Waterfire Arts Center

INSPIRATION SPARKS FROM HERE

Our goal with this project was to transform an abandoned building into a community asset. And not only does WaterFire Providence now have a home, its potential to inspire is more powerful than ever.

EXPLORE NOW

INSPIRATION SPARKS FROM HERE

WATERFIRE ARTS CENTER

Our goal with this project was to transform an abandoned building into a community asset. And not only does WaterFire Providence now have a home, its potential to inspire is more powerful than ever.

EXPLORE NOW

It was really important for us to preserve this historic, industrial building and make it a flexible space open to innovation.

BARNABY EVANS, WATERFIRE PROVIDENCE

Watch the film

Old Meets New

The Waterfire Arts Center is a prime example of historic preservation and rehabilitation with modern elements — showcasing the possibilities that restoration can have on community revitalization. What was once a vacant, derelict building transformed into a hub for artistic and cultural events — as well as home to the ones behind the internationally renowned WaterFire Providence.

Helping with a Transition

The WaterFire Arts Center serves as WaterFire Providence’s headquarters, production complex, and multi-purpose arts venue. It brought to life the organization’s strategic planning process and goals to become a cultural institution. This project was designed by DBVW Architects and built by TRAC.

Where Flexibility Fills a Void

Prior to the WaterFire Arts Center, no contemporary arts center with the capacity to host large installations and surveys existed. To date, it has served as venue for art installations, exhibitions, awards ceremonies, and performances — and features a Visitor Center and WaterFire Store.