A year-long professional development program for young artists under 30
WaterFire Accelerate is a year-long professional development program that empowers artists under 30 to take the next step in their creative careers. Each year, a cohort of 5-6 artists from diverse backgrounds and disciplines are selected to participate, reflecting the vibrancy of Providence’s creative community.
The program bridges the gap between education and professional practice by offering hands-on experiences that go beyond the traditional art school setting. Through a mix of workshops, studio visits, and conversations with working artists as well as creative and business professionals, participants gain practical, real-world knowledge. Topics include self-representation, marketing, finance and taxes, and the technologies shaping today’s arts and culture world.
WaterFire Accelerate artists receive a stipend to support the creation of new work, along with valuable opportunities to share and sell their art. Throughout the year, participants showcase their work at downtown WaterFire lightings and at the WaterFire Arts Center (WFAC), culminating in a professionally produced group exhibition in the WFAC gallery. By the completion of the program, artists leave with new skills, a stronger network, and increased visibility.
Applications are OPEN for the 2027 WaterFire Accelerate Cohort:
Current Cohort Members:
The fifth cohort includes six prolific artists: Aja Delgado, Pamela Fernández, Liam Fifer, Yasmine Hassan, Amelia Rozear, and Rachel Turner; spanning a variety of mediums, from illustration and film photography to mixed media and printmaking.
ON VIEW NOW:
Lost & Found is the culminating exhibition of the 2026 WaterFire Accelerate cohort, exploring themes of identity, memory, belonging, and the experience of finding and losing one’s way.
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.
Anyone interested in donating or supporting WaterFire Accelerate should contact Sergio Maciel, Programs and Design Coordinator at: sergio@waterfire.org or (401) 443-5555.
