Official State of Rhode Island website

PUBLIC NOTICE: PROPOSED RULE MAKING

Published on Monday, May 12, 2025

RHODE ISLAND GOVERNMENT REGISTER PUBLIC NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULEMAKING

STATE COUNCIL ON THE ARTS

  • Title of Rule: Rules and Regulations for the Cultural Facilities Grant Program (665­ RICR­20­00­1)
  • Rule Identifier: 665­RICR­20­00­1
  • Rulemaking Action: Proposed Amendment

Important Dates

  • Date of Public Notice: 05/15/2025
  • Hearing Date: 05/30/2025, One Capitol Hill, Room 2B, Providence, RI 02908
  • End of Public Comment: 06/14/2025
  • Authority for this Rulemaking:
  • R.I. Gen. Laws § 42­75­2

Summary of Rulemaking Action

This Amendment is being promulgated to reformat the rule to include provisions for the 2024 Creative and Cultural Economy Bonds. https://rules.sos.ri.gov/Promulgations/part/665-20-00-1

Additional Information and Comments

All interested parties are invited to request additional information or submit written or oral comments concerning the proposed amendment until June 14, 2025, by contacting the appropriate party at the address listed below:

Todd Trebour
State Council on the Arts One Capitol Hill, 3rd Floor
Providence, RI 02908
RISCA.contact@arts.ri.gov                     

Public Hearing

A public hearing, in accordance with R.I. Gen. Laws § 42­35­2.8, to consider the proposed amendment shall be held on May 30, 2025, at 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m. at the Powers Building, One Capitol Hill Room, Conference room 2B, Providence RI 02908, during which time and place all persons interested therein will be heard. The seating capacity of the room will be enforced and therefore the number of persons participating in the hearing may be limited at any given time by the hearing officer to comply with safety and fire codes.

This meeting is open to the public and all interested parties are invited to attend. Any questions should be directed to Todd Trebour, Executive Director, at 401-222-3883. Anyone wishing to attend this meeting who may have special needs for access, please contact the Council at risca.contact@arts.ri.gov as soon as possible.

Regulatory Analysis Summary and Supporting Documentation

The arts contribute more than $2 billion per year to the Rhode Island economy. Many arts organizations operate in old and difficult to maintain buildings, and the funds necessary to operate in these structures reduce the amount and scope of programming in our state. Grants for capital improvements through this program help to expand community-based programs, which contribute to the Rhode Island economy. This amendment to the existing rule includes provisions for the 2024 Creative and Cultural Economy bonds to extend the program, aligns wording to the 2024 Voter Handbook for these bonds, and modifies certain requirements to increase flexibility in grant making and reduce administrative burden on grantees. 

For full regulatory analysis or supporting documentation see agency contact person above.