About Summer Arts and Festival Organization

The Summer Arts and Festival Organization(SAFO) has been bringing arts and music to the East Greenwich community since 1996. SAFO is a 501c (3) non-profit organization governed by a volunteer Board of Directors.  Our mission is to promote, develop and foster music and the arts in East Greenwich and to enhance the appreciation of and access to music and the arts in our community. 

SAFO was started in 1996 by a small group of long-time East Greenwich residents who thought that it would be a great idea to celebrate summer’s end in East Greenwich with an event that would bring our community together to enjoy one last event before heading back to school and work in the autumn. They gathered a group of volunteers together and raised some money so that they could bring Rhode Island’s premier musical orchestra to our community for a free performance on Eldredge Field in the center of town.That first concert was a rousing success and it has grown steadily in popularity throughout the years.Summer’s End is attended by thousands of East Greenwich residents each year and it has truly become a signature event for our town.

In addition to the annual festival, SAFO sponsors education and enrichment activities in art and music throughout the year.  We have funded scholarships for elementary school students, providing them with access to art and music classes and summer music camp programs.SAFO has also provided financial support for arts-related field trips and other programs that bring the art and music to members of our community.

Funding for SAFO and its programs is provided mainly through donations from the private sector.Through our annual fundraising efforts, private citizens, small and large businesses, professional firms and community organizations have generously supported SAFO with financial and in-kind support. The Town of East Greenwich and the State of Rhode Island have also provided support through annual grants.