Our Spaces

37,000-square-foot WaterFire Arts Center mixes industrial rawness with modern elements.

Initially built in 1929 for the US Rubber Company as a multi-purpose manufacturing facility, WaterFire Providence completed renovation of the WaterFire Arts Center in the summer of 2017.

The preserved industrial framework of the building remains exposed with steel beams creating a beautiful vaulted ceiling in the Main Hall. Historic wood roof panels, paint swatches, and period bricks can also be found intact allowing for a distinctive antique aesthetic for any style of event.

The historic components compliment contemporary finishes designed in the style of early modernist painter Piet Mondrian who famously completed his work “Composition No. III, with Red, Blue, Yellow, and Black” in 1929, the same year that the building was constructed. The geometric patterns in the painting are mimicked in the extensive floor-to-ceiling windows and the bold primary colors in the large contemporary fixtures throughout the building.

For high capacity events, your rental of the Main Hall will also include access to the adjacent Visitor Center providing a unique flexibility for a grand entrance, coat check, check-in, cocktail hour, bridal suite, or backstage! The functional garage door dividing these rooms often acts a great reveal component for your guests to unveil a new portion of the event or unexpected theatrical element.

Also home to the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization WaterFire Providence, any rental of the WaterFire Arts Center directly supports the mission and operational costs of the organization!

Main Hall | Visitor Center | Roof Deck

Press Clippings

An unparalleled space for your unique event!

Russell Morin Means Memorable

“Creating magical, memorable events is what we love to do. And we’ve been doing it for more than 100 years. As a full-service caterer, our team of culinary experts and seasoned event coordinators are there for you from the first meeting until you say goodbye to your last guest. With Russell Morin, you can take a deep breath and relax, knowing we’ve taken care of every last detail. After all, we want you to savor the food and the moment.”

2017-5-11 Institute for Nonviolence Invest In Peace Event (Photograph by Erin Cuddigan) (1)

The Institute for the Study and Practice of Nonviolence - "Invest In Peace" Gala. Photograph by Erin Cuddigan.

High Output's work as seen at Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza's Inauguration Celebration at the WFAC in January, 2019. Photograph by Matthew Huang.

LIGHTING AND TECHNOLOGY FOR FILM, TELEVISION, THEATRE, AND EVENTS

High Output, Inc. is New England’s premier supplier of production services and equipment for film, television, theatre, and events, with offices in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Maine, Georgia, and South Carolina. Founded in 1986 with an emphasis on state-of-the-art technology and superior customer service, High Output supports feature film, television, theatre, live music, political events, corporate meetings, fundraisers, parties, and much more

Making pretend, creating happiness

TEN31 Productions’s awe-inspiring collection of costumes, characters and exceptional performers
will bring your event’s theme to life. Combine living art, dance and specialty character presentations
to create an unforgettable experience that will transport your guests to another place or time.

One of Ten31 Productions' White Marble Stature characters during an event at the WFAC. Photograph by Erin Cuddigan.

The Main Hall

A cathedral-like space with vestiges of Rhode Island industrial history

The high ceilings and massive windows of the Main Hall are a perfect blend of the old and new. Impeccably renovated, this space brings the best of the past into the present and future. Industrial details show the rich history of this building’s industrial past while clean lines and contemporary finishes clearly define this space as a cutting-edge event venue.

Floor Plan | Contact Us

FEATURES

Original 1929 steel and brick structure
Versatile, open floor plan exhibition hall
Complimentary WiFi access
Truss access for lighting and design elements
Contemporary finishes in the style of modernist painter Piet Mondrian

CAPACITY

1,200 guests for Cocktail Reception
1,000 guests for Presentation or ceremony
700 guests for Plated Dinner

The Visitor Center

Flexible and Functional!

The Visitor Center is a perfect space to welcome guests to a cocktail party or to use as a lecture hall. The room features large windows, with curtains, and is connected directly to the South Courtyard. Access to the Roof Deck and a pass-through to the Main Hall are available along with a small service kitchen. Presentation facilities including projector and large projection screen are also options in this room.