Subject: Organization Newsletter June 2023

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

June 2023

CAFC NEWS

HAPPY ARTS & CULTURE POWER MONTH!

HAPPY PRIDE MONTH!


June's theme is the last in our six-month journey.

In honor of our Arts and Culture Empowerment (ACE) Awards:


#ArtsandCulturePower


The experience of the Arts and Culture is empowering for individuals, neighborhoods, communities, and the broader society.


This power is shared and expanded throughout networks of artists, residents, and cultural institutions.


In turn, Arts and Culture provide vitality and help our communities thrive, serving as a bridge across all other community stakeholders.


So, let’s keep expanding our essential arts and culture network.

Let's do our part to build a healthy, thriving Coastal Fairfield County. 

DO YOU HAVE YOUR TICKETS YET?

THE 2023 DANIEL E. OFFUTT III ACE AWARDS BREAKFAST IS HERE!


Don't miss the CAFC event of the year! The 7th annual Arts & Culture Empowerment (ACE) Awards Breakfast is on June 21st at The Shore and Country Club of Norwalk.


Join a couple hundred arts and culture sector peers as we celebrate individuals, organizations, and businesses that have made significant contributions to the Fairfield County community through arts and culture:


Cris Dam: Artist Award

Vic Mulaire: Citizen Award

David Genovese: Corporate Award

Jenny Nelson: Educator Award

Fairfield Museum and History Center Nonprofit Award

Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward: President’s Award

BUY TICKETS NOW

NOT ABLE TO JOIN?

This is our biggest annual fundraiser, please support in any way you can.

DONATE TODAY

OPEN TO MEMBERS AND NON-MEMBERS!

Not your typical DEI Session.

This community of practice is all about meaning and action.


If you want to take a deeper dive into the equity conversation, try one of our CAFE (Collective Action For Equity) gatherings for free on Zoom. Try it once to see if you’d like to be part of this extraordinary community. WHY?

You’ll Take A Meaningful Journey Into Equity
You’ll Experience Meaningful Peer Learning
You’ll Be Motivated to Take Meaningful Action

LEARN MORE & REGISTER

WHAT DO WE NEED TO GROW OUR

AUDIENCES & MEMBER BASE?


Is membership an outdated model?

What new strategies and ideas can we employ?

How do we keep and re-engage members/subscribers? 

What can we learn from those who have renewed? 
What are some cross-marketing possibilities?

Hear from members about new strategies that seem to be working and have a conversation about moving forward in a post-pandemic world.

REGISTER

Save the Date for our annual summer social for executive directors. Meet your peers, enjoy exquisite cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, and explore the museum and grounds of MoCA Westport.

SPOTLIGHT ON ARTS & CULTURE

PODCAST NOW AVAILABLE


If you missed the WPKN - FM Spotlight on Arts & Culture interview on May 8th, we have the podcast for you! Learn about the power of the arts to bring new life to old buildings and their communities. We feature the journey of The Norwalk Art Space and Metro Art Studios as well as The Granite Church in Redding, a building that is currently being restored and renovated for use as an art space.


Guests:


Jane Davila, Executive Director, Metro Art Studios, Bridgeport

Robin Panovka, The Norwalk Art Space

Richard Wenning, Executive Director, Be Foundation, Co-founder at SpreadMusicNow & Granite Church

Christopher Wigren, Deputy Director, Preservation Connecticut

LEARN MORE & LISTEN

This newsletter may get clipped. If so, be sure to click "view entire message" at end.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Steve Adelman is a lawyer and consultant regarding safety and security at live events. He has his own sports and entertainment firm, Adelman Law Group, PLLC, and he is Vice President of the non-profit Event Safety Alliance. He is principal author of the Crowd Management standard in the United States, ANSI ES1.9-2020, as well as upcoming American National Standards regarding Event Security and Parade Safety. In late-2022, Steve and his wife moved to Rowayton from Scottsdale, AZ.

Festival Edelio was founded in 2017 on the pillars of performance and education in equal measure. Festival Edelio brings world-class artists to share their love of music and engage you, the active listener, with bold and innovative programming in an intimate concert setting. Situated on the gorgeous banks of Westport, an artist haven throughout the years, Edelio strives to let every audience member discover something unique within themselves. Whether you are a connoisseur coming to a concert to hear a brand new commissioned work, experiencing your first Beethoven quartet, or witnessing your child get one-on-one advice from an international soloist, Festival Edelio provides lasting musical memories.

