WaterFire Providence

In 1994, artist Barnaby Evans presented First Fire — an installation of 11 bonfires floating atop the three rivers of Providence to celebrate the 10th anniversary of First Night Providence. Two years later, when the city hosted the International Sculpture Conference, Evans unveiled Second Fire. The local arts community then persuaded Evans to create a recurring fire installation and transform WaterFire into a nonprofit arts organization. Today, WaterFire thrives with the help of hundreds of volunteers, visitor donations, corporate contributions, and support from city and state agencies.

The organization focuses on celebrating the city through its ever-changing themed celebrations to raise awareness for various needs of the local community and beyond. Purchased in 2012, the WaterFire Arts Center serves as the organization's headquarters and functions as a multipurpose arts hub, hosting exhibitions, educational programs, galas, and community events that inspire the Providence community and its visitors.