The Story of WaterFire

Initially created to celebrate the 10^th anniversary of First Night Providence, WaterFire has become the symbol of the city’s urban renaissance for 30 years, with bonfires, braziers and large-scale cultural events along the rivers. It attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators each year and has become Providence’s most celebrated public art installation.

In this unique session, you will have the opportunity to experience WaterFire through the eyes of its creator, Barnaby Evans, and learn directly from this visionary artist. Discover the inspiration, challenges and artistic process that brought this iconic event to life. Through personal anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories, Barnaby will share his journey from concept to reality, revealing how WaterFire has grown from a one-time installation into a beloved cultural phenomenon. This session is a rare chance to engage with the creative mind that continues to illuminate the night and the city’s spirit. 

Barnaby Evans, the creator of WaterFire in Providence, is an artist, designer, developer, thought leader and consultant who uses his experience in many fields and media to create original solutions in planning, public art, public space, environmental resiliency and urban interfaces. Originally trained as a scientist focusing on environment and ecology, Barnaby combines his technical and ecological expertise, an awareness of spatial psychology, his sensitivity as an artist and a design philosophy to create unique solutions to public art and urban issues. Barnaby received his Sc.B. in biology and environmental science from Brown University. He was awarded an honorary doctorate of humanities by Brown University, an honorary doctorate of fine arts by Rhode Island College, an honorary doctor of humane letters from Roger Williams University and an honorary doctorate of fine arts by Providence College.