R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-75-3: Membership of commission.

The commission shall consist of fourteen (14) members, broadly representative of all fields of the performing and fine arts, to be appointed by the governor subject to the advice and consent of the senate from among those citizens of Rhode Island who are widely recognized for their interest, competence, and experience in connection with the performing, visual, and environmental arts. Appointments shall be made without regard to party, but due consideration shall be given to the recommendations of representative civic, educational, and professional associations and groups, concerned with or engaged in the production or presentation of the performing, visual, and environmental arts generally. The chairperson of the Rhode Island arts and tourism subcommittee of the Rhode Island council on the arts shall be a voting member of the Rhode Island council on the arts with a term of office to coincide with his or her term of office on the subcommittee.