RI Citizens for the Arts

PARTICIPATE IN OUR

SIGN UP FOR

GET INVOLVED

FIND OUT MORE

ADVOCACY TOOLKIT

FACTS

National Study Shows $111.8 Million in Economic Activity and 2,759 Jobs Generated Annually in Providence Through Non-Profit Arts and Cultural Industry Providence is highlighted in Americans for the Arts' Arts and Economic Prosperity III report. See Mayor Cicilline's press release on the study and the results

JOIN RI Citizens for the Arts!

RI4arts is a non-profit arts advocacy organization working in Rhode Island for the benefit of all artists and arts organizations, as well as for the benefit of the community-at-large. RI4arts has lobbied successfully since 1999 for the State Arts Council's budget, securing increases to the budget for two consecutive years and maintaining legislative and financial support for the arts in Rhode Island. The organization works to organize, educate and understand the needs of the Rhode Island arts community, act as a voice for that community, and further raise awareness and support among the community-at-large. For more information on becoming a member, contact us at:

RI CITIZENS FOR THE ARTS
P.O. Box 603107
Providence, RI 02906
phone: 401-457-8312
e-mail: info@ri4arts.org or click here

Conversations with the Candidates for Governor

Candidate: Frank Caprio

Frank Caprio has been around. Through his experience in the General Assembly, and specifically on the Senate Finance Committee, he speaks comfortably about the government's funding for the arts through RI State Council on the Arts, and points to times when he introduced legislation and passed arts programs. Caprio listened intently during our presentation of the policy briefing, and began speaking with us by mentioning his daughter, a RISD graduate, while expressing this is an issue he "likes".

Though Caprio listened well and asked clarifying questions, he proved a man of little words. He offered brief comments in reaction to each of the specific policy initatives and questions we asked. On the topic of economic development for the creative sector, we talked about his plan to merge the RI EDC with another agency and create what he calls the "Small Business Advocate Office". He sees the arts falls into the goals of the office. "I want our government side of the desk to be customer service center for the businesses that we have." He explains that whether it be in one center and every department is represented there, or its done in a remote way, he is not yet sure what the best way to do this is. "But having someone focused on the small businesses and businesses that are in the arts matches up with my vision. [The arts] are a major part of our business community."

Caprio also has it stated in his policies that he would look to consolidate state departments and find efficiencies. He explained: "It's not about the size of the department, it's more about back end resources that can be consolidated, such as a finance or human resource function." So in terms of any thoughts regarding RI State Council on the Arts: "Unless they have their own dedicated finance person or other, it wouldn't really affect them."

On the topic of a creative economy council that would oversee the development of legislation and policies to improve the environment for the creative sector, he asked us to explain this concept in more detail. Afterwards, he agreed with a nod, saying he's open to this. "It's all about the people. If there are a group of people who want to continue moving the ball along, then yes, I would be open to that."

As we moved into the topic of RISCA's budget and our request for increase, Caprio asked for a snapshot on how the budget has fared over the last few years, knowing that every department has been taking cuts. We explained the small yet consistent cuts the department has faced and how they have added up significantly.

"The short version: every department has been asked to cut 15% [in their FY12 budget presentations]. I don't think we can restore every department that 15%," he stated. But, "if the goal is supporting things that produce a good multiplier, this is one of our strengths in this state." He discussed his feeling that those associated with this effort have a lot of credibility. "There is no question I would be supportive of the arts."

We touched on the arts education piece quickly, asking: would you prioritize arts education or spearhead discussions towards resolving the issue where arts are often cut. His answer: "Yes." Although he seemed to feel the mandates in core curriculum should resolve the issue. We explained the mandate for high school proficiency has been in place for some time, and failed to address the cuts. With this, he was open to further guidance in the area - which of course we assured him, we would be happy to comply should he be elected.

« back to 2010 election season


		About Us - Includes general info, advocacy goals, mission, and contact info.		Get Involved - Current issues, advocacy information and resources		Links - links to national and local sites		Calendar -what's happening