Connecting Art with Audiences

FirstWorks’ mission is to enrich Rhode Island’s cultural, educational, and economic vitality by engaging diverse audiences with world-class performing arts and education.

Connecting Art with Audiences

FirstWorks’ mission is to enrich Rhode Island’s cultural, educational, and economic vitality by engaging diverse audiences with world-class performing arts and education.

Now in our 20th year, we provide arts access and experiences to all audiences by…

AMPLIFYING diverse voices and celebrating differences

STRENGTHENING Rhode Island’s cultural fabric

ENGAGING artists, audiences, and students

EMPOWERING youth as creators, learners, and leaders

experience

Experience Artistic Excellence

Be uplifted by world-class artists, immersive experiences, and astounding performances on our live and virtual stages.

an ensemble of musicians on a stage with a black and white projection behind them.
A seated woman plays the pipa

FirstWorks’ Fall Headliner

Experience Silkroad Ensemble’s acclaimed American Railroad program — now reimagined with an intimate, powerhouse ensemble of eight world-class musicians led by the internationally acclaimed pipa master, Wu Man. Learn more

Learn

EXPERIENCE

Experience Artistic Excellence

Be uplifted by world-class artists, immersive experiences, and astounding performances on our live and virtual stages.

FirstWorks’ Fall Headliner!

A seated woman plays the pipa, a stringed instrument. Behind her is an ensemble of musicians on a stage with a black and white projection behind them.

Experience Silkroad Ensemble’s acclaimed American Railroad program — now reimagined with an intimate, powerhouse ensemble of eight world-class musicians led by the internationally acclaimed pipa master, Wu Man. Learn more

LEARN

We’re Teaching Kids to Dream with Their Eyes Wide Open

Youth need art to thrive. Engaging thousands of Rhode Island students and their teachers each year, we ignite creative learning by providing schools access to teaching artists, performances and an online platform for arts education. Our education program also offers professional development and lesson plans geared towards integrating the arts into classrooms.

We’re Teaching Kids to Dream with Their Eyes Wide Open

Youth need art to thrive. Engaging thousands of Rhode Island students and their teachers each year, we ignite creative learning by providing schools access to teaching artists, performances and an online platform for arts education. Our education program also offers professional development and lesson plans geared towards integrating the arts into classrooms.

support

Help Lift Rhode Island Through Culture, Creativity and Community

Be part of making the arts available to all. We can only continue to ignite creativity, break down barriers and connect outstanding world-class artists to Rhode Island audiences and schools with your support.

SUPPORT

Help Lift Rhode Island Through Culture, Creativity and Community

Be part of making the arts available to all. We can only continue to ignite creativity, break down barriers and connect outstanding world-class artists to Rhode Island audiences and schools with your support.

Audience-member-with-Taylor-Mac-on-stage

“We are so lucky to have such beautifully curated and soul soaring programming from FirstWorks that leaves us anxious for more.”

– Henrietta White-Holder, Higher Ground International

news

FirstWorks Founder Kathleen Pletcher to Depart After More Than 20 Years of Artistic Leadership

Read press release