Question 5 on R.I. ballot is 'unprecedented opportunity' to support the arts

Oct. 30--When Rhode Islanders go to the polls Tuesday, they will have a rare chance to help some of the state's top arts and cultural organizations help themselves.

Question 5, also known as the Creative and Cultural Economy Bond, would authorize the state to borrow up to $35 million to support arts groups across Rhode Island. But, in a move that would effectively double the state's investment, none of the money would be paid out until the groups had raised an equal amount on their own.

Moreover, much of the money would go to capital improvements, such as new roofs, upgraded heating and cooling systems, and improved access for people with disabilities. Backers of the bond issue say it would put Rhode Islanders to work as well as helping arts organizations cope with problems that often defy traditional fundraising efforts.

"For many arts groups, this is literally an unprecedented opportunity," says Randall Rosenbaum, executive director of the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts.

"Traditionally, arts groups spend almost every penny they raise on programming, whether it's putting on a new play, performing a new piece of music or something similar. What Question 5 does is give them a chance to invest in basic nuts-and-bolts projects -- things like fixing a leaky roof or installing a new boiler."

Rosenbaum also says the bond issue has been designed to provide maximum economic benefit to communities. For example, the bulk of the money -- about $23 million -- would be shared by nine arts and cultural groups, including "WaterFire" and Trinity Repertory Company in Providence, the Stadium Theatre in Woonsocket, 2nd Story Theatre in Warren, and the Chorus of Westerly.

The other groups are AS220, a multi-use arts center in Providence; the United Theatre, a historical theater in downtown Westerly; the Newport Performing Arts Center, a community arts center planned for the former Newport Opera House; and the Rhode Island Philharmonic, which performs in Providence but maintains offices and a music school in East Providence.

Rosenbaum says the nine groups were chosen both for their current or potential economic impact and for their history of community involvement.

"These are all very well-established organizations," he says.

The remaining money would be split among smaller nonprofits. The largest amount, about $7 million, would be earmarked for small- to mid-size arts groups, again for capital improvements such as new seats and handicapped access. Another $5 million would be used for preservation-related projects, including repairs to historical buildings owned or leased by nonprofit groups.

Besides having a direct economic impact, Rosenbaum and other supporters say Question 5 would end up paying back Rhode Islanders many times over.

Among other things, they point to a 2011 study by the New England Foundation for the Arts that found that arts and cultural groups already play a major role in the state's economy, generating nearly $325 million in annual spending and accounting for more than 5,000 full- and part-time jobs.

The same study also found that Rhode Island had the highest percentage of arts-related jobs of any New England state.

By providing funding for much-needed repair and renovation projects, advocates say Question 5 would allow arts groups to do what they do best: make art, entertain audiences and offer education and outreach programs. That, in turn, would boost arts-related tourism and help efforts to brand Rhode Island as a "State of the Arts."

"Basically, it's a win-win proposition for both the voters and the arts organizations," says R.I. Philharmonic executive director David J. Beauchesne.

To help make their case, arts groups have created a website -- yeson5ri.com -- that includes information about how the money would be used and why it's needed. It also lists many of the businesses and organizations that are backing the measure, including the Rhode Island Building and Construction Trades Council, Grow Smart RI, the Providence-Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Rotary Club of Woonsocket.

Asked why his organization is supporting the measure, Grow Smart RI executive director Scott Wolf says that arts groups aren't the only ones who stand to benefit.

"The bottom line is that this is as much about building communities as it is about helping the arts," he says. "Yes, it's targeted at arts groups. But because of the way it's structured, the bond also functions as a very effective community revitalization initiative. And we think that's a great thing."

Coming Friday: Question 6 -- Mass transit bond.

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