Providence Performing Arts Center Announces New Scholarship Program

Jo-Ann Ragosta, Chairperson of the ARTS Scholarships 2009 program, along with the members of the Community Outreach Committee of the Providence Performing Arts Center are pleased to announce that applications for the ARTS Scholarships 2009 program will be available starting January 2, 2009; applications will then be accepted through March 6, 2009 at 3P.

ARTS Scholarships 2009, sponsored by Textron, Inc. and the PPAC Annual Fund Donors, will provide 25 scholarships valued at up to $500 each to qualified, talented Rhode Island students (student must be aged 11 - 14 by June 1, 2009). These scholarships offer young artists an opportunity to attend local, summer arts education programs that will broaden their experiences in a chosen area of study.

Starting January 2, 2009, ARTS Scholarships 2009 applications will be available both online at www.ppacri.org and in person at the Providence Performing Arts Center Administrative Offices, 220 Weybosset Street, Second Floor, Providence, RI 02903. For more information, please visit www.ppacri.org or call (401) 421-2997. Completed applications must be submitted to Cynthia Goldsmith at Providence Performing Arts Center, 220 Weybosset Street, Providence, RI 02903 no later than 3P on March 6, 2009.

In 1996, with a portion of the proceeds from the First Annual Greater Providence Gospel Fest (a production of the Providence Performing Arts Center), the Community Outreach Committee created the ARTS Scholarships program, a scholarship fund earmarked for assisting students with an interest in studying the arts. Over the past 12 years, 307 scholarships have been awarded to talented Rhode Island students. Previous scholarship winners had the opportunity to attend summer programs at The Rhode Island School of Design, Festival Ballet Providence, the All Children's Theatre Ensemble, Tsetse Gallery, Rhode Island College Music Camp, and others.

"Rhode Island is rich in culture and diversity," said Jo-Ann Ragosta, Chairperson of the ARTS Scholarships 2009 programs. "We are happy to give the youth of our state an opportunity to tap into their artistic abilities and develop skills that can help shape their lives."

Community Outreach Committee

The Community Outreach Committee is a committee of the Providence Performing Arts Center's Board of Trustees and is comprised of Theatre Trustees, Rhode Island educators, artists, and community leaders with an interest in the arts and youth. The Committee's mission includes developing arts education opportunities for Rhode Island's young people and making the Providence Performing Arts Center accessible to Rhode Island's diverse populations. This Committee oversees the ARTS Scholarships program.

ARTS Scholarships 2009 Committee
Jo-Ann Ragosta, Chairperson
Cynthia Goldsmith, PPAC Coordinator
Members: Mary Ambrogi, Suzanne Augenstein, Ellen Barnes, Gabriella Caprio, Robert deRobbio, Robert Donovan, Cynthia Laughlin, Tsetse Lavallee, Barbara Lavine, Donna Mesolella, Brittany Peluso, Mary Lou Riker.

For questions or further information regarding PPAC's ARTS Scholarships 2009 program, please visit www.ppacri.org or contact Cynthia Goldsmith at (401) 421-2997 x 3105.

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