| |
|
News and Opportunities for the Cultural Nonprofits and Creative Services of Fairfield County, CT |
| | | | The Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County is a nonprofit membership service organization that supports its members through unified marketing, capacity building, professional development, 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. Find out more and sign up here. |
| All links in green link to pages on our website |
| | | | APRIL SPOTLIGHT NOW AVAILABLE: CHRIS FRANTZ THIS MUST BE THE PLACE |
| | | This month's Spotlight on Arts & Culture radio show on WPKN 89.5 FM features a special interview with Chris Frantz, drummer for Talking Heads and Tom Tom Club, resident of Fairfield since 1985, and author of a recently published and successful memoir "Remain in Love." Chris' book is full of sharp observations of places and people as the group toured and traveled the world. What is it like now to be a Fairfield resident and part of the scene right here? Podcast available here... Hear past podcasts. |
| | CULTURAL ALLIANCE KICKS OFF SPECIAL SUMMER CAMP E-BUZZ |
| | This week, the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County launched the first edition of our 2021 Summer Camps E-Buzz. The online listing includes camps offered by CAFC members and is organized by town. Did you miss getting your camp listed? Just post all the details on FCBuzzEvents and let us know and we can include you in the Second Edition. |
| | | | BRIDGEPORT FILM FEST
Artistic Director: Jason A. Coombs Producing Partner: Christina Smith, Groundwork Bridgeport
The vision for the Bridgeport Film Fest is to establish Bridgeport as a diverse hub for filmmakers and other artists to showcase their talents. This will support the long-term goal of enhancing cultural and economic growth to the city of Bridgeport as well as fostering new generations of artists. The festival will take place over three days in July and plans to offer both in-person and virtual screenings, as well guest speakers from the film industry and creative workshops for both youth and adults. The Festival will highlight the diversity of the film community in Bridgeport and the surrounding regions by showcasing films directed by over 50% women and POC filmmakers. Reflecting Groundwork Bridgeport’s mission to “educate, engage, and revitalize,” the festival will provide scholarships for two Bridgeport high school students looking to pursue higher education in the arts. See the Film Fest's website, Facebook, and Instagram pages, and YouTube channel. |
| | EAST COAST CONTEMPORARY BALLET
Co-Founders and Artistic Directors: Claire Maza and Alejandro Ulloa
With roots firmly planted in the community and in a devotion to the art of creation and collaboration, Norwalk-based East Coast Contemporary Ballet is a non-profit organization presenting ballets that push the physical and artistic boundaries of contemporary dance while utilizing the aesthetic, technique, and tradition of classical ballet. Whether inspired foremost by the musical score, conveying narrative through movement, or interpreting an abstract concept, ECCB seeks to reach diverse audiences, transcending time and space through stimulating choreography that viewers can relate to. Filling a void for a continually active innovative contemporary ballet company based in Connecticut that serves the entire East Coast, ECCB has a wider scope than its founders or its artists—it is a vehicle through which art will continue to be generated, cultivated, and shared. See the Ballet's website, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages, and YouTube channel.
|
| | GREATER BRIDGEPORT LATINO NETWORK
President: Edward Martinez
The mission of the Greater Bridgeport Latino Network (GBLN) is to promote community engagement to address the socio-economic issues affecting Latinos through networking, communication, collaboration and education. GBLN was formed in 2004. It is a well-established community-supported and diverse network of organizations and individuals sharing news, information, ideas, opportunities and services. It has effectively utilized its Community News E-blast to serve as an informational clearinghouse and conduit to its 2500+ network and Facebook friends. The e-blasts promote a variety of events, opportunities, announcements and activities sponsored by GBLN and other groups in the network. See the GBLN website, its Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn pages. |
| | ROBERT DEAN ARCHITECTS
Principal: Robert Dean A Creative Business and Preservationist member
Robert Bruce Dean founded Robert Dean Architects in 1986. By that time he had sharpened his design skills by working for noted architects and firms such as Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill, Philip Johnson, and Robert A.M. Stern. He has taught architectural design and history at the university level and is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania (B.A. in Arch.) and Columbia University (M.Arch.). He lives with his wife in Redding, Connecticut, and sustains active involvement in non-profit professional and public-benefit activities. While the firm is experienced in a number of professional areas, it has become increasingly specialized in the design of custom residential projects. These have included both new houses and renovations of existing houses. Geographically, the firm’s work has ranged from Virginia to Vermont, although the majority of projects are in the general area of Fairfield County, Connecticut. See the RDA website and Instagram page. |
|
| | | The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum is pleased to welcome Betty Stolpen Weiner as its new Director of Development. Weiner was previously the Major Gifts Officer at the Whitney Museum of American Art, where she had worked in various fundraising roles since 2009. At the Whitney she cultivated new donors, secured major gifts and donations, planned special events, including domestic and international travel for high level donors, and managed a number of committees and patron groups. At the Museum, Weiner will lead the Development department which includes cultivating donor relationships, securing critical funding for exhibitions, programs, and operations, grant writing, overseeing the Museum’s membership program, and annual fundraisers.
