The R.I. State Council on the Arts recently awarded its second annual Arts in Tourism Award to the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Newport County. The award was presented during a tourism unity luncheon in Warwick.

After presenting the award, Randall Rosenbaum, arts council director, applauded the alliance’s sponsorship of BridgeFest. BridgeFest is a four-day festival of eclectic music by local artists that was designed to bridge the gap between the Newport jazz and folk festivals, and the spring arts festival.

“The alliance is a great example of how the arts work in cooperation with the tourism industry, and contribute to our local economy,” he said.

Cris Offenberg, past president of the Arts and Cultural Alliance, said his organization was grateful to win the award.

“We are an example of how collaboration benefits the community as a whole, including our members, residents, sponsors and businesses. We are thrilled to accept this award from RISCA on behalf of everyone involved.” •