WaterFire Providence announces a partnership between Innovation Studio Inc. and WaterFire Providence as an addition to WaterFire’s year-long professional development program for artists 18-30, Accelerate.
Accelerate cohort members will be able to utilize several of Innovation Studio’s programs during their 12-months with WaterFire, including one-on-one business consultations through their Entrepreneurship Navigation program and early acceptance into their startup programs Inspire, Create, and Share.
Innovation Studio Inc., is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to make innovation, entrepreneurship, and business ownership attainable through an empowering and inclusive network of free community spaces and result-oriented programs. Their Providence Innovation Center Biz Bodega located on Manton Avenue, specifically works in partnership with One Neighborhood Builders to improve the economic mobility of residents living in the 02908 and 02909 zip codes.
“We are honored to partner with WaterFire to impact the community of talented creatives by building an environment of collaboration and progress, fostering innovative ideas, and transforming them into successful businesses. This collaboration is an excellent example of bringing together the expertise within the creative industries and entrepreneurship of two well-known Rhode Island powerhouse organizations.”
Walther Morales Rios, Senior Director of Programs and Entrepreneurship
WaterFire Accelerate is a year-long professional development program for emerging artists under 30 that is specifically designed to provide access to resources that will further participants’ artistic careers. WaterFire Accelerate engages young artists in areas outside the traditional art school experience through a series of meetings, workshops, site visits, and discussions. Professionals in the field share their experiences and learnings in open discussions where topics involving best practices, self-representation, marketing, finance and taxes, and technology surrounding art are explored. Each cohort represents the Providence community and is diverse in both the makeup of participants and their chosen mediums.
“WaterFire Providence is committed to providing our Accelerate Artists with the resources they need to succeed in the competitive world of art and creativity. By working in partnership with Innovation Studio Inc., we hope to provide artists with access to the latest technology, business training, and networking opportunities to help them take their careers to the next level.”
Peter Mello, Managing Director + coCEO of WaterFire Providence
Learn more about the 2022-2023 WaterFire Accelerate cohort.
About the author
I've worked at WaterFire Providence since 2003. For the first 9 years of my career, I worked in the Production Shop learning all of the details that go into the physical production of the event. In 2012 transitioned to the role of managing WaterFire's social media and web presence. I now head up WaterFire Providence's digital projects including, web, social, databases, and our physical IT infrastructure.
