Black Rep’s New Downcity Cultural & Educational Center

The Providence Black Repertory Company (Black Rep) is more than a fine theater with a community outreach component. It dedicates half of its program budget to cultural programs in underserved communities, curriculum-driven education programs in public schools, and professional training for emerging artists. The Black Rep gives audiences the opportunity to compare their own pasts and experiences to those of African-Americans, using theatre and art to build bridges between diverse Rhode Island communities. Its constituents continue to discover an appreciation for how many of life’s experiences are truly universal. Owning a centrally located theatre and cultural center, designed and outfitted specifically to meet the needs of the Black Rep 's unique mission, will make the institution accessible to more program participants and visible to a larger audience.
all renderings by Kyla Coburn
The Black Rep’s former location, a fourth floor loft on Washington Street in Providence, proved too small to attract the larger crowds and sponsorships needed to produce the amount of income critical to sustaining the Company. The small space limited the number, size, and frequency of the organization's public programs and workshops - many of which could provide the earned income necessary to subsidize "free" activities. The Company could only serve about 5,000 adults and children annually when located on Washington Street (not counting outdoor music festivals). It became clear to the Black Rep 's board and staff that relocating would not only allow the Company to improve its productions and programs, relocating was essential to building the organization's capacity and long-term stability.
The addition of a second performance stage to be constructed at the heart of its new café, will allow further development of public programs. This component of the capital renovation project has been widely anticipated - as neighboring projects on Westminster Street begin to emerge through downtown revitalization efforts, Black Rep constituents anticipate the addition of live music, entertainment, and art programs to be provided in this venue as well. Coupled by the addition of a new street-level café-bar surrounding the community stage, a new venue for communities to gather will be provided. This venue will not only coincide with the City’s initiatives to sustain its creative vitality and capital but will also build upon the unique service that the Black Rep offers to underserved populations. The space will be available for rental for special events as well; please contact Darryl Jett, Facilities/Special Events, for more information.

The Company quietly began raising money for the purchase and renovation of a building more than five years ago. The support of the City of Providence and individual members of the City Council proved pivotal to the project. Approximately 40% of the total cost to purchase and renovate the property has been funded by these government sources and public funds. Recently, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) awarded a grant through congressional economic development initiatives towards the PBRC project. He commended the Black Rep for “illuminating the soul of humanity.”

Moreover, the Black Rep has been so fortunate to secure the moral and financial support of some of the state’s most significant corporations as Textron, KPMG, and Home Loan and Investment Bank, just to name a few. In the first year of The Campaign for the Black Rep, 11% of the total cost to renovate the property would be funded by these corporations. By the same token, corporate foundations through Amica Insurance Companies and the Providence Journal would fund 4% of the project. Steady support by charitable individuals is expected to grow throughout the next stages of the campaign.
The acquisition and renovation of the theatre and cultural center is a component of the Black Rep's larger $4,000,000 Comprehensive Campaign to fund the capital and operational priorities of the Black Rep throughout the duration of the renovation project. Adequate funding provided, the Black Rep aims to complete the project by 2005. By July 2003’s end, one year following the campaign launch on April 9, 2002, Campaign Leadership, members of the Board of Directors, Steering Committee and staff have successfully reached the halfway mark - having raised 50% of its goal.

The Black Rep’s renovation project helps the City of Providence with its effort to transform a cluster of vacant storefronts into a vibrant and sustainable Arts and Entertainment District - a central component of the Downcity economic revitalization plan. Black Rep’s New Downcity Cultural & Educational Center will provide a home where artists can start their careers and incubate new ideas. It will allow access to larger numbers, sizes, and frequencies of public programs and workshops for diverse communities. An investment in this project will ensure the long-term success of the arts in Rhode Island and would make a significant impact on the prosperity of a creative economy in state cities and neighborhoods.

VIEW FULL 1ST FLOOR PLANS