WSHU Public Radio is an NPR member station broadcasting NPR news and classical music to Connecticut and Long Island. WSHU is committed to making their community a better place to live. WSHU’s mission is to be the clarifying voice of their region: on-air, online and in person. WSHU engages the community by: 1) Delivering content that educates across the full spectrum of news, culture and classical music; 2) Connecting differing and sometimes challenging perspectives through well-researched content that allows individuals to draw their own conclusions; 3) Fostering constructive dialogue to inspire and empower listeners and the general public; and 4) Serving as companion and touchstone every day, and a source of support during extraordinary events

MEMBER NEWS

Avon Theatre Film Center has introduced "Avon reCreated," their vision for bringing Avon Theatre into the 21st Century. This capital campaign is meant to improve facility issues and more while retaining the charm and magic of the Avon. The Avon received press coverage in several newspapers for this plan. The Avon welcomes questions and comments. Stay tuned as they share their progress.

Blau House and Gardens is a rare and unique 2-acre garden slated for redevelopment unless funding for its purchase is raised immediately. Blau House & Gardens (BH&G) nonprofit is operated by Emily Blau and her husband Robert to preserve the property and continue their vision of educational programming about gardening, horticulture, and art. The spectacular but intimate landscape surrounds a noteworthy midcentury modern home designed by stage set designer Ralph Alswang. UConn is exploring using this community asset for its master gardener, plant sciences and landscape architecture programs. BH&G seeks contributors to act as co-signors/loan guarantors to help secure a loan to purchase the property for $1.5 M.

Greater Connecticut Youth Orchestras is launching a summer music camp for all string students in grades 4-12 with at least one year experience on their instruments. The "Summer Music Festival" will be taught by GCTYO Teaching Artists from July 10-21 at Greens Farms Academy in Westport. This is a no-audition program; students will be placed into appropriate groups on the first day of camp. Highlights include: Orchestra and sectionals; Chamber music; Concerts and recitals; Masterclasses; Fun summer activities! Repertoire includes: Traditional/classical; New, diverse composers; Alternative genres like fiddling, film, and video. Register at gctyo.org

KEYS (Kids Empowered by Your Support) welcomes Wilton resident, Liane Roseman, to the KEYS Board of Directors. Roseman has been a lifelong advocate for children. She believes in the power of compassion, speaking up unequivocally, and taking action to create equity, access, and systemic change. She worked at NBC Productions, NBC News, and The Children’s Advocacy Center of Manhattan. She served for four years on the Board of Trustees of The Mead School in Stamford, on the Parent Advisory Board, and recently served on the Board of the Wilton Youth Council. KEYS provides free, in-school, virtual, and ensemble music instrument instruction to Bridgeport, CT students.

Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum will will hold a ground-breaking ceremony, marking the beginning of the long-awaited mechanical upgrades, welcoming dignitaries and supporters to join Board, Volunteers & Staff on June 12th. The ceremony will underscore an important milestone in the history of this National Historic Landmark and sought-after heritage destination. This project will allow for the expansion of community use and increased educational programs, while ensuring the safety of visitors, volunteers, and staff.

The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is calling on the community to celebrate and protect the ocean throughout World Ocean Week, June 5-11. Guests of all ages can participate in a variety of activities that raise awareness of the impact of human activities on the ocean, and highlight the importance of sustainability. The Aquarium’s World Ocean Week is its own expanded celebration of World Ocean Day, a United Nations recognized day held annually to encourage people to take actions that positively impact the ocean. Visitors can take the 30x30 pledge at the aquarium and online in support of the global commitment to protect 30 percent of the earth’s land and ocean. The celebration will culminate with a weekend family-friendly journey through the Aquarium with chances to win prizes.

