2014 Election: In their own Words: Small gallery owners have successfully cross-promoted with events like gallery nights, but they often fall through the cracks between initiatives directed at small businesses and the support given to non-profits. What action, if any, would you take to support this niche in the Providence art scene?

RI Governor

Todd Giroux (D): I think there’s a number of arts and non-profit supporters who understand the issue enough to design executive committees to bring action to the problem. For example, the mobile trolleys. I believe they can work with the busing authorities, for example, to promote destination-based community events.

Gina Raimondo (D):  I think, generally speaking, we need to do a better job of helping our artists and small businesses gain more exposure, and help them navigate our state’s sometimes-tricky regulations. I’ve called for a small business concierge service that will help all of Rhode Island’s entrepreneurs find the resources they need to be successful, and I’d like to see the Commerce Corp do a better job of branding art that is produced here in Rhode Island. Oftentimes our state’s artists may have beautiful work, but they need just a little bit of help with the technical details of selling it or starting a business. That’s where the state can step in and help.

Angel Taveras (D): Rhode Island is one of the best states in America for experiencing the arts – but we can do more to support and promote the arts in our state. Since 1998, our state has offered tax credits and incentives for artists to live in nine districts across the state. Since the program was established, several cities and towns have worked to expand the program locally. By expanding tax exemptions and creating more eligible districts, in addition to providing incentives for more cities and towns to support their artistic communities, Rhode Island can become the best place to be an artist in New England.

My plan Discover Rhode Island will invest in our arts, culture and tourism. As Governor, I will work with the Rhode Island Tourism Division and local governments and non-profits to bring more arts and entertainment to the state, and make sure the state supports Rhode Island’s local artists. The importance of the arts industry to our state cannot be overstated from both a cultural and an economic perspective. The non-profit art sector creates a $191 million economic impact in Providence, and supports more than 4,500 jobs. Investing in Rhode Island arts, culture and tourism will not only help create jobs and draw additional tax revenue from visitors to our state, it will also help lift state pride.

Clay Pell (D): As governor, I can help provide all galleries, big and small, with the tools and entrepreneurial ecosystem they need to be successful. As Chair of Commerce RI, I will encourage greater connections with the Providence art scene, but also with other galleries and artist locations statewide. Rhode Island is rich in artistic and design talent and as governor I will champion efforts to market our artistic and cultural opportunities to the region and the nation.

Providence Mayor

Daniel Harrop (R): Reduction in taxes at all levels will help all businesses, all rents, all galleries, everyone. At the moment, artists are in the same boat as all other businesses. A reduction in city tax levels, which can be accomplished over the next five years by first placing the city into receivership and then doing away with the unjust pensions and tax stabilization plans and private deals, which have been handed out like candy starting with the Cianci administration and through the last several Democratic mayors, will lift all businesses and help all city citizens, including the arts.

Buddy Cianci (I): Small gallery owners are an integral part of our arts community. They are the ones who promote the arts economy. I would be sure to elevate local gallery owners to the same level as small businesses and non-profits in terms of support- and policy-based initiatives. There is no reason why galleries should play second to anyone else that the city is invested in. These pieces all must come together to make Providence a destination city and a place that people want to keep their roots in. These organizations can’t operate independently of each other; they must work symbiotically in order for the city to thrive.

Michael Solomon (D): I’m a proud patron of small businesses in Providence, and I see small gallery owners as a critical part of our creative economy. I want to be a mayor for our neighborhoods. We have neighborhoods rich with culture and history, which we should showcase with annual week-long festivals. These would be capped off with a weekend bazaar along the main street of the respective neighborhood. I would invite members of the arts community, including gallery owners, to these festivals to sell their art and merchandise.

Jorge Elorza (D): The needs of small gallery owners aren’t all that different from the needs of any other small business owner in this city: they need a City Hall that is responsive and treats them with a customer service attitude; they need taxes and regulatory structures that are fair and predictable; and they need vibrant, walkable neighborhoods where they can thrive. Beyond the nuts and bolts factors of governance, there is also a lot the mayor can do to put the spotlight on these businesses. Mayor is a high profile position and it’s part of the job to be Cheerleader-in-Chief for the city’s arts and business communities. Doing something as simple as riding the Art Bus – and being seen doing so – takes so little effort, yet has enormous symbolic value in terms of drawing attention. That’s the kind of mayor I will be.

Brett Smiley (D): This is where the city has a role to play in the tourism and promotion. Toots Zynsky, a noted glass artist, has people come in from all over the world to see her work. When buyers come in from out of town, they end up putting a package together – here’s where you should go to dinner, here’s where you should stay, here’s a couple of galleries you may enjoy, etc. Frankly, that’s the Department of Arts Culture and Tourism’s job. For example, Nick Paciorek has a new gallery on Chestnut St., which is great and I want to see more galleries like that, but he’s taking it upon himself to create this art walk. I’m thrilled that he has the skills, time and energy to do that, but that shouldn’t be his job. His job should be creating art, which he does, and curating his gallery. I think the city’s role is to help with the tourism, marketing and packaging of our galleries, both for outside guests and for people here in Providence.