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.

Now in our 21st year, we provide arts access and experiences to all audiences by…

AMPLIFYING diverse voices and celebrating differences

STRENGTHENING Rhode Island’s cultural fabric

ENGAGING artists, audiences, and students

EMPOWERING youth as creators, learners, and leaders

experience

Experience Artistic Excellence

Be uplifted by world-class artists, immersive experiences, and astounding performances on our live and virtual stages.

A Black woman with long braids and wearing a loose bright red sweater sings into a microphone while facing her band on a stage. Behind her is an auditorium full of students
A Black woman with long braids and wearing a loose bright red sweater sings into a microphone with her face pointed up towards the ceiling. A pink and white FirstWorks logo banner is behind her

Nomfusi Performs for 500 Students

South African vocalist Nomfusi rose like a phoenix from the ice and snow to engage local students with her music and powerful energy! 500 students from Classical, Mount Pleasant, The MET and Central High Schools attended this FirstWorks educational matinee at Classical High School. A morning of Motown, Soul, youth energy and hope for the future!
📷 Larren Witter

Learn

EXPERIENCE

Experience Artistic Excellence

Be uplifted by world-class artists, immersive experiences, and astounding performances on our live and virtual stages.

Nomfusi Performs for 500 Students

A Black woman with long braids and wearing a loose bright red sweater sings into a microphone with her face pointed up towards the ceiling. A pink and white FirstWorks logo banner is behind her
South African vocalist Nomfusi rose like a phoenix from the ice and snow to engage local students with her music and powerful energy! 500 students from Classical, Mount Pleasant, The MET and Central High Schools attended this FirstWorks educational matinee at Classical High School. A morning of Motown, Soul, youth energy and hope for the future!
📷 Larren Witter

LEARN

We’re Teaching Kids to Dream with Their Eyes Wide Open

Youth need art to thrive. Engaging thousands of Rhode Island students and their teachers each year, we ignite creative learning by providing schools access to teaching artists, performances and an online platform for arts education. Our education program also offers professional development and lesson plans geared towards integrating the arts into classrooms.

We’re Teaching Kids to Dream with Their Eyes Wide Open

Youth need art to thrive. Engaging thousands of Rhode Island students and their teachers each year, we ignite creative learning by providing schools access to teaching artists, performances and an online platform for arts education. Our education program also offers professional development and lesson plans geared towards integrating the arts into classrooms.

support

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 audiences and schools with your support.

SUPPORT

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 audiences and schools with your support.

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

Find out how we’re connecting art with audiences

Read our 2024-25 Annual Report