Arts & Culture
East Providence has a long history of local cultural activities unique to the City. East Providence is also experiencing vibrant growth in the local arts. One representative group, the East Providence Arts Council is made up of enthusiastic residents of the City working together to create a thriving Arts Community. Their basic goals include bringing vibrant art displays created by artists and members of the community to the City’s public spaces. The Council sponsors a yearly Arts Festival (the Looff) and various events throughout the year showcasing artists and bringing the community out to support them. The Art Council also works with local businesses who highlight live entertainment and provide art displays that work to promote their business and the various artists that they headline.
The City also has an Arts District, a legislative initiative adopted in July 2021 to spur economic development and increase tourism, all while fostering a creative community. The Arts District, located in the area shown in the map below, will transform underutilized space, stimulate activity, and promote vibrancy. Artists, writers, and composers residing in the Arts District are exempt from income tax from the sale of their work. Read more about the Arts District here.
Some of the City’s most prominent arts and cultural activities include:
