Newport and Providence have notable art galleries and museums, including the museum at the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence. Theatrical groups include the Trinity Repertory Company in Providence. The Rhode Island Philharmonic performs throughout the state. Newport is the site of the internationally famous Newport Jazz Festival and the Newport Music Festival. The Festival Ballet Providence and the State Ballet of Rhode Island are prominent dance groups. The Providence Performing Arts Center, restored to its original 1920s splendor in the late 1990s (and now listed on the National Register of Historic Places), hosts touring Broadway shows as well as concerts by a variety of performers.
The WaterFire public art installation on the riverfront in downtown Providence has played a key role in the revitalization of the city. The lighting of bonfires in 97 braziers placed in three rivers that flow through Providence has drawn thousands to the downtown area to enjoy music and other entertainment.
The success of the installation, begun as a one-time commemorative event in 1994, inspired a grassroots movement to make WaterFire an ongoing event, with regularly scheduled lightings sponsored by local business and civic groups throughout the summer.
In 2003, the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts and other Rhode Island arts organizations received grants totaling $885,400 from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). The Rhode Island Council for the Humanities (est. 1973) has awarded over $2.5 million to community and academic organizations since its inception. In 2000, the National Endowment for the Humanities contributed $1,096,719 for nine state programs. The state, the New England Foundation for the Arts, and various private sources also provide funding for arts activities. Rhode Island has about 1,000 arts associations and six local arts councils.