Are you an emerging artist ready to take the next step in your creative journey? WaterFire Providence is now accepting applications for the 2025–2026 WaterFire Accelerate cohort, a year-long professional development program designed to empower artists under 30.
Each year, a cohort of 5–6 artists from diverse disciplines is selected to participate, reflecting the vibrancy of Providence’s creative community. Over the course of the program, participants gain practical, real-world knowledge through workshops, studio visits, and conversations with working artists as well as creative and business professionals. Topics include self-representation, marketing, finance and taxes, and the technologies shaping today’s arts and culture world.
As a WaterFire Accelerate artist, you’ll receive a stipend to create new work and opportunities to share it from downtown WaterFire lightings to the WaterFire Arts Center (WFAC) gallery. The program wraps up with a professionally produced group exhibition at the WFAC gallery, giving you the chance to connect with hundreds of visitors and potential collectors.
This is your moment to grow your practice, build your network, and showcase your art to the community. Apply today.
Applications Open: September 19, 2025
**Deadline Extended**: October 20th, 2025 at 11:00 PM EST
Have questions? Reach out to:
- Laura Duclos, Director of Creative Services – laura@waterfire.org | (401) 443-5551
- Kya Daniels, Arts Management Intern – kya.daniels@waterfire.org
Learn more about the WaterFire Accelerate Program >>
This workforce product was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA). The product was created by the recipient and does not necessarily reflect the official position of DOL/ETA. DOL/ETA makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it.
The total cost of this project is $305,000. $250,000 (82%) is funded through a U.S. Department of Labor – Employment and Training Administration grant. The other $55,000 is funded through non-Federal resources.
About the author
Caitlin McDonough, Brand Strategy Coordinator, has been a force at WaterFire since starting over four years ago. Being a life-long Rhode Islander has shaped her view on all things Providence and the growth of the arts community which brought her to WaterFire. Focusing on social media, videography, marketing and merchandise - her expertise in these areas has helped strengthened WaterFire's voice and brand across platforms.
