WaterFire Providence is one of the most famous tourist attractions all over the world. Established with the purpose of continuing the WaterFire sculpture installation, it soon became a major establishment, with the growing popularity of WaterFire sculpture. It performs the invaluable function of fostering and promoting the creation, exhibition and performance of works of art by visual and performing artists, both in and out of the State of Rhode Island.

WaterFire offers a sparkling view of a hundred bonfires that blaze just above the surface of the three rivers that pass through the middle of downtown Providence. The fires form a fantastic visual treat which illuminates the nearby areas. This fantastic place offers residents and visitors an opportunity to stroll along the river, in company of the eclectic selection of classical and world music. There are no admission charges to WaterFire.

The founding stones of the renaissance called WaterFire were laid way back in 1994, when Barnaby Evans created First Fire as a commission to celebrate the tenth anniversary of First Night Providence.
Later, in June 1996, Evans created Second Fire for the International Sculpture Conference, which was a huge hit, as it emerged as a gathering place for thousands of participants from all over the world.
Eventually, art supporters at the event were able to convince Evans to create an on-going fire installation and started a grass-roots effort to establish WaterFire as a non-profit arts organization. The result is for all of us to see.

With enthusiastic assistance from hundreds of dedicated volunteers, generous donations from many individuals, contributions from corporate leaders and support from the City and State, WaterFire continues to be a major force to reckon with and today it has emerged as an Artists paradise, attracting art lovers from all across the world.

The WaterFire Providence expanded to 42 braziers in 1997 and achieved the tremendous feat of attracting over 300,000 people during thirteen lightings. Evans later on received the Renaissance Award from the City of Providence for his work as an artist and his role in revitalizing downtown Providence.

In order to respond to the growing popularity of the event, WaterFire expanded in size to 81 braziers in 1998. It further added 16 braziers and the total number emerged at 97 braziers in 1999. Till this date, it continues to be an ever expanding unofficial summit of art lovers from all across the world.

A major contribution to this movement has been from the hundreds of volunteers who, by way of their tireless efforts have been able to make this event such a huge success. Thousands of hours have been put up by these volunteers to create WaterFire for the enjoyment of the public. The huge support for WaterFire Providence and its ability to attract millions of visitors are a glaring testimony to its power as a major force.

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