|
| | | Arts Alliance of Stratford has formed a partnership with the Sterling House Community Center, to provide much needed space for its meetings, classes and workshops. Due to the pandemic, the space has not been fully utilzed until now, says Mark Hannon, President of the Alliance. On Saturday, April 10, the Alliance launches its inaugural event, a Writer’s Group, to be held in AAS's new home at Sterling House. The Arts Alliance is also busy planning for the first art show in the Gallery space, opening May 23. |
| | | Beechwood Arts & Innovation is turning 10! In 2011, founders Frederic Chiu and Jeanine Esposito discovered a beautiful 1806 property in Westport and immediately had the idea to share this space with artists, performers, musicians, filmmakers, tech mavens and chefs, along with curious, enthusiastic, open-minded arts lovers and supporters. They had in mind a nod to the Parisian salons of the past, but with an eye toward the future arts experience. The 501(c)3 Beechwood Arts & Innovation nonprofit was then formed, after the 400-year-old Copper Beech that is the soul of the site. During the past 10 years, Beechwood has hosted more than 100 all-arts, immersive events across 40 seasons, shown thousands of pieces of artwork from hundreds of artists, hosted world-class performances, including world premieres, and many other innovative firsts. |
| | This spring, Greenwich Historical Society is planning its first collaboration with the Witness Stones Project, in conjunction with local schools and the local community. The Witness Stones Project seeks to restore the history and honor the humanity and contributions of the enslaved individuals who helped build our community, starting with the 15 enslaved people that records show lived and worked at the Bush-Holley House site in Cos Cob in the 18th and 19th centuries. In a public ceremony on May 27, GHS education staff, public officials, students from Sacred Heart and Greenwich Academy, and community members will come together to install the commemorative bronze Witness Stones bearing the names of Cull, Candice, Patience and Hester. These plaques will serve as a permanent public reminder of lives lived in bondage in our community.
|
| | | The college hunt for young musicians is uniquely challenging. In response, Music for Youth is organizing a College Prep Series for Musicians on Zoom, aimed at helping students and their parents navigate the process. Week one will feature students and graduates from various music schools and conservatories sharing their experiences. Week two will feature five college and conservatory representatives talking about the criteria for admissions, the admissions process and their school’s programs and the final session will address Need Based Aid Information and Resources for Merit Aid. For more information... |
| | | The Weston Historical Society has received two major gifts from the Daniel E. Offutt, III Charitable Trust totaling $1.5 million. The gifts include a grant of $500,000 and a grant of $1 million to the endowment fund. Both gifts will enable the historical society to continue its major restoration of the Coley Homestead, located at 104 Weston Road, and to plan for the future. The grant of $500,000 will exclusively be used to repair and renovate the Coley barn, carriage house, archives/museum building, and bunkhouse, as well as fund educational programs, exhibit space, and workshops in these buildings, according to Leigh Meccay, president of the Weston Historical Society. The Society is optimistic about reopening this year, with a new exhibit on the Roaring Twenties, “Weston Slept While the Nation Roared: Life in the Twenties.” |
| | | | AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN TO BRING $10 BILLION TO CONNECTICUT
President Joe Biden signed the $1.9 trillion stimulus relief bill last month that will bring an estimated $10 billion to Connecticut. Here is a look at how much funding your Connecticut town will get from the American Rescue Plan. These are estimates of the amount of federal money coming to municipalities in the form of local aid and education funding. The estimates do not include an estimated $4 billion in direct payments coming to state residents. Total funds received by our communities: Bridgeport $212,511,538; Darien $3,109,268; Easton $1,028,570; Fairfield $15,889,677; Greenwich $30,851,503; Monroe $2,996,775; New Canaan $ $3,093,663; Norwalk $49,670,449; Shelton $8,958,785; Stamford $61,640,497; Stratford $31,840,820; Trumbull $5,329,098; Weston $1,537,210; Westport $4,450,999; Wilton 0 $2,674,057 See full Hartford Courant Article... |
| | CLHO AWARDS OF MERIT VIRTUAL CEREMONY APRIL 20
The 2021 Awards of Merit recipients will be honored as part of Connecticut League of History Organizations' virtual annual business meeting on Tuesday, April 20, at 4pm on Zoom. The event is free with RSVP and is open to CLHO members and non-members alike. |
| | AUTISM IN MUSEUMS: A REVOLUTION IN THE MAKING
As we work to increase diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility among museum audiences and in the workplace, we need to attend to the needs of neurodiverse visitors and employees. Claire Madge, founder of the UK-based Autism in Museums, gives an overview of what museums can do, should do, and are doing, to support visitors and staff on the autism spectrum in her latest blog. There are huge benefits to museums in welcoming autistic visitors who often prove to be incredibly loyal, regularly returning as routine is often very important to them. Many autistic people have an intense focus on a particular topic or special interest, which means they are a real asset as volunteers and staff members. Read AAM Article...
