Subject: Organization Newsletter August 2022

News & Information for Arts & Cultural Organizations & Creative Businesses in Fairfield County

August 2022

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

New Canaan Chamber Music, Inc. operates year round with a series of four to six concerts annually. The organization is under the direction of Artistic Director/Founder and New Canaan native, pianist Andrew Armstrong, with the support of a volunteer board. They bring world-class musicians to perform locally in and around New Canaan. Tickets and information available at  EMAIL

www.newcanaanchambermusic.org

The Greenwich Symphony Orchestra is a fully professional orchestra of 85 musicians organized and managed by an experienced volunteer Board of Directors. They present a series of five dual concerts featuring outstanding soloists in programs of great classical music to audiences in Greenwich and neighboring communities. The GSO is dedicated to bringing an understanding and appreciation of fine music to young people. Each year, they present a free Young People’s Concert in cooperation with Greenwich Public Schools. They also bring musicians into Greenwich schools to demonstrate their instruments, and offer concerts and master classes. WEBSITE

Sage Art Conservation is an arts organization based in Fairfield founded by Chloe Castro, an Objects Conservator.

Castro is a Professional Associate Member of the American Institute of Conservation, and she received her Master of Fine Art degree in Historic Preservation from Savannah College of Art & Design. She has worked in private conservation practices in Los Angeles and the SF Bay Area for more than a decade as well as with institutions including The Getty Center, SFMOMA, and BMAPFA. She has experience treating ceramics, glass, plaster, various metals, ivory, stone, and wood. WEBSITE

OUR NEWS

THE LEVITT PAVILION + OTHER GREAT FREE

SUMMER CONCERT VENUES

AUGUST 8 AT NOON

WPKN 89.5


Tune in Monday for our live interview show on WPKN 89.5FM, or wpkn.org, for an interview with Freda and Carleigh Welsh, who have been the driving force behind The Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts in Westport. The Pavilion was founded in 1973 by Mortimer Levitt, a Westport entrepreneur, transforming the town dump into a community gathering space for free concerts. Freda became executive director in 1995 and Carleigh, her daughter, became Marketing and Communications Director in 2010. Hear about the Westport Levitt Pavilion and its commitment to creating a strong community through music, its ups and downs through the years, the amazing array of musicians from across the spectrum who perform there, and what treats await this summer. We will also hear from Bennie Wallace, renowned saxophonist, who created the Greenwich Jazz Festival, and from Paul Frucht, Artistic Director of the Charles Ives Music Festival.

LISTEN HERE

"COMING OUT OF COVID"

A Fantastic Day of

Sharing Stories of the Past

Creating Stories for the Future


On July 20, members from arts and cultural organizations as well as individual members convened for a twice-postponed gathering, “Coming Out of COVID” generously hosted by Stepping Stones Museum for Children and supported by Bank of America. The group came together to share their experiences of surviving the interrelated crises of 2020/21 - What was most difficult? What helped get us through? What new resources and partnerships emerged?


Participants commented on how the meeting helped strengthen the sense of the community and the importance of collaboration:


'Listening’ was one of the key takeaways that has helped me to understand the needs of the community, which will ultimately guide our work and mission.


The overall optimism on culture and how we've grown as a collective has inspired me to think way more openly about how to create and network with others.


We do better when we come together.


The group was fortunate to have Diane Lowman, previous poet laureate of Westport write haiku in response to what she was hearing throughout the meeting; artist Constanza Segovia create a visual story as the meeting progressed (see above); Elaine Rojas sing and play music, and Gerald Moore share his spontaneous interactive art experience. Each element of the day connected and reflected who we are as a network of arts and culture bearers. It appeared to provide hope and new energy to those who attended. A written report on the meeting is forthcoming.

UBUNTU STORYTELLERS EVENT:

"BUILDING BRIDGES OF UNDERSTANDING"

PROVIDES INSIGHTS ABOUT LISTENING & LEARNING

As part of our ongoing Collective Action for Equity (CAFE) program, in which member artists and cultural organizations come together to acknowledge and respond to racism in our personal lives and in the work that we do in arts and culture, the Cultural Alliance organized a “storytelling concert” on July 6, with the Ubuntu Storytellers. This is a group of experienced black, brown, and biracial performers who tell stories that “open our collective hearts through empathic listening, to engage in respectful honest dialogue to be moved to change.” Thirty five people gathered at The Norwalk Art Space for the concert of stories that reflected the performers' joys, triumphs, and disappointments: encounters with racism, prejudice, and microaggressions. A discussion, moderated by the storytellers, followed one week later.


