants from all over the world. Ardent art supporters convinced Evans to create an on-going fire installation and started a grass-roots effort to establish WaterFire as a non-profit arts organization. With the support of hundreds of dedicated volunteers, generous donations from many individuals, contributions from corporate leaders and support from the City and State, WaterFire's flickering flames now regularly return to illuminate downtown Providence.

In 1997, WaterFire Providence expanded to 42 braziers, and attracted an estimated attendance of 350,000 people during thirteen lightings. Evans received the Renaissance Award from the City of Providence for his work as an artist and his role in revitalizing downtown Providence.

In response to growing attendance, WaterFire expanded in size to 81 braziers in 1998; and 97 braziers in 1999. The 1999 season culminated in a special WaterFire lighting for the December 31 millennium celebrations. WaterFire's 2000 season was our biggest so far -- more than thirty sponsors helped host 25 lightings during a season that ran from March to October.

Hundreds of volunteers have devoted many thousands of hours to create WaterFire for the enjoyment of the public. The broad support for WaterFire Providence and its power to attract millions of visitors are eloquent testimony to the power of public art and to its capacity to restore our urban and social landscape.

Contact person: Allison Montagnon, (401) 273-1155 , ext. 170, (email)
Office fax number: (401) 331-3624

Address:

101 Regent Avenue Providence, RI 02908 (See a map)

Directions:

Please call for directions   Nearest Bus Stop: #56 Bus (Chalkstone Avenue), 5 minute walk

Miscellaneous Information

Handicap accessible?
	No
Does your agency accept court-appointed volunteers?
	No