|
| | ONLINE ENGAGEMENT WITH CULTURAL ENTITIES ON THE RISE
It’s safe to say that life was a lot different for most of us before the pandemic. We were forced to socially distant and move online to stay safe. As it turns out, we may have moved “visiting a museum or performing arts organization” online as well, according to Colleen Dilenschneider's blog, Know Your Own Bone. According to an ongoing Media Consumption Study of U.S. adults by IMPACTS Experience (sample size 5,116), people spent 81 more minutes per day on digital platforms alone in 2020 than they did in 2019. (The number of total minutes per day spent on television – including streaming services like Hulu and Netflix – increased by an impressive 177 minutes.) People were spending more time online and many cultural entities were spending more energy engaging them in that realm. In fact, more people engaged with cultural organizations online during the pandemic than they did the year before, when organizations were actively welcoming guests without a deadly health interruption. Full article here... |
| | NEW REPORT: FOCUS ON ORGANIZATIONS OF COLOR
A report from SMU DataArts shares insights from 21 leaders of high-performing arts and cultural organizations of color and finds commonalities in their perceptions of the factors underlying their organizations’ financial stability. In the fifth conversation series, Reimagining the Future of the Arts, co-author Zannie Voss describes the findings of the report, followed by a panel discussion. Leaders with deep roots in communities of color share the keys to their success, as well as what they have learned while navigating crises, including COVID-19. Watch the recording and view the slides here. Watch recording and view slides here... |
| | | | PUBLIC ART LEARNING FUND GRANT DUE APRIL 20
The Public Art Learning Fund provides grants of $500 to $2,000 to support professional development opportunities for New England artists to strengthen their public art practices. Through the Public Art Learning Fund, NEFA intends to foster the continued development of more equitable, inclusive, and vibrant public spaces and public life throughout New England. Artists may utilize the Public Art Learning Fund to: pursue a specific professional development opportunity to strengthen their own public art practice in New England and beyond. The deadline is April 20, 2021. Learn more... |
| | NEH OFFERS ARP RELIEF FUNDING FOR CULTURAL AND EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) has announced two new funding opportunities to rapidly distribute American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act funding to cultural organizations and educational institutions adversely affected by the coronavirus pandemic. These funding opportunities will provide direct grants to individual humanities institutions and grantmaking organizations to distribute as competitive subawards to affected organizations and individuals. American Rescue Plan: Humanities Organizations emergency relief grants provide up to $500,000 to cultural organizations and educational institutions to support humanities projects across the fields of education, preservation and access, public programming, digital humanities, and scholarly research for one year. Applicants may propose new humanities projects or focus on sustaining core humanities programs and activities. The deadline to apply is May 14, 2021. Learn more... |
| | OPEN HOUSE DAY
JUNE 12
The 17th annual Connecticut Open House Day will continue as planned on June 12, 2021. This year, due to the continued uncertainty of the pandemic, each organization may choose to promote visits to their property virtually, in-person, or both. Connecticut Open House Day is designed to inspire Connecticut residents to learn about the amazing experiences in their own backyard so that they may spread the word to future visitors and guests. Art galleries, museums, theaters, historic properties, attractions, restaurants, and other key tourism sites throughout the state of Connecticut are invited to participate. Participation is free. Click to register. For additional information or questions, please contact Jean Hebert at the Office of Tourism at jean.hebert@ct.gov. |
| | COMMUNITY DEI CONVENING FOR CULTURAL PRACTITIONERS AND COMMUNITIES