The Mary & Eliza Freeman Center for History and Community has been awarded a $750,000 African American Civil Rights Grant from the National Park Service Awards to begin the historic preservation of Little Liberia's 1848 Eliza Freeman House. The National Park Service (NPS) awarded $21 million to 37 projects in 16 states at the start of the Memorial Day weekend, as part of the Historic Preservation Fund's African American Civil Rights Grant program. The program funds projects and efforts of sites tied to the struggle of African Americans to gain equal rights. The Freeman Center was the only site in New England to receive a Civil Rights preservation grant this year. READ NPS PRESS RELEASE

MoCA Westport graced the cover of CT Insider as one of six "hidden gem" museums in our area. Connecticut has dozens of little-known cultural centers highlighting art, technology, history, transportation, pop culture and children's exhibits. CT Insider highlights 42 under-the-radar cultural centers just waiting to be discovered. READ MORE

The New Paradigm Theatre has received a $20,000 grant from the Fairfield County’s Community Foundation to support its summer educational and production programming. Each summer NPT partners with a social justice nonprofit that reflects the theme of our shows. Through partnered activities, the NPT youth board learns about and volunteers for this partner nonprofit leading up to final performances. Youth from 8 years old through high school also have the opportunity to learn from performing professionals onstage and off in summer classes and rehearsals, which culminate in a weekend of performances.

Stratford Library has announced that two of its staff were honored recently at the Connecticut Library Association Annual Conference at the Mystic Marriott Hotel in Groton. This year’s awards recipients included Stratford Library representatives Tess Beck and Charles Lautier. Beck, who retired from the Library after 24 years of service, received the Faith Hektoen Lifetime Achievement Award. The award is given by the CLA Children's Section in recognition of career achievement in the field of children's services, an outstanding program or project that has made a significant impact on library service for children in CT.  Longtime Stratford Library Volunteer Charles Lautier was recognized with the Edith B. Nettleton Award given to an individual who has demonstrated an outstanding record of volunteer library service. READ MORE

Westport Country Playhouse has announced the departure of Artistic Director Mark Lamos in January 2024. For 15 seasons, Lamos has worked hard to raise its already formidable artistic standards through his collaboration with world-class, American theater artists, staging the most physically beautiful productions allowed by the budget. He took special pleasure in investing in the work of Black, Latinx, and AAPI artists, bringing their voices to the Playhouse stage, and serving larger communities. From 2009 through the present, Lamos oversaw some 64 Playhouse productions, 25 of which he directed. This summer, Lamos will direct his final production - a new adaptation of the classic thriller, “Dial M for Murder.” At the theater’s annual gala Sept 9, Lamos’ contributions to the Playhouse will be celebrated.

Westport Country Playhouse is now a “Literary Landmark” - the only one in Westport, and one of six now in CT. Literary Landmarks are designated by the American Library Association and feature homes of famous writers, libraries and museum collections, literary scenes, etc. A dedication was held at the Westport Country Playhouse Sat. May 27, celebrating the founders of the Playhouse: Lawrence and Armina Langner in 1931. Sponsored by the Westport Library, the event was organized by Joel Vig, actor, director, producer, and Ann Sheffer, a fellow resident of Palm Springs, together with Miggs Burroughs and Dolly Curtis. See interview with Vig HERE.

Wiiton Public Library has been selected as one of 240 libraries to participate in Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities, an American Library Association (ALA) initiative that provides community engagement and accessibility resources to small and rural libraries to help them better serve people with disabilities. The competitive award comes with a $10,000 grant that will help the library increase services to community members who have mobility challenges and/or vision issues. Plans include increasing large print and digital materials, as well as programming that travels to locations outside the library. READ

OTHER NEWS

NALAC AWARDS OVER $1 MILLION TO LATINX ARTISTS AND ARTS ORGANIZATIONS


The National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures (NALAC) announces the 2023 NALAC Fund for the Arts (NFA) grant awards. The 102 awards, totaling over $1.13 million, will provide funding support to 70 Latinx artists, ensembles, and cultural workers and 32 arts organizations across the United States and Puerto Rico. The 2023 award cycle marks the largest number of awards granted in the NFA program’s history.

READ MORE

MAKE MUSIC DAY


On Make Music Day, musicians of all ages and skill levels from around the world unite for a day of community connection, collaboration, and mentorship, participating in thousands of free music-making events on June 21. Be a part of it!

LEARN MORE

DATA HAVEN REPORT


For a fact-filled summary of statistics, DataHaven provides a wealth of fascinating information. The 98-page document -- based on in-depth interviews with over 40,000 randomly selected adults in every Connecticut town -- is a massive collaboration involving community organizations, healthcare providers and public health departments. Among the details is a "Community Index" -- including economic, health and educational measures, with scores from 0 to 1,000 -- gives the US as a whole 695 points, Connecticut 774, Fairfield County 786, and Westport 983.

