City formalizes long-term partnership to secure WaterFire’s future and support Providence’s creative economy
PROVIDENCE, RI — Mayor Brett P. Smiley today joined Council President Rachel Miller, WaterFire Board Chair Kate Bramson and WaterFire Board Secretary Kristen Adamo to sign the long-term lease agreement between the City of Providence and WaterFire Providence for the WaterFire Arts Center, ensuring the facility’s long-term future as a cultural and community asset in Providence. The agreement formalizes the City’s ongoing support for WaterFire Providence and allows the organization to continue programs, events and community initiatives that serve neighbors, artists and visitors.
“Purchasing the WaterFire Arts Center secures a vital cultural anchor for Providence and strengthens our partnership with an organization that brings people together and supports our local economy,” said Mayor Brett Smiley. “This agreement keeps the facility in local hands, guarantees that WaterFire will remain on site under a twenty-year lease and ensures that our neighbors, artists and visitors will continue to benefit from the energy and economic impact it brings to our Creative Capital.”
The twenty-year lease keeps the WaterFire Arts Center in City ownership while giving WaterFire Providence full use of the facility to host its programs and events. The lease comes with a nominal rent, and WaterFire Providence will be responsible for routine maintenance, utilities and upkeep. Any major changes to the building will be made with City approval. The lease also includes provisions for review and discussion if either party considers renewal, extension or a potential purchase of the property in the future.
“For decades, WaterFire has helped build Providence’s reputation as the Creative Capital,” Council President Rachel Miller (Ward 13) said. “With this agreement, the Providence City Council reaffirms its unanimous support for WaterFire, ensuring it will continue to generate unmatched entertainment and economic value for another 20 years.”
The WaterFire Arts Center attracts approximately one million visitors annually, bringing foot traffic that supports local restaurants, hotels and small businesses while boosting the City’s creative economy. The organization also offers programs that support workforce and artist development and provides space for local arts groups, supporting Providence’s cultural and economic vitality.
“We at WaterFire Providence are extremely grateful to Mayor Smiley and the Providence City Council for their decision to purchase the WaterFire Arts building and lease it back to us. This partnership is critical to our ability to continue and expand the iconic lightings that have become such an essential part of the identity of Providence. The purchase will further cement our close work with Mayor Smiley and his team, as we increase the frequency of the lightings, and the scale and scope of our events at the WaterFire Arts building. Looking ahead, 2026 will be a landmark year for WaterFire, featuring our 500th lighting and celebrating the 250th anniversary of the country. We look forward to building on this momentum and continuing to create powerful and deeply moving art, a shared experience of community, and substantial positive economic impact,” said Mark Allan, Executive Director of WaterFire Providence.
“WaterFire is more than an event – it is one of our most powerful tourism drivers and a source of immense community pride here in Providence,” said Kristen Adamo, president and CEO of GoProvidence and secretary of the WaterFire Providence Board. “Its global appeal is undeniable. Every day we hear from industry professionals and travelers alike that Providence is on their radar because of WaterFire. Securing its future through this partnership ensures that our city will continue to shine on the international stage as a destination defined by creativity, culture, and connection.”