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“The building will go a long way in acknowledging the incredible work that always happened in says such spaces encourage prominent artists to display their work and, most importantly, engage with students. Plus, it presents opportunities for students to learn how to conceptualize, sequence, curate and install a professional show with no shortage of visitors. Each year, more than 3,000 students sign up for introductory courses and 50,000 members of the public attend the University’s more than 100 theater productions, concerts, and gallery shows. “The building will go a long way in acknowledging the incredible work that always happened in the arts at URI,” Stubblefield says. “It’s been a little bit of the best kept secret.” Secret or not, Rhode Islanders came out to support the effort in 2021 by passing a bond to steer $57.3 million toward the project. Riley said voters recognized the impact of URI arts on the community and the importance of artistic education in a state with a rich historical, visual and performing arts culture. That culture will extend to the renovated center itself with 1% of the budget set aside for a permanent public arts installation. A state law mandates the budget allocation, but leaves the decision of the artwork up to the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts in consultation with the public. Stubblefield says students and faculty jumped at the chance to partake in the process. They turned out in droves to public hearings and faculty incorporated the

JEANNETTE RILEY

Dean

College of Arts and Sciences

peers. In just the last few years, the rise of artificial intelligence has forced artists to reckon with what defines original artwork while opening doors to new ways of creating. Recognizing the evolving nature of art, the center’s architects prioritized flexibility. The steel frame long span construction allows for future reconfiguration so that classrooms can be adapted to suit the needs of expanding disciplines. “The building’s use bends to whatever is happening in it,” says College of Arts and Sciences Associate Dean Thomas Stubblefield, who is helping oversee the project. For many faculty and students, a highlight includes new, flexible multimedia gallery spaces with proper lighting, climate control and security. Matthew

Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee attends the Fine Arts Center beam signing ceremony with URI Theatre students.

experience into the curriculum. No decisions have been made yet, but Stubblefield says the collaboration embodies the spirit of the entire renovation—a fusion of community, creativity, and forward-thinking vision. And he’s hopeful the recent attention on the University’s creative arts piques the interest of future students and faculty seeking the next big idea.

the arts at URI.” - Thomas Stubblefield

“From a research perspective, from a creative works perspective, we’re very strong,” Stubblefield says. “This brings us to the next level.”

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