Providence kicks off the inaugural Providence International Arts Festival Thursday. Mayor Jorge Elorza has touted the event as one of his first major initiatives to boost tourism and the arts in the capital city. The four-day festival includes public art installations, theater, and lectures all around downtown Providence. It will also include dozens of musical performances from across the globe.
To find out more about some of the musicians, Rhode Island Public Radio morning host Chuck Hinman sat down with Kathleen Pletcher. She’s the executive director of the nonprofit arts organization Firstworks, that’s putting on the festival in conjunction with the city of Providence.
Editor’s note: Rhode Island Public Radio is one of several media partners for the festival.
