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ArtLab@WaterFire

Fellows with Governor Dan Mckee
2023 ArtLab@WaterFire Fellows with Governor Dan McKee at the 2023 Strike the Match WaterFire lighting. Photograph by Caitlin McDonough.

ArtLab@WaterFire is a year-long, paid internship and mentorship program for BIPOC male high school students to develop professional skills in the arts and culture industry. Led by Program Coordinator, Grechel Rosado and Peter Mello, Managing Director + coCEO, the program officially launched in January of 2023 in partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of Providence.

The 5 ArtLab@WaterFire Fellows chosen for the pilot program are Anthony Cordova, Jose Gutierrez, Derick Lemon, Vladimir Rodriguez, and Calvin Sangster Jr. All 5 fellows are students at Dr. Jorge Alvarez High School. 

The current cohort of ArtLab Fellows are participating in a pilot program that will end in September, with a new cohort being onboarded in the Fall of 2023 to be completed in the Fall of 2024. During the internship program, Fellows will be working at the WaterFire Arts Center gaining experience installing and uninstalling exhibitions, working as gallery docents, gaining retail and merchandise experience, as well as participating in the WaterFire event downtown. Each student will also be exposed to a range of different subjects through workshops, field trips, and activities like financial literacy and how to apply for student aid for college. In the coming months, WaterFire is recruiting BIPOC community leaders in Rhode Island to serve as mentors to each ArtLab fellow.

Come stop by the WaterFire Arts Center today, Thursday August 3rd, 2023. For Troop Top! Stop by grab a drink, listen to some music, and enjoy amazing art work, as well as a live performance. 🫶🏽🐝☀️🎶 ALSOOO come check out this amazing exhibit! but be sure to hurry quick since this exhibit closes on August 17th!!!

Come stop by the WaterFire Arts Center today, Thursday August 3rd, 2023. For Troop Top! Stop by grab a drink, listen to some music, and enjoy amazing art work, as well as a live performance. 🫶🏽🐝☀️🎶 ALSOOO come check out this amazing exhibit! but be sure to hurry quick since this exhibit closes on August 17th!!!