Stamford's INTEMPO, an award-winning music education and youth development organization, is using a CTHumanities Quick Grant to support Voices and Actions: A Convening on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. This virtual conference will provide a space for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) leaders, cultural practitioners and communities to come together with allies to reflect on the progress of diversity work and discuss how to embrace, integrate and amplify equitable practices through educational and cultural work. This free event will be live-streamed via Zoom. For more information on all the sessions and to register visit the INTEMPO website. |
| | CT HUMANITIES QUICK GRANT DUE JUNE 4
With awards up to $4,999, a streamlined application process and only one month from application to award notification, CTHumanities Quick Grants continue to help organizations create small-scale humanities programs that have big impacts on their communities. Before applying, organizations must contact CTH staff member Scott Wands at swands@cthumanities.org to discuss your project idea. CTH is eager to help you submit a strong application and are available to review draft applications received at least two weeks before the grant deadline. Applications submitted without prior communication with CTH staff will not be considered. Learn more...
|
| | | | COMMUNICATING WITH COMMUNITY IN MIND: THINKING THROUGH INCLUSIVE LANGUAGE APRIL 26
We all know that some word choices are more welcoming than others, whether you’re writing artifact labels, exhibition catalogs, or social media posts, but it’s not always a simple find-and-replace task. The language we use as institutions and individuals shapes how we and our audiences make meaning, understand museum content, and think about marginalized groups. In this workshop, editor and inclusive language consultant Alex Kapitan will help us deepen our understanding of what makes language choices inclusive or exclusive and how to approach tough decisions around communication. The workshop will cover material geared toward people who are just starting to think about these issues and people who have been grappling with them for some time. Register here...
|
| | FINANCIAL GUIDANCE FOR NONPROFITS WEBINAR APRIL 29
Fairfield County's Community Foundation is hosting a workshop to provide guidance to nonprofits to assist with financial management of an organization during emergency situations, and other common best financial practices. Attendees will learn:
- Ideas to improve budgets and forecasts during emergency situations;
- Common best practices that I have seen during my career as an auditor;
- Best ways to communicate budget shortfalls on Financial Statements and Form 990
- How to develop the budget for your organization;
- How to write a contingency plan in the event your revenue/fundraising amounts are less than planned.
The presenter is Bryan Pennington of Venman & Co. Register here...
|
| | APRIL IS POETRY MONTH CT CELEBRATES WITH EVENTS, READINGS, TALKS
Established by the Academy of American Poets in 1996, National Poetry Month is the largest literary celebration in the world, with tens of millions of readers, students, K-12 teachers, librarians, booksellers, literary events curators, publishers, bloggers, and, of course, poets, marking poetry’s important place in our culture and our lives every April. On April 22, Lit Talks, a virtual panel discussion will take place, promising thought-provoking dialogue, and offering a satisfying poke-in-the-eye to the pandemic. For a listing of some of the Connecticut-specific poetry events happening in April, visit CTHumanities website. |
| | SPRING WORKSHOPS SERIES CT LEAGUE OF HISTORY ORGANIZATIONS
The Connecticut League of History Organizations has three remaining virtual workshops this spring. Topics include: The Versatility of Virtual Tours (April 27); Engaging Your Audience through Video (May 4); and Fundraising Past the Edge of the Pandemic (May 18). Learn more and Register here...
|
| | #AAM2021 VIRTUAL ANNUAL MEETING & MUSEUMEXPO MAY 24 + JUNE 7-9
The AAM Annual Meeting & MuseumExpo brings together museums of all types and sizes—from art and history museums to zoos and botanic gardens—to share ideas and make connections that are transformative. It’s a place where all museum professionals learn from one another, create partnerships, and leave inspired to make an impact on their museums, communities, and the world. Attendees are required to pre-register to reserve their space for the Opening Event on June 7 and your choice of three topic-focused networking receptions on June 8. Event pre-registration will open to all registrants on April 15 and space is limited. Register here...
