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A B O U T  U S

History

RI Citizens for the Arts was formed to address the need for a strong advocacy network and voice to ensure the viability of the arts in Rhode Island. Morphed out of a ‘Town Hall Meeting’ at Trinity Repertory Company in the late 90s, a group of concerned arts administrators and board members began to organize regular meetings. In 1999, the group formalized as RI Citizens for the Arts. Since then, RI CFA has been working actively to protect and advance funding and other benefits for the arts and creative community in Rhode Island. We’ve rallied at the State House, worked with legislative leaders, and acted as the voice of the creative community. And we continue to. RI CFA strives to understand and represent the needs of Rhode Island artists, designers and the creative sector; affect positive change for the sector through building coalition and organizing the voice of the community; and further, raise awareness and support among the community-at-large.

Mission

Serve as the voice for the diverse statewide arts community in order to further raise awareness and support for the arts in the public and private sector, for the benefit of all Rhode Islanders.

Goals

As an advocacy agent, RI CFA seeks to organize the creative industries in Rhode Island around specific goals of economic development, education and quality of place. By investing in and seeding this sector strategically and adaptively, Rhode Island will benefit greatly by retaining talent, expanding job opportunities, growing and attracting business of all sizes, and further cultivating its culturally rich heritage. Our goals are to: Build a vast and strong organization behind our policy initiatives Continue lobbying at the State House and with decision makers and community leaders Organize the creative community and stay on top of initiatives that affect the arts, design and creative sector Educate the public regarding the importance of the creative sector to Rhode Island – civically, culturally and economically

Board of Directors

Deborah Obalil Obalil and Associates President Rachel Tischler Trinity Rep Vice President Carrie Zaslow Rhode Island LISC Treasurer David Wax Arts Consultant Secretary Phil Capobres Fidelity Investments SENE Film, Music & Arts Festival Kate Champa Artist Suzanne Fortier RISD Museum Peter Lewiss Lewiss Law Associates Former State Representative Deming Sherman Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge Libby Slader Interior Designer, Morris Nathanson Designs

Contact Information

558 Mineral Spring Avenue Unit #304 Pawtucket, RI 02860 phone: 401-457-8312 e-mail: info@ri4arts.org Lisa Carnevale Executive Director lisa@ri4arts.org Join us on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter