The Ely Neighborhood Performing Art Series
The 2026 Ely Application is now closed.
Over the past 20 years, the Ely Fund Neighborhood Performing Arts Series has lived into the dream of Providence’s first Parks Commissioner, Edward Francis Ely by enlivening our parks as sites of congregation, play, and community life through grants for artists, organizers, and neighborhood groups to produce outdoor, free summer performances in city-run Providence Parks.
Providence event organizers and performing artists may submit an application to be part of the series, which includes up to $5,000 in funding along with waived Park permits and limited marketing. Events must be between July 1 and Sept 30 and must take place in neighborhood parks run by the Providence Parks Department. Preference is given to organizers performing in neighborhood parks that see less activity and are offering multiple events throughout the summer. Events should not attract audiences of more than 100 people and may not request power from the City.