Insights reported by attendees included “that people are still unaware or in denial about racial bigotry existing today” and “that it’s always good to face the issues and have a discussion rather than being afraid.”  Takeaways from the discussion included “listening to other's ideas and responses is very valuable" and that “We have so much to learn from one another,” and “how part of learning is taking risks and speaking up.”  We thank all those who participated and The Norwalk Art Space for hosting this event for us.

YOUR NEWS

Robbin Zella, who has been at the Housatonic Museum of Art since 1998, recently announced her retirement. She said it was time for the museum to start fresh. Zella helped add more than 4,000 pieces to the museum’s collection. Now she hopes to help the museum with one more addition — a new director. Zella worked tirelessly for two decades to inspire, challenge and uplift us through numerous exhibits, installations, galleries, events and more. To honor her work and lasting impact, the museum established the Robbin A. Zella Scholarship Fund. READ MORE

Greater CT Youth Orchestras welcomes Damali Willingham to its team as the second Conducting Fellow for the 2022-23 season under the tutelage of Music Director Chris Hisey. They will join Glenn Alexander II, who will complete a second year in the program.Damali is a Black, Queer, Nonbinary artist, musician, and activist from Atlanta, GA. They recently received a degree in composition from the Berklee College of Music, where they also studied conducting. Their compositions have been read and performed by youth orchestras and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and they have received multiple prizes and honors. LEARN MORE

The Mark Twain Library announces its annual Book Fair - the oldest and one of the largest in New England. More than 100 years since the founding of the library by Mark Twain in 1908, the Book Fair is still one of the Library’s principal fundraisers. This year, on Labor Day Weekend, the wider aisles and a larger tent to accommodate for social distancing are back, along with a more extensive online store. Over 65,000 books and other items are for sale in 75 categories. LEARN MORE

Norwalk Symphony holds auditions for musicians to fill Principal Flute, Principal Tuba and Principal Keyboard positions along with rounding out the substitute musician list for all other instruments.The auditions are scheduled for August 17, 2022, 5-9pm at the Norwalk Concert Hall. There is a $50 application fee. Please contact info@norwalksymphony.org or call 203.956.6771 for details and information. LEARN MORE

MoCA Westport brings back the 50 year old Heida Hermanns International Piano Competition after a 2 year hiatus. The winner -- one of the top young pianists on the planet -- will earn $10,000. The other 3 finalists receive $2,500 each.The 4 finalists (clockwise from upper left): Nathan Cheung, Katherine Benson, Artem Kuznetsov, Aaron Kurz. The musicians will compete at MoCA, on the Hamburg Steinway "D" piano that once graced the Carnegie Hall stage. CAFC Member Frederic Chiu chairs the jury. READ MORE

Sacred Heart University has hired Irina Georgieva as their new Director of Choral Programs, starting this fall. Currently, there are six choirs on campus and 200 participating students. With a strong background in choral conducting and many years of teaching at the college level, Georgieva will be responsible for developing the vision, direction and supervision of all choral activities and ensembles at SHU. Georgieva earned her doctoral degree in conducting at the Eastman School of Music, her master’s degree in conducting at Northwestern University and her bachelor’s degree in conducting at the National Academy of Music in Sofia, Bulgaria. Georgieva taught conducting at the Berklee College of Music in Boston.

Sacred Heart University has hired a new Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer. He hopes to share his passion for equality, community and social justice at SHU. Working to increase SHU’s value and mission alignment, Nelson will ensure the implementation of a diverse and supportive environment that is conducive to the success of all members of the community. With a strong professional background, Nelson comes to SHU from Yale University where he held a similar title as director of diversity, equity and inclusion for the Yale School of Nursing.

OTHER NEWS

CT HUMANITIES NAMED TO COMMISSION FOR CONNECTICUT'S COMMEMORATIONS FOR THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE U.S. FOUNDING


Governor Ned Lamont announced that he is establishing a commission that will be responsible for planning the State of Connecticut’s multi-year commemorations, celebrations, and reflections of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the formation of the United States of America, which will occur on July 4, 2026. Image: Jason Mancini, ED of CT Humanities.

READ MORE

CT SITES OF CONSCIENCE CONVENING


On August 9th at 1:30PM at Mashantucket Pequot Museum, join CT Humanities in a conversation within and between Connecticut communities about how narratives are shaped and how those narratives influence our understanding of, and dialogue about, issues such as education equity, criminal justice, civic engagement, and Indigenous history. FREE.

