Rhode Island State Council on the Arts

Established in 1967, the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts is charged by the state legislature to stimulate public interest and participation in the arts, and to serve as the liaison to the state's arts community. Honoring its state mandate, RISCA expands arts and culture resources and supports public participation. We regularly assess the needs of the arts statewide; make recommendations to the Governor, General Assembly, and other stakeholders; provide opportunities in the arts to arts educators and organizations, schools and individual artists. In addition, we protect freedom of artistic expression and oversee three galleries across the state. **Mission** Through grantmaking, programming, convening, policy-building and education, the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts ensures that arts and culture will play an ever more significant part in the well-being and experience of all Rhode Island residents. **Vision** We envision a Rhode Island where arts and culture are valued as an essential part of life, and for their contribution to a thriving state. **Core Values** We believe in the transformative power of arts and culture. All Rhode Islanders benefit from creative expression and a culturally vibrant state. As the agency of state government charged with supporting arts and culture in Rhode Island, RISCA is committed to: - **Openness**: Being respectful, welcoming and inviting to all. - **Consistency**: Behaving intentionally, in a knowledgeable, responsive, engaged, respectful and transparent manner. - **Dedication**: Developing authentic relationships, as a team and with others, built on our passion, humor, kindness and optimism. - **Through grantmaking, programming, and services, RISCA promotes**: - **Equity and Access**: Ensuring the identification and removal of barriers in all contexts, including cultural opportunities, resources and RISCA support for diverse communities throughout Rhode Island. - **Collaboration**: Creating networks of mutual support among individuals, organizations and RISCA to strengthen communities. - **Economic Value**: Honoring the time, skills, talents and excellence of artists and arts administrators through fair compensation. - **Collective Responsibility**: Supporting culturally relevant and responsive art to ensure the health and well-being of the arts and cultural ecosystem, beginning with arts education. - **Artistic Expression**: Protecting freedom of artistic expression in Rhode Island. - **Leadership Development**: Fostering diverse arts and cultural leaders in, from and for Rhode Island.