To upgrade community life by means of the arts.
It has long been recognized by members of the
Northern Rhode Island Council of the Arts that one of the better
ways of bonding individuals together is by the means of art-related
activities. Our organization has always been aware, that while drawing
on the better qualities of a culture the arts assist in the dispelling
of bias and bigotry. These activities assist in allowing for mankind's
positive nature – his innate ability to create – to
radiate. Our organization believes that time is of the essence for
individuals to recognize the essential role the arts have in the
dispelling of violence and negativity within society and the individual.
The arts are one of the only means to curtail violence, and tear
down barriers that are based on age ability, gender or national origin.
We acknowledge that the "arts" can no longer be
viewed as a mere luxury in which individuals pretend paying homage
to – because
it is the "in vogue" thing to do. Therefore, as an organization,
we naturally applaud efforts and openly endorse any policies on such
matters or issues. Obviously, our group invites any activity that
expands this form of dialogue.
NRICA is a 501 C-3 tax-exempt non-profit corporation. We
primarily function as an umbrella association for both performing
and visual activities. Though we have no paid staff, our approximate
eighty volunteers, share common interests and values that have kept
our organization together since 1972. Our organization showcases
over thirty-five local, national and international artists annually.
Every major arts activity within Northern Rhode Island can be directly
or indirectly traced to NRICA. Though not the flashiest organization,
over the years NRICA has quietly progressed. Years ago, we would
hear politicians and business leaders state, "What do you want?" That
has changed to, "How
can we help you?"
Past events include but not limited to: The Mayor's Talent Show,
the Children's Reach Out Arts and Cultural Series, Fiesta in the
Park, Showcasing of numerous local talent and national tours, The
Harvest Heritage Concert, The Multi Culture Fair, Save the Woonsocket
Opera House, The Stadium Theatre Project, The French Farmers' Market
and Heritage Day, Marketeers' Reception, Polish Pumpkin Fest, Mayoral
Summer Series, the River Island Gazebo, Mardi Gras, Settler's Day,
the Cesare Ferrari Scholarship Fund, and now our charter school for
Arts and Business - BEACON.
Over
the years, NRICA has assisted or been given assistance by many such
as: The Greater Woonsocket Historical Society, The Rhode Island State
Council of the Arts, The New England Foundation for the Arts, The
Rhode Island Foundation, The Woonsocket Lions, Main Street 2000,
The City of Woonsocket, The Town of Lincoln, The City of Pawtucket,
Union St. Jean Baptiste, The Franco-American Commission, The Quota
Club, Woonsocket Elks Club, Woonsocket's American Federated Teachers – Local
951, Blackstone Valley Tourism, Blackstone National Corridor, National
Endowment for the Arts, Fleet Bank, Citizens Bank, Credit Union Central
Falls, Park Square Credit Union, Marquette Credit Union, Manville
Sportsmen's Club, Woonsocket Jaycees, WOON, WNRI, The Call, The Valley
Breeze, The Providence Journal, The Pawtucket Times, Autumfest Comm., the
Arc, Travel with Terry, Conway Tours Woonsocket's Museum of Work and Culture,
Pillsbury House, Material Sand and Gravel, Deli Encounters, Wal-Mart, Save
Rite, R.I. Arts and Tourism Commission, Soucy Insurance, Amica, CVS, Park
Square Florist, Woonsocket Motor Inn, Holiday Express, and a host of other
businesses, politicians, friends and families all coming together for the
common good.