Rhode Island’s largest arts organization, Trinity Rep has a significant impact on the community, and is a linchpin of Providence’s arts and entertainment district. With an annual budget of $9.1 million, the theater employs over 100 artistic and administrative staff, and generates more than $12 million in economic activity each year. Trinity Rep was founded in 1963 when a small group of Rhode Island citizens sought to create a professional resident theater company in Providence. In 1966, Trinity received substantial funds from the newly founded National Endowment for the Arts to fund the landmark Project Discovery program, which allowed high school students from all over the state to attend professional live theater for free. By 1973, Trinity Rep moved to its present home, the Lederer Theater Center at 201 Washington Street in downtown Providence.