WaterFire

WaterFire. WaterFire is a recurring public art installation and community event centered in the downtown waterways of Providence, Rhode Island. Created by artist Barnaby Evans, the event involves the lighting of over 80 bonfires in braziers anchored along the rivers of the Providence River and Woonasquatucket River, accompanied by an eclectic schedule of music. Since its inception, it has become a signature cultural event for the city, drawing millions of visitors and significantly influencing the urban revitalization of the Capital Center district and the city's national profile.

Overview

WaterFire is a large-scale, multi-sensory artwork that transforms the urban waterfront of Providence, Rhode Island into a ceremonial space. The installation is presented by the non-profit organization WaterFire Providence and typically occurs on select evenings from spring through fall, with the fires lit at sunset. The experience integrates elements of Installation art, Performance art, and Community engagement, creating a distinctive atmosphere that blends the natural elements of fire and water with curated auditory landscapes. The event is free and open to the public, fostering a shared civic experience that has been credited with enhancing the city's cultural identity and economic vitality in the post-industrial era.

History and development

The concept originated in 1994 when Barnaby Evans created "First Fire" for the International Sculpture Conference held in Providence. This initial installation of 11 fires on the Providence River was so well-received that it led to a commission for the 1996 convergence of community celebrations, including the 10th anniversary of RISD's (Rhode Island School of Design) return to Providence and the city's 350th anniversary. This expanded event, termed "Second Fire" and then "WaterFire," established the model for the ongoing installation. Its growth paralleled and actively contributed to the dramatic urban renewal project known as the Providence River Relocation, which uncovered the city's historic rivers. Key support has come from partnerships with the City of Providence, the State of Rhode Island, and numerous corporate and philanthropic donors, including the FleetBoston Financial Foundation in its early years.

Event description and components

The central visual component is the lighting of fragrant wood fires in simple, black metal braziers placed in the water along a route spanning from Waterplace Park to past the Crawford Street Bridge. The fires are tended by volunteers in black-clad boats, who stoke the flames throughout the evening. A carefully curated soundtrack of music, broadcast via a hidden sound system, is integral to the experience, featuring a wide range of genres from world music and opera to contemporary ambient music and compositions by artists like Philip Glass. The event often incorporates special performances and installations, such as those by the Trinity Repertory Company or the Providence Singers, and features the iconic gondolas from La Gondola Providence. The scent of burning Atlantic white cedar, the flickering light on the water, and the surrounding architecture of landmarks like the Bank of America Building and the Rhode Island State House create a unique immersive environment.

Cultural impact and reception

WaterFire has been widely credited as a catalyst for the renaissance of downtown Providence, attracting over ten million visitors since 1994 and generating significant economic activity for local businesses. It has received national acclaim, with features in media such as The New York Times, CNN, and The Today Show, and has been recognized with awards including the Rudy Bruner Award for Urban Excellence. The event has inspired similar installations in cities like Columbus, Ohio, Houston, Texas, and Singapore, though the Providence installation remains the original and most extensive. It serves as a model for how public art can drive urban planning and community cohesion, strengthening the city's identity and serving as a point of civic pride alongside institutions like Brown University and the Providence Performing Arts Center.

Organization and funding

WaterFire is produced and managed by the non-profit organization WaterFire Providence. The organization oversees a small professional staff and relies heavily on a corps of hundreds of volunteers for event operations, from fire-tending to visitor services. Funding is a complex mix of sources, including foundational support from entities like the Champlin Foundations, corporate sponsorships from companies such as Cox Communications and National Grid, municipal support from the City of Providence and the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, and contributions from individual donors. Special fundraising events, like galas at venues such as the Rhode Island Convention Center, and merchandise sales also contribute to the annual operating budget, which is necessary to present the free-to-the-public events throughout the season.

Category:Public art in Rhode Island Category:Festivals in Rhode Island Category:Recurring events established in 1994 Category:Providence, Rhode Island culture