|
| | UMASS ARTS EXTENSION SERVICE OFFERS SUMMER ONLINE CLASSES
In our current landscape, tackling the challenges that arts and cultural organizations are facing takes creative and innovative thinking. Lead the change in the field by building your expertise through the Arts Extension Service’s classes in Arts Management this summer with University of Massachusetts Amherst 100% online courses, including Introduction to Arts Management; Arts Fundraising; and Grantwriting for the Arts. These courses are led by renowned faculty who have extensive backgrounds in the field will bridge the gap of the experiential to the practical for aspiring and practicing arts managers, non-profit leaders, and creative practitioners. Register here... |
| | EFFECTIVE AND EFFCIENT BOARDS AND BOARD MEETINGS MAY 11 & MAY 12
Do you sit on a nonprofit board? Are you confused about the roles and responsibilities of a nonprofit board member? Do you wonder how to make your board meetings more effective and efficient? Do you know how to use agendas, adopt resolutions, and keep minutes? Pro Bono Partnership, regularly receives all kinds of questions about boards, governance, and running board meetings. So they've put together this webinar to answer some of the most frequently asked questions. Join this LIVE, INTERACTIVE WEBINAR – and bring your own questions! Two sessions offered: May 11 and May 12. Register here... |
| | | | CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
MUSEUM EDUCATOR
Museum Educators are responsible for presenting dynamic, interactive, inquiry-based distance learning programs, tours, talks, and other educational activities to schools and community, youth, and adult groups at the Connecticut Historical Society, from the Distance Learning Studio, and at designated off-site venues. Museum Educators are responsible for assisting in the overall work of the Education Department and report to the Director of Education. Duties and Responsibilities include: Conducting distance learning programs, museum tours, and outreach programs for students in pre-K through grade 12 around a variety of themes related to school curricula, Presenting traveling programs on a variety of topics to adults and senior citizens across the state virtually or at designated off-site venues, Leading related age-appropriate hands-on activities and primary source workshops. Full job description... |
| | JOHN JAY HOMESTEAD VISITOR SERVICES MANAGER
John Jay Homestead State Historic Site is seeking a Visitor Services Associate. Responsibilities include: maintaining operation of Visitor Center, Museum Shop, and Discovery Centers; assisting with programs for student groups, adults, and families; and assisting with housekeeping tasks. One year customer service experience required; museum experience preferred. Ability to work as a member of a team and an interest in history are a must. John Jay website... |
| | BROOKLYN INSTITUTE OF ARTS & SCIENCE
The Brooklyn Institute of Arts & Science/Brooklyn Museum has created a new position of Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art, a specialist in African American and/or African diaspora artists to strengthen the development, research, presentation, interpretation, renown, and growth of the Museum’s collection. The Museum also seeks a high-energy, organized, and hard-working Executive Assistant to offer critical administrative support to the newly appointed Deputy Director for Art and the Director of Curatorial Affairs. The individual will offer critical administrative support to both senior leadership positions, which are responsible for overseeing the art program including curatorial, exhibitions, registrars and art handling, conservation, exhibition design, libraries & archives, and publications, interpretation, and editorial services. View All Career Opportunities here... |
| | FAIRFIELD MUSEUM & HISTORY CENTER DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
The Fairfield Museum and History Center seeks a creative and dynamic Director of Public Engagement to lead the Museum’s public programs, exhibits, and educational activities to build a vibrant, visitor-centered, and welcoming regional cultural center. The position inspires and directs talented staff teams, and leads the implementation of an ambitious schedule of innovative, audience-focused content designed to inspire civic engagement, foster community dialogue, and celebrate the diverse history of southwestern Connecticut. Learn more... |
| |
|
|
MEMBERS: If you have an open position, be sure to post in our CLASSIFIEDS! |
| | FOR JOBS, FOR SALE, FOR RENT, VOLUNTEERS, AND CALLS FOR ARTISTS - CONSULT AND POST IN OUR CLASSIFIEDS |
| | | | | SPREAD THE WORD!
Please help us expand the reach of our weekly E-Buzz newsletter with its selection of events taking place that week in our region. See the most recent issue. Share with a friend. Subscribe here. |
| | | Support us through Amazon Smile. Click here to have 0.5% of your Amazon purchase donated to The Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County. Thank you! |
| | 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. Donations are always very welcome and may be made here. In particular, we are grateful for support from: |
| | |
|
