Mikeology

Creative Capital or Not?

by on Nov.08, 2011, under Uncategorized

Providence, Rhode Island, boasts that it is “The Creative Capital.”

But the Providence Business News reported today that Rhode Island legislators have been shortchanging the state’s long-running and highly successful WaterFire art-sculpture extravaganza. 

While the corporate community donated $772,000 last year, and individual donors and vendors provided another $200,000, the state government provided just $125,000 — a $100,000 cut since state Rep. Gordon Fox became speaker of the House. Partly because of this cut, WaterFire has accumulated a $200,000 deficit on a budget of $1.7 million.

And that means that the unlit bonfires that you see on this page could remain unlit without more public support.

WaterFire draws tens of millions of dollars to Rhode Island every year, through tourism, conventions, and the ability of WaterFire beneficiaries — artists and restaurants — to host additional events which draw still more tourism and convention activity.

In fact, the ripple effect of WaterFire upon Providence arts and culture influenced my own choice to move to R.I. from D.C. in 2008.

During the long recession, the state should be doing more — not less — to promote commerce, tourism, and in-migration. And since corporations, merchants, and individuals have provided so much to ensure a thriving cultural scene in Providence, I believe it is only fair that the state match annual corporate donations dollar for dollar, with no strings attached.

 

If you like WaterFire and agree that Rhode Island can’t afford a drastic cut in tourism during a recession, then please write to legislative leaders Rep. Gordon Fox and Sen. Teresa Paiva Weed. If you are a Rhode Island resident, then please also contact both your state senator and your state representative; you may contact both your elected officials here

 

Challenge them to live up to the state capital’s motto, and match the commitment of the private sector to keep arts and entertainment thriving in Providence.

Leave a Comment more...

Creative Capital or Not?

by on Nov.08, 2011, under Uncategorized

Img_20100828_104420

Providence, Rhode Island, boasts that it is “The Creative Capital.”

But the Providence Business News reported today that Rhode Island has been shortchanging the state’s long-running and highly successful WaterFire art-sculpture extravaganza. 

While the corporate community donated $772,000 last year, and individual donors and vendors provided another $200,000, the state government provided just $125,000 — a $100,000 cut since state Rep. Gordon Fox became speaker of the House. Partly because of this cut, WaterFire has accumulated a $200,000 deficit on a budget of $1.7 million.

And that means that the unlit bonfires that you see on this page could remain unlit without more public support.

WaterFire draws tens of millions of dollars to Rhode Island every year, through tourism, conventions, and the ability of WaterFire beneficiaries — artists and restaurants — to host additional events which draw still more tourism and convention activity.

In fact, the ripple effect of WaterFire upon Providence arts and culture influenced my own choice to move to R.I. from D.C. in 2008.

During the long recession, the state should be doing more — not less — to promote commerce, tourism, and in-migration. And since corporations, merchants, and individuals have provided so much to ensure a thriving cultural scene in Providence, I believe it is only fair that the state match annual corporate donations dollar for dollar, with no strings attached.

If you like WaterFire and agree that Rhode Island can’t afford a drastic cut in tourism during a recession, then please write to legislative leaders Rep. Gordon Fox and Sen. Teresa Paiva Weed. If you are a Rhode Island resident, then please also contact both your state senator and your state representative; you may contact both your elected officials here

Challenge them to live up to the state capital’s motto, and match the commitment of the private sector to keep arts and entertainment thriving in Providence.

Leave a Comment more...

Mapping Where I’ve Lived

by on Jun.28, 2010, under Where I Live

From Places I’ve Lived on Google Maps:


View Places I’ve Lived in a larger map

A simplified list, excluding numerous movebacks and loop-the-loops:

Schenectady, New York
Brandon, Florida
Daly City, California
Scotia, New York
Dayton, Ohio
Bogotá, Colombia
Nashville, Tennessee
Laurel, Maryland
Washington, D.C.
Takoma Park, Maryland
Silver Spring, Maryland
Vernon, Connecticut
Providence, Rhode Island
Pawtucket, Rhode Island

Leave a Comment :, more...

Flood 2010: The Factory with Convenient Water Access

by on Mar.31, 2010, under Where I Live

Location: My Neighborhood
Roosevelt Avenue at Cross Street/Central Avenue
Blackstone River, Central Falls-Pawtucket City Line, Rhode Island

Leave a Comment :, , , , more...

Why I Moved to Rhode Island (and Not Boston)

by on Feb.05, 2010, under Blogroll

I regret that I missed the following showcase event in Providence last night. I was up in beautiful but chilly Boston presenting a short speech about human rights and about efforts by the U.S. Christian Right and ex-gay movement to sow terror and violence in Uganda.

This local TV news report captures several of the reasons why I like Providence (and WaterFire… but that goes without saying).

Leave a Comment :, , more...

Looking for something?

Use the form below to search the site:

Still not finding what you're looking for? Drop a comment on a post or contact us so we can take care of it!