Connecting Art with Audiences

FirstWorks’ mission is to enrich Rhode Island’s cultural, educational, and economic vitality by engaging diverse audiences with world-class performing arts and education.

Connecting Art with Audiences

FirstWorks’ mission is to enrich Rhode Island’s cultural, educational, and economic vitality by engaging diverse audiences with world-class performing arts and education.

As we approach our 20th anniversary, we provide access and experiences to all audiences as we lift our community by…

LEADING change within the arts to amplify diverse voices and celebrate differences

STRENGTHENING Rhode Island’s cultural fabric, helping artists and educators take the stage

ENGAGING artists, audiences, and students to foster participation and learning

BUILDING a community that empowers youth as active creators, learners, and future leaders

experience

Experience the Arts Wherever You Are

Expect artistic excellence. Be uplifted by world-class artists, immersive experiences, and astounding performances on our live and virtual stages. Providing artistic “Firsts” to our community while supporting the arts and the artists, we inspire new collaborations, create true partnerships, and offer in-depth learning opportunities. Learn more about what you can experience through FirstWorks.

A group of Black male dancers dressed in black dancing facing the viewer in three quarter profile with their faces in shadow
A young male dancer doing a flip in midair while a DJ spins records behind him

Rennie Harris Presents Rome & Jewels

A story of love, fear, violence and triumph, Rome & Jewels challenges preconceived notions of Shakespeare with a hip-hop journey through the streets of Philadelphia.

Learn more

Learn

EXPERIENCE

Experience the Arts Wherever You Are

Expect artistic excellence. Be uplifted by world-class artists, immersive experiences, and astounding performances on our live and virtual stages. Providing artistic “Firsts” to our community while supporting the arts and the artists, we inspire new collaborations, create true partnerships, and offer in-depth learning opportunities. Learn more about what you can experience through FirstWorks. 

Rennie Harris Presents Rome & Jewels

A group of Black male dancers dressed in black dancing facing the viewer in three quarter profile with their faces in shadow

A story of love, fear, violence and triumph, Rome & Jewels challenges preconceived notions of Shakespeare with a hip-hop journey through the streets of Philadelphia.

Learn more

 

LEARN

Teaching All Kids to Dream with their Eyes Wide Open

Students need art to thrive. Engaging thousands of students and teachers each year, we empower creativity and ignite learning by providing an accessible platform for arts education across Rhode Island schools. Our program also offers professional development and lesson plans geared to integrating arts into the classroom, supporting all teachers who are enriching students’ lives.

Teaching All Kids to Dream with their Eyes Wide Open

Students need art to thrive. Engaging thousands of students and teachers each year, we empower creativity and ignite learning by providing an accessible platform for arts education across Rhode Island schools. Our program also offers professional development and lesson plans geared to integrating arts into the classroom, supporting all teachers who are enriching students’ lives.

support

YOU can Help lift Rhode Island through culture, creativity, and community

Be part of making the arts available to all. We can only continue to ignite creativity, break down barriers, and connect outstanding world-class artists to Rhode Island with your support. Your partnership will allow performers to take the stage, audiences to experience art, and lives to be enriched.

SUPPORT

YOU can Help lift Rhode Island through culture, creativity, and community

Be part of making the arts available to all. We can only continue to ignite creativity, break down barriers, and connect outstanding world-class artists to Rhode Island with your support. Your partnership will allow performers to take the stage, audiences to experience art, and lives to be enriched.

Audience-member-with-Taylor-Mac-on-stage

“We are so lucky to have such beautifully curated and soul soaring programming from FirstWorks that leaves us anxious for more.”

– Henrietta White-Holder, Higher Ground International

news

Hip-hop spin on Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet to open FirstWorks’ 20th anniversary season

Read more