art n. human creativity
culture n. the totality of socially transmitted behavior, pattern, arts, beliefs, institutions,
and all other products of human work and thought.
- Art and culture are everything we do and everywhere we are.
- Art and culture are inalienable human rights essential to our survival.
We are members, friends, and supporters of Providence’s arts and cultural communities. We share certain steadfast beliefs—that art and culture speak a common language and bring all people together, that art and culture are vital for the health and well-being of all children, women, and men, and moreover, that art and culture ensure quality of place for the City of Providence, its residents and visitors.
- We believe art and culture are fundamental to the social, economic, and spiritual welfare of individuals and communities.
- We believe art and culture are central to the daily life and work of a free and diverse people.
- We believe art and culture help us understand our world and our place in it.
- We believe art and culture engage our children’s minds, inspiring imagination, empowering them to dream.
- We believe art and culture are critical to our shared experience, to the future of the city we love, and the children we cherish.
Providence is a great city, and as such should support the creative community that makes our city’s art and culture second to none. Therefore, We Demand:
- That art and culture receive the same attention and allocation of resources as economic development, education, public safety, and all other vital municipal issues.
- An Office of Arts and Cultural Resources—a municipal department overseen by a Citizen’s Advisory Board, offering free, one-stop help to anyone for anything involving art and/or culture.
- Art in City Hall—a revolving exhibit of Providence artists, opening Providence City Hall for Gallery Night.
- Artists-in-residence in all Providence schools.
- Enforcement of 1% for Art in all new municipal construction or
renovation projects.
- That all of our arts and cultural institutions be identified in all of the City’s marketing and promotional efforts.
- A municipal policy supporting freedom of speech and expression.
- An annual congress or convention of Providence artists, cultural workers, humanists, and the entire creative community.
This manifesto is the product of many minds sharing common beliefs and an abiding faith in the power of art and culture. We invite your comments, questions, suggestions—your beliefs.
