Providence Inner City Arts started in 1971 with an art show: Our very first event was an exhibit at the Benefit Street Arsenal and it featured work from artists rarely seen in a gallery setting from across the community, including artists from the state prison.  After becoming a registered 501(c)3 non-profit in 1973, PICA dug in and got to work using the arts as a practical application of community involvement.  The Florentine Faire, jazz concerts, art festivals, kids programming, poetry readings, storytelling, bike and canoe races through all the parts of the Providence community, film festivals, plays, art drives, book drives– We have taken part in all of these programs and our community with us.  

PICA works to involve our community, to feature our community by celebrating our differences, and to instill pride in our community through creativity, opportunity, and joy.  

Welcome to our ongoing celebration of the arts.