Skip to content

WaterFire Providence to be a Recipient of a New Attractions and Destinations Grant

WaterFire visitors are bathed in the warm glow of the fires. Photograph by Jen Bonin.

WaterFire Providence announces the receipt of the New Attractions and Destinations request for proposal (RFP) from the McKee Administration and The Rhode Island Commerce Corporation. This RFP funding will support the expansion of WaterFire exhibitions and events to drive tourism to Providence in the off-season and shoulder season.

“WaterFire Providence is excited to receive a New Attractions and Destinations grant from the RI Commerce Corporation,” said Peter A. Mello, Managing Director + coCEO. “Building upon our proven track record of organizing events downtown and at the WaterFire Arts Center that attract tourists from around the globe, we look forward to creating exciting new experiences for Rhode Islanders and visitors alike that will further strengthen Rhode Island’s reputation as a top tourism destination”.

WaterFire Providence is one of nine projects selected throughout the State of Rhode Island to receive federal funding provided by the U.S. Department of Commerce and Economic Development Administration. This funding was designated to specifically develop new attractions and recurring events around the Ocean State to drive tourism from November to April.

“Our cities and towns, regional tourism councils, and nonprofits are invaluable partners in our state’s tourism and destination marketing efforts,” said Liz Tanner, Secretary of Commerce. “These awards are an opportunity to turn great ideas into realities that bolster tourism, economic development, and a stronger sense of place for Rhode Island.”

Learn more about the Events and Attractions RFP »

About the author

+ posts by 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.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *