What a year it has been. I’ve seen artists light up our city streets, children in awe at their very first live performance, and communities come together in joy and discovery. These are the moments that remind me why FirstWorks exists.
With courageous artists and committed partners, we’ve created experiences that break down walls—celebrating diverse cultures, amplifying voices too often unheard, and showing that the arts are not just entertainment, but a force for connection and renewal. These “firsts” are what define us. And you make it possible. Every gift, every gesture of support, fuels this work— bringing world-class artists into Rhode Island classrooms, transforming plazas into stages, and giving thousands of students the chance to dream bigger.
As FirstWorks prepares for its next chapter, one thing is certain: there is so much more we need to do. With your continued generosity, FirstWorks will keep igniting those firsts, inspiring the next generation, and making Rhode Island a cultural powerhouse. From my heart—thank you for walking with us.
With gratitude,
Kathleen Pletcher, Executive Artistic Director
