Trinity Square is a neighborhood gateway that connects downtown Providence, RI to one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the city.  At the center of the square is a neglected 9-acre cemetery and an emerging arts center that is home to organizations that reflect Providence's cultural identity. The site is anchored by numerous affordable housing investments and small businesses.  The square hosts the most utilized bus stop in the state and is a nexus for social service providers.   In response to public safety concerns, the City of Providence, in partnership with Rhode Island LISC, will lead a cross-sector community engagement process to develop and implement physical and programmatic strategies in order to improve safety and the cultural life of the square. Led by a team from RI School of Design, an intervention will take place on the exterior of Southside Cultural Center, SCC, including creating new space for outdoor programming in the parking lot.  Concentrating our efforts on SCC will contribute to the viability of this neighborhood thus positioning the center as the most resonant, feasible and realistic site to realize the vison of our project.

The project also includes a capacity-building initiative  to enhance the work of resident culturally-based organizations. Project partners will collaborate with neighborhood social service providers and the Providence Police Department to forge stronger networks and relationships in order to catalyze change and sustain cultural equity in this important gateway community.