REGISTER

THE ARTS, CULTURE AND TOURISM FUNDING ROADMAP PROJECT


In December 2021, representatives of the arts, culture and tourism sectors met in Hartford to discuss their priorities. Now, Connecticut Arts Alliance, Connecticut Humanities, and Connecticut Tourism Coalition are working together to follow up on that convening to advocate for meaningful, reliable, and equitable state funding for these communities. If you haven't already, join a virtual conversation to give your feedback. Your input will inform both the strategy and the messaging for the 2023 legislative session with the goal of increased funding for all. Two final dates: Monday, August 8 at 8 AM (Statewide) and

Tuesday, August 9 at 4 PM (Western Connecticut)

LEARN MORE & REGISTER

STATE HONORARY POSITIONS ANNOUNCED


Congratulations to Antoinette Brim-Bell of West Haven (pictured here) for her selection as Connecticut Poet Laureate and Kala Farnham of Pomfret Center as Connecticut State Troubadour. Both will serve in their respected honorary positions from July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2025. Brim-Bell and Farnham were selected from an exceptionally strong field of candidates, whose works, and public activities on behalf of poetry and music, reflect the richness and diversity of the arts in Connecticut today. Brim-Bell succeeds Margaret Gibson and Farnham succeeds Nekita Waller.

LEARN MORE

ARTS & ECONOMIC PROSPERITY 6


We are excited to partner with Americans for the Arts to announce the launch of Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6), the sixth national study of the economic impact of the nonprofit arts and culture industry. Economic impact studies expand the conversation about the impact of the arts. While most appreciate the cultural benefit provided to our community, few realize that our local arts industry supports jobs, generates government revenue, and is a cornerstone of tourism. We need your help to collect this data for AEP6.

LEARN MORE

WHAT IF ARTS FUNDING WAS HONEST?


Read about a thought experiment by Elise Sterback's experience as a funding assessor across multiple institutions and conversations with other independent artists about how the system could work better for them. As someone who has been on both sides of the table during the last decade in roles like Executive Director of Basement Theatre, trustee for Te Taumata Toi-a-Iwi, and a member of Creative New Zealand’s advocacy advisory group, Te Rōpū Mana Toi, this fierce arts advocate and strategist felt inspired to offer an alternative approach.

READ MORE

ARTS VOTE 2022


As we approach the nationwide General Election culminating on November 8, 2022, become an ArtsVote champion by ensuring that you cast your vote as early as possible and encouraging others to make their vote count too! Take the ArtsVote Pledge at www.ArtsActionFund.org/Pledge and peruse the ArtsVote State Voter Factsheets. 

LEARN MORE

HEALING CENTERED LEADERSHIP


What does it take to heal a broken society? How do we begin to pivot toward values that build greater connection and meaning? The solutions to these challenges require a deeper shift in values. This article shows how a new form of leadership that is based in cultivating empathy, compassion, and connection creates a change in direction which braids together what we know, how we feel, and who we wish to be as an organization.

LEARN MORE

SOCIAL MEDIA IMPACT & DATA


Elevated digital engagement is the “new normal” for cultural organizations, and a basic expectation among potential visitors. This heightened expectation is informing how potential visitors engage with online ticketing platforms, digital marketing efficacy, and how people interact with cultural organizations on social media. Given that social media engagement is even more important for success than it was in 2019, this report illustrates which social media channels will have the greatest impact in reaching audiences along with more great information.

LEARN MORE

FUNDING


Project Manager & Analyst

AMS Planning and Research


Children's Art Teacher

Greenwich Arts Society School of Visual Arts


Program & Events Director

Carriage Barn Arts Center


School Administrator

Darien Arts Center


Grants & Program Assistant

CT Humanities


Assistant House Manager

Westport Country Playhouse | Westport


Artistic and Management Associate

Westport Country Playhouse | Westport


Administrative Assistant

CT Historical Society


PT Social Media & Marketing

Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce


CT League of History Organization Jobs List


PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

 
 

SPREAD THE WORD!

Did you know that, in addition to this monthly Organization Newsletter, we have a monthly Artist Newsletter and a weekly E-Buzz event listing? Feel free to subscribe to any or all of our publications and share a sample with a friend or peer. Please help us expand our reach by sharing and subscribing here:

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BECOME A MEMBER

The Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County is a nonprofit membership service organization that supports its members through marketing, capacity building, professional development, networking, and advocacy services. This newsletter is sent to all who request it, but we ask that, if you are not a member, you explore membership benefits and consider joining.

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THANK YOU

SPONSORS & MEDIA PARTNERS

The Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County is a 501(c)(3) cultural nonprofit membership organization. We are grateful to our members and our donors whose support enables us to do our work. In particular, we are grateful for support from:

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Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County, Gate Lodge at Mathews Park, 301 West Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06850, United States

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