Rhode Island airports look to art for ‘agreeable’ ambiance

The RISCA is preparing for 2014 exhibitions at Rhode Island airports, including Green Space at T.F. Green, with a call to Rhode Island artists.  / RHODE ISLAND STATE COUNCIL ON THE ARTS
The RISCA is preparing for 2014 exhibitions at Rhode Island airports, including Green Space at T.F. Green, with a call to Rhode Island artists. / RHODE ISLAND STATE COUNCIL ON THE ARTS

PROVIDENCE – The R.I. State Council on the Arts is seeking submissions from Rhode Island artists for upcoming exhibitions at the newly created gallery spaces at Block Island and T.F. Green airports.

The council, which is charged by the state legislature to stimulate public interest and participation in the arts, has had a longstanding relationship with Rhode Island airports.

“There is value in providing a welcoming environment to public facilities in general and airports in particular,” said Randall Rosenbaum, executive director of RISCA. “If you travel a lot, it’s easy to forget where you’re actually at, [and] particularly for people who are anxious, the inclusion of art creates a less sterile, agreeable environment. Since Rhode Island is rich in arts and culture, there’s no reason why an airport can’t include some of that art and culture.”

Each of the gallery spaces was funded through airport construction projects. A national legislation called “The Allocation for Arts for Public Facilities Act,” otherwise known as the “Public Art Law” or the “Percent for Art Law” requires at least 1 percent of construction funding for state buildings or facility spaces be set aside for the inclusion of artwork. The legislation is active in 25 states, including Rhode Island.

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A review panel consisting of artists, arts professionals and community members will select a handful of artists to exhibit in changing exhibitions at the airports throughout 2014. No theme has been chosen for the upcoming exhibitions. All artworks will be available for sale and the artists chosen will receive a $100 stipend for participating in the program.

The deadline for submissions is Oct. 1, 2013. Artists wishing to submit work can learn more and apply online at www.arts.ri.gov or email riairart@gmail.com.

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