SPACEY

Breaking with tradition, Trinity Rep’s Pell Awards are headed home this year.

Some 450 people are expected to gather Saturday at Pelican Ledge, the Newport home of the late Sen. Claiborne Pell, for whom the annual arts award is named. In years past, the event has been held in Providence, at Trinity Rep or the Rhode Island Convention Center.

But this year, Nuala Pell, the senator’s widow, offered the use of her waterfront home for the ceremonies, saying her husband would have loved the event to be held there.

“Naturally, we were thrilled with the suggestion,” said Trinity spokeswoman Marilyn Busch.

Guests will be paying up to $1,000 to attend the black-tie dinner, which raises money for the theater. A VIP reception takes place at 5 p.m. and the awards ceremonies begin at 6.

Sen. Jack Reed will preside over a special tribute to Pell, who was known nationally for his leadership in the arts. He was the author of the 1965 legislation establishing the national endowments for the arts and humanities.

Also being honored is Academy Award-winning actor Kevin Spacey, who will be getting the National Pell Award. Spacey is, of course, known for his stage and film work and more recently as artistic director of London’s Old Vic Theatre. Dinner will be served at 7 p.m.

In the past, awards have been given to both national and local arts figures. But organizers decided this year to forgo the local awards and let the limelight shine on Pell, who died New Year’s Day at the age of 90.

“We felt we needed to celebrate his lifetime achievement,” said Busch.

Busch said Trinity hopes to raise about $300,000 from the event.

For reservations call (401) 521-1100, ext. 237.

— CHANNING GRAY