|
WaterFire Providence is an independent, non-profit
arts organization whose mission is to inspire Providence and its
visitors by revitalizing the urban experience, fostering community
engagement and creatively transforming the city by presenting WaterFire
for all to enjoy.
This award-winning sculpture by Barnaby Evans installed on the three
rivers of downtown Providence, has been praised by Rhode Island
residents and international visitors alike as a powerful work of art and
a moving symbol of Providence’s renaissance. WaterFire’s over eighty
sparkling bonfires, the fragrant scent of aromatic wood smoke, the
flickering firelight on the arched bridges, the silhouettes of the
firetenders passing by the flames, the torch-lit vessels traveling down
the river, and the enchanting music from around the world engage all the
senses and emotions of those who stroll the paths of Waterplace Park.
WaterFire has captured the imagination of over ten million visitors,
bringing life to downtown, and revitalizing Rhode Island’s capital city.
|
|
 |
|
Cited by the [Providence Journal] in 1997 as “the most popular work of
art created in the capital city’s 371-year history” and by Friedrich St.
Florian as the "crown jewel of the Providence renaissance," WaterFire
continues to grow and gain in popularity. Barnaby Evans created First
Fire in 1994 as a commission to celebrate the tenth anniversary of First
Night Providence. In June 1996, Evans created Second Fire for the
International Sculpture Conference where it became the gathering place
for thousands of participants from all over the world. Ardent art
supporters convinced Evans to create an on-going fire installation and
started a grass-roots effort to establish WaterFire as a non-profit arts
organization. With the support of hundreds of dedicated volunteers, a
hard working staff, generous donations from visitors, contributions from
corporate leaders, and support from the City and State, WaterFire’s
bright flames now regularly return to illuminate downtown Providence.
|
|
 |
|
In 1997, WaterFire Providence expanded to 42 braziers, and attracted an
estimated attendance of 350,000 people during thirteen lightings. Evans
received the Renaissance Award from the City of Providence for his work
as an artist and his role in revitalizing downtown Providence.
In response to growing attendance, WaterFire expanded in size to 81
braziers in 1998; and 97 braziers in 1999. The 1999 season culminated
with 100 bonfires in a special WaterFire lighting for the December 31
millennium celebrations. With WaterFire’s 2000 season more than thirty
sponsors helped host 25 lightings during a season that ran from March to
October. WaterFire celebrated its 200th lighting in August, 2006.
|
|
 |
|
Hundreds of volunteers devote thousands of hours and join with the
fulltime staff to create WaterFire for your enjoyment. The power of
WaterFire Providence to attract millions of visitors is eloquent
testimony to the importance of public art and its capacity to restore
our urban and social landscape. |
|
|
|
WaterFire needs your support to keep the flames burning. WaterFire is an
independent non-profit arts organization and we need your contributions
to present the event and cover our expenses. Please give what you can
and give your donation to the volunteers at any of the stands in the
park marked by the blue columns. Donations are also welcomed online.
|