FirstWorks

Thanks Hey Rhody for the buzz on our upcoming FirstWorks Summer Beats free concert series! Check out this year's lineup:

Free Summer Concerts Return to Providence with FirstWorks Summer Beats Series - Hey Rhody Media Co. Summer in Rhode Island has a rhythm, and this year, it’s louder, livelier, and more global than ever. FirstWorks is turning up the volume once again with its 2026 Summer Beats Concert Series, a …

FIRSTWORKS BOARD NEWS

Melissa Snape, Head of Corporate Citizenship at Collette, a global tour operator based in Rhode Island, has assumed the role of FirstWorks Board President.

“We are thrilled to have Melissa lead the FirstWorks Board as we mark 22 years of connecting art with audiences in Rhode Island,” said Kathleen Pletcher, FirstWorks Founder and Executive Artistic Director. “Melissa brings her passion for audience engagement and reaching new communities to FirstWorks and has been integral to our Strategic Planning process over the past three years.”

As board president, Melissa will work closely with Kathleen on a strategic process for the organization, one that will strengthen the future of the arts in Providence and ensure that FirstWorks’ mission continues with even greater impact.

FirstWorks also welcomes Steven Boudreau, Director of Equity and Engagement at the Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging to the FirstWorks Board this spring.

Steven's work is rooted in promoting equity and engaging underrepresented communities. He brings his experience at the intersection of arts, health, and community engagement to FirstWorks to deepen our impact as a catalyst for connection, well-being, and civic imagination.

Visit our website to learn more about FirstWorks leadership and staff.

Design the official 2026 PVDFest poster! 🔊

ACT, FirstWorks, and The Boston Globe Rhode Island are calling on Rhode Island artists to submit their work.

Apply at https://pvdfest.com/poster/
Submission period: May 4-May 31
Open to Rhode Island-based artists, 21+

-Preference for Providence-based artists-

3…2…1… Lineup drop 🎺🪘🎤
Our FirstWorks Summer Beats concert series returns this July and August to Roger Williams Park and 195 District Park!
Three FREE concerts
Etienne Charles Gullah Roots: July 10
Roger Williams Park Boathouse Lawn
🎺Global jazz with deep American roots
The GroovaLottos: July 24
Roger Williams Park Boathouse Lawn
🪘Soul-funk Afrobeats jam band
Pedro Pastor and his band Los Locos Descalzos: August 14
195 District Park
🎤Spain's voice of global folk-fusion

For full details visit our website https://firstworks.org

Co-presented with
Roger Williams Park Conservancy Providence Parks Department 195 District Park
Thanks to our sponsors and supporters!
Providence Tourism Council
BankNewport
Collette
Rhode Island 250
NEFA
Mid Atlantic Arts
RISCA - Rhode Island State Council on the Arts
Boston Globe
Power 102.1 FM & Poder 1110 - WPMZ Radio

Come Visit Us This Saturday @ Open Valley!
Explore the 50 Sims community this Saturday, May 2. FirstWorks will have a table at the Welcome Center located right at 50 Sims Ave (our new digs 🏠) Learn about our education programs and upcoming events like our FREE Summer Beats concert series and PVDFest. Pick up some FirstWorks swag and decorate your own tote bag. At Open Valley you’ll meet amazing artists, nonprofits, community partners, and neighbors. It’s going to be a fun day.
More info: https://www.50sims.com/open-valley

FirstWorks arts educator & djembe master Sidy Maiga led interactive drumming workshops for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County Spring Break school vacation club participants last week! These kids have rhythm 🪘

⚠️UPDATE: Carlin's May/June mending workshop at Shea Fashion has been POSTPONED. Stay tuned for updates here or reach out to [email protected] with any questions.⚠️

Join FirstWorks at Shea Fashion for a unique learning opportunity to learn garment mending with Carlin Ash, a local fiber artist and illustrator. In this three-session workshop, students will learn the basics of hand sewing and visible mending, exploring how both traditional and modern techniques can extend the life of things we already own and reduce our environmental impact. By the end of the workshop, students will leave with a mended garment and practical clothing repair skills. They will also get a sneak peek at Shea Fashion's programming for high school students!

This is a comprehensive, three-session course; participants must be able to attend all three sessions. All materials will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring any garments that need mending.

Questions? Contact Leah Silva, FirstWorks Education Manager at [email protected]