East Prov group wins $30,000 to bring its arts & cultural traditions to the public

East Providence, RI – An East Providence organization is one of five nonprofits that will share $150,000 to increase their capacity to bring their arts and cultural traditions to the public.

The funding is through the Rhode Island Expansion Arts Program. A partnership between the Rhode Island Foundation, the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA) and the Rhode Island Council for the Humanities (RI Humanities), the program targets organizations whose programs and missions center on the cultural practices and traditions of Rhode Island’s diverse communities.

“We believe in the value of encouraging diverse voices. By recognizing and addressing the unique needs of organizations that celebrate a wide range of cultural traditions, we nourish the multiple customs and experiences that define and enrich our state’s cultural offerings,” said David N. Cicilline, president and CEO of the Foundation.

The Cultural Society of East Bay in East Providence received $30,000. The organization focuses on helping young Asian Americans find their ethnic identities through talks, discussion, retreats and conferences.

“We give them tools for finding and knowing themselves, and the relaxation techniques to use when they are stressed. The tools consist of multiple tests on their character, values and leadership styles and let these youths know who they are and learn how to combat prejudice and discrimination they encounter in their lives and daily walks. We are strengthening our next generation to lead in our community and to equip them with the tools necessary to succeed in an uncertain, politically charged era,” said Jeannie Salomon, the organization’s founder and director.

The organization plans to use the funding to expand its capacity in fundraising, marketing and technical knowledge, as well as to prepare its board to take on new projects such as opening a museum of Asian American history.

“The funding will help us to take steps to get there, although it will not be an overnight reach because this is a grand project. But the training and exchange among other peers within Expansion Arts will help us develop not only the resources, but the mental fortitude, to achieve our long-term vision. We have the passion, perseverance, patience and will to do the hard work to get there,” said Salomon.

The other recipients are the Andean Cultural Center of Rhode Island, the PVD World Music Institute, the RAÍCES Rhode Island Folk and Cultural Association and the Rhode Island Black Film Festival.

“On behalf of RISCA, we congratulate the five organizations that make up the 2023-2025 cohort. The Rhode Island Expansion Arts Program is the longest running program of its kind in the United States,” said RISCA’s Executive Director Lynne McCormack. “Together, with our partners, we have the privilege of investing in organizations and culture-bearers who share their histories and traditions, as they create an inclusive future and sense of belonging for all Rhode Islanders.”

In addition to the funding, the program provides opportunities for group learning, direct technical assistance and intercultural collaboration and tools and resources that can enhance the work of each organization.

“We have a stronger society because of the organizations that place cultural heritage at the center of communities. With our partners at the Rhode Island Foundation and the Arts Council, RI Humanities looks forward to working with and learning from these new participants in Expansion Arts,” said Elizabeth Francis, executive director of RI Humanities.

“The Rhode Island Expansion Arts Program provides multi-year, unrestricted funds to culturally specific organizations led by people of color, which results in financial sustainability and strong structural strategic growth,” said RISCA’s Arts and Cultural Sustainability Program Director Elena Calderón Patiño.

The Expansion Arts Program is offered every three years. Previous recipients include the Korean American Association of Rhode Island, Rhode Island Cape Verdean Heritage, the Columbian American Cultural Society, the India Association of Rhode Island, Sankofa Community Connection and the Laotian Community Center of Rhode Island. The Foundation expects to begin taking applications for the next round of funding in 2025.