READ MORE

MAKING STREETS SAFER WITH PUBLIC ART


Hundreds of mayors and thousands of senior city officials in 524 cities worldwide have worked with the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative. Through the Bloomberg Philanthropies Asphalt Art Initiative, more than 60 cities across the U.S. and Europe have revitalized public spaces, engaged local communities, and improved safety. Along with adding vibrant colors and creative designs to city streets, Asphalt Art led to a 50% drop in the rate of crashes involving pedestrians or cyclists after projects were installed, among other safety enhancements. Now cities of any size in Canada, Mexico, and the United States can apply for a chance to receive $25,000 grants. The deadline to apply is June 12.

LEARN MORE

WHAT DO WEALTHY AMERICANS CONSIDER BEFORE JOINING A NONPROFIT BOARD?


IMPACTS Experience recently published the top considerations of ultra-wealthy Americans before making a gift over one million dollars to a cultural organization. Compared to 2016, there has been an increased emphasis on personal connections and legacy over pure mission motivations when it comes to donor support. This finding doesn’t necessarily mean that potential donors now care less about an organization’s mission. Instead, it may mirror trends we’re seeing in personal relevance and connection mattering even more as we continue to emerge from the pandemic. What can help rise above the noise on a planet with myriad pressing social and environmental needs for individual donors? In today’s super-connected world, it seems to be individual connection.

READ MORE

FUNDING

National Dance Project Production Grant

DEADLINE: JUN 12


Bloomberg Philanthropies Asphalt Art Initiative Grants

DEADLINE: JUN 12


NEH Digital Projects for the Public

DEADLINE: JUN 14


NEH Digital Humanities Advancement Grants

DEADLINE: JUN 15


NEH Public Impact Projects at Smaller Organizations

DEADLINE: JUN 28

NEA Grants For Arts Projects

DEADLINE: JULY 6


NEA Grants Our Town Grants

DEADLINE: JULY 6


Aaron Copland Fund for Music

DEADLINE: JULY 7


Maintenance and Repair Grants for Religious Properties

DEADLINE: JULY 14


Open Book Program Fellowships

DEADLINE: JULY 14


Humanities Collections and Reference Resources

DEADLINE: JULY 18


New England States Touring (NEST) Grant

DEADLINE: AUG 1


Survey and Planning Grants

DEADLINE: AUG 2


Historic Restoration Fund Grants (HRF)

DEADLINE: ROLLING THROUGH JAN 2024


Philanthropic Art Program

DEADLINE: ROLLING


NEFA National Theater Project Presenter Travel Grant

DEADLINE: ROLLING


Connecticut Office of the Arts Strategic Partnerships Grant

DEADLINE: ROLLING


NEFA National Dance Project Presentation Grant

DEADLINE: ROLLING

Director of Finance

Goodspeed | Haddam


Membership and Annual Fund Manager

Goodspeed | Haddam


Librarian

Fairfield Museum and History Center | Fairfield


Visual Arts Manager

Real Art Ways | Hartford


Program Coordinator

NEFA | Boston


House Manager

Signature Theatre | NYC


Sales Assistant

The Shed | NYC


Assistant Director

Museum of Darien | Darien


Manager of Communications

INTEMPO | Stamford


Executive Director

New Haven Arts | New Haven


Director of Collections and Exhibitions
The New Britain Museum of American Art | New Britain


Box Office Supervisor

Westport Country Playhouse | Westport


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? 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:

SUBSCRIBE HERE

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.

BECOME A MEMBER

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:

DONATE

FOLLOW US:

facebook
twitter
instagram
youtube
linkedin
Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County, Gate Lodge at Mathews Park, 301 West Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06850, United States

You may unsubscribe or change your contact details at any time.

Powered by:
GetResponse

    This is an online snapshot of a newsletter created by the owner of ORGANIZATION NEWSLETTER: JULY 24, 2015 (Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County, Gate Lodge at Mathews Park, 301 West Avenue, 06850 Norwalk, United States) and sent via GetResponse on 2023-06-02. Report abuse