WaterFire Providence has announced the fifth cohort of its WaterFire Accelerate program for 2026, a year-long professional development initiative aimed at supporting artists under 30 in Rhode Island. Funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, the program offers mentorship, professional training, and opportunities to enhance both artistic skills and entrepreneurial capacity. This cohort includes six emerging artists—Aja Delgado, Pamela Fernández, Leia Fifer, Yasmine Hassan, Amelia Rozear, and Rachel Turner—working across diverse media such as printmaking, film photography, mixed media, and illustration. The artists will participate in monthly meetings, events, and site visits, culminating in a group exhibition at the WaterFire Arts Center in fall 2026. Selection was made by a committee of regional arts professionals, WaterFire staff, and program alumni. The program addresses the growing need for pathways that enable young artists to sustain creative careers while remaining in Rhode Island. Each artist brings a unique perspective, with practices exploring themes ranging from cultural identity and emotional vulnerability to disability and gender fluidity, reflecting WaterFire’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of local creative talent.