The PTC has continued to brighten the streets of Providence with the Illuminate PVD campaign that works to activate and illuminate some of our city's public spaces and buildings, while adding a little extra holiday spirit to the downtown area highlighting the special character and beautiful architecture of our city. Although primarily offered during the Holidays, the program has expanded through the private sector at different times of the year.

Activations have included the projection of snowflakes onto the front of City Hall as well as 5-foot snowflakes adorn over 120+ light poles located throughout the city. Life-sized holiday ornaments and a variety of colorful lighting installations have also transformed the city’s entry ways include Biltmore Park, Federal Hill and the Bank Newport City Center.

As another activation, the council has taken to the bridges. The skybridge from the Omni Providence Hotel to the Providence Place Mall and the Biltmore Garage Bridge on Washington Street changes color and pattern every half-hour. The lights begin each night at dusk and will be on display throughout the season for residents and visitors can enjoy through the winter season.

We invite others to participate in this initiative will contributing to our night economy for visitors to enjoy all our city has to offer strolling through the streets, eat at our restaurants, stay at our hotels, explore the nightlife and entertainment scene or enjoy an evening out supporting the arts.  #IlluminatePVD

ILLUMINATE PVD MATCHING GRANT PROGRAM

Stay tuned for the announcement of the 2024 program.

Getting Started

• Eligible businesses and organizations may apply for a matching grant not to exceed $1,000 (i.e. if you purchase $2,000 worth of decorations, you could receive a match grant of $1,000. If $1,000 is spent then $500 would be reimbursed).
• This is a rolling application process and funds are limited. This is a 'first come, first served' program.
• Applying for funds does not guarantee a grant award. The Providence Tourism Council (PTC) will review the applications for eligibility. Notification of acceptance and award amounts will be sent on a rolling basis via email on, or before, November 15, 2024.

Guidelines

• Applicants must be publicly visible and accessible brick-and-mortar businesses or organizations in the City of Providence.
• All illumination or decorations purchased with assistance from this program must be visible from the sidewalk.
• All lighting and decorations should be in place a minimum of December 1st thru January 4th.

Process

Step 1: If you are a Providence business or organization with visibility from the street, please fill out the attached application. Application opens October 1, 2024 and must be submitted prior to November 11, 2024.

Step 2: The Providence Tourism Council (PTC) will review the applications for eligibility on a rolling basis. The PTC may offer recommendations to business owners about their lighting and decorations if needed. Notification of acceptance and award amounts will be sent on a rolling basis via email on, or before, November 15.

Step 3: Upon notification of an approved matching grant request, the merchant or organization may secure the items stated on the application. Receipts must be kept and submitted to the Providence Tourism Council for reimbursement to receive the matching grant funds.

Step 4: All receipts to be sent to the Providence Tourism Council no later than January 10th. Matching funds will be mailed to the mailing address provided in the application.