WATERFIRE ARTS CENTER

The WaterFire Arts Center is a 37,000 square-foot multi-use cultural hub housed in a historic 1929 industrial building in Providence's Olneyville/Valley neighborhood. Originally constructed for the US Rubber Company, the building was purchased and fully renovated by WaterFire Providence, opening in May 2017. The preserved industrial aesthetic features original steel beams and a 15,000-square-foot Main Hall with a vaulted ceiling and expansive windows, creating a cathedral-like atmosphere.

The Main Hall is a cathedral-like space featuring original 1929 steel and brick construction with high ceilings and truss access for lighting. It accommodates up to 1,200 guests for cocktail receptions, 1,000 for presentations, and 700 for plated dinners. A Roof Deck terrace provides outdoor options. Programming includes large-scale contemporary art exhibitions, performances by the Wilbury Theatre Group, and community events.

Artist Barnaby Evans created WaterFire's first iteration, "First Fire," in 1994 as a commission celebrating the tenth anniversary of First Night Providence, consisting of 11 braziers on steel tripods. In 1997, the Providence Journal cited it as "the most popular work of art created in the capital city's 371-year history." WaterFire purchased the historic Valley Street building in 2012 and completed its renovation in 2017, establishing their first permanent home.