| | 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. |
| | | | | | HELP SUPPORT OUR CULTURE CONNECTORS NETWORK |
| The Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County is launching a Culture Connectors Network: aimed at significantly diversifying the people, perspectives and traditions that inform our region's cultural infrastructure. Our goal is to broaden and deepen the reach of the Cultural Alliance by collapsing barriers that isolate people and cultures. This is one of the creative ways we can confront the systemic racism and inequities in our region that challenge our ability to connect people, places and cultures. Imagine a network of Culture Connectors – "equity stewards" who collectively represent multiple perspectives and experiences, listen intently, and help us connect people and cultures. This network will inform our planning and program designs and help us get to know, respect, and cherish the people, cultures and traditions that make up our region's rich cultural landscape.
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| | We envision a network of eventually some 70 Culture Connectors, who will be paid modest honoraria, where required. To launch the network we have started a campaign, backed by the Community Match Fund of Sustainable CT, to raise $15,000 to pay our first cohort over the next year. Please help us to raise $7,500, which will be matched dollar-for-dollar by Sustainable CT. Find out more, and consider contributing towards our goal any amount from $10 up. Go to patronicity.com/CultureConnectors to find out more and make your contribution. And thank you!
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| | CAFC ACKNOWLEDGES DONATION FROM SPREAD MUSIC NOW |
| The Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County gratefully acknowledges a donation of $5,000 from the Spread Music Now Fund. The gift is for general operating expenses, and the Board of the Cultural Alliance expresses its gratitude for this gift that will strengthen the Cultural Alliance's ability to deliver programs and services to its members and to the public. SpreadMusicNow, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established to support high-quality music education programs across the nation. Funds raised on behalf of SpreadMusicNow are currently administered by the SpreadMusicNow Fund, which is organized as a donor-advised fund, placed with Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, which administers all fund disbursements under the direction of SpreadMusicNow. |
| | | | ESTABLISH ROOTS
Establish Roots creates pathways for international immigrant artists/musicians that belong to the LGBTQ+ community to perform in public spaces in the USA (primarily CT) in order to further serve the public through performances. These performances combat racism, xenophobia, and homophobia. It also serves to further aid in the documenting process that is required for either an Artist Visa or Asylum application - demonstrating the importance of arts/music in our communities. |
| | FAIRFIELD COMEDY CLUB
Fairfield Comedy Club is CT's newest, hottest spot to see live comedy every week from CT's and NYC's best standups! Produced by the owners of the famous New York Comedy Club, the Fairfield Comedy Club will be bringing you comics you've seen on Late Night, HBO and Comedy Central (actual TV!) every Saturday night! |
| | HIGHLAND GREEEN FOUNDATION
The Highland Green Foundation supports community outreach programs focused on education, music and the arts, and architectural preservation—all on the campus of the First Presbyterian Church in downtown Stamford, Connecticut. The Foundation seeks to engage a vibrant and diverse local community around this urban green as well as the international community wishing to preserve mid 20th century modern buildings. This 6.7 acre campus—comprising a village green and buildings that include a carillon tower and sanctuary that has extraordinary dalle de verre stained glass, floor-to-ceiling windows—designed by Wallace K. Harrison, an iconic modernist architect. |
| | SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT CAMERATA
The Southern Connecticut Camerata (SCC) continues the remarkable and enduring tradition of the Westport Madrigal Singers, founded by Jeanne D. Kimball in 1955. We have been privileged to sing with other prestigious local arts organizations, such as the Arcady Music Festival in Maine, the American Shakespeare Festival in Stratford, the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra, and many more in our 60+ years of performing! Now under the baton of the esteemed David J. Recca, we continue to perform, often collaborating with talented local soloists and instrumentalists, in Norwalk and beyond. |
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| | | The Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District (DSSD) kicked off Bridgeport Art Trail weekend on November 11, 2021 by celebrating the success of its collaboration with property owner Fred Frassinelli and mural artist and CAFC member Alicia Cobb to produce a public mural commemorating the legacy of Bridgeport’s musical history. The Middle Street Music mural finds its home on the façade of a building that previously housed Paul Leka’s recording studio – made famous for producing tracks from world-famous acts like REO Speedwagon, Harry Chapin, and Stevie Wonder. The Bridgeport DSSD complemented the installation with the launch of an online guide to the Downtown’s works of public art, inspiring a walking path or informal tour of the many sites marked by QR code sidewalk stickers next to the sites where the artworks are located. |
| | The Contemporary Art Modern Project is gearing up for the upcoming Scope Art Show, celebrating its 20th year in Miami Beach with Here’s Looking at You: A Contemporary Kaleidoscope, a display of contemporary portraits from CAMP artists across the globe. View the works in the show and full roster of artists HERE
SCOPE returns to its iconic location on the sands of SCOPE’s extraordinary selection of contemporary art from 140 international exhibitors will be presented alongside museum-quality installations, panel discussions, and nightlife events. Fair Dates: Dec 1–5 Learn More... |
| | The Fairfield Theatre Company (FTC) has announced that John Munro has joined the FTC team as the Director of Development. Prior to joining FTC, Munro served as Assistant Head of School at Adam J. Lewis Academy in Bridgeport (2019-2021) and as Head of School at Fairfield Country Day School (2010-2019). John is a seasoned educational leader responsible for implementing capital campaigns and annual giving initiatives, as well as guiding organizations through periods of strategic planning and targeted fundraising. Born and raised in New Canaan, he is a dedicated board member of Bridgeport's Adam J. Lewis Academy, and also serves on the Board of Squashport, part of the Squash Education Alliance, providing year-round, long-term support to young people in Bridgeport who deserve and desire more. |
| | The Fairfield University Art Museum is purchasing works for its permanent collection from a fund it has created for the acquisition of work by contemporary Black artists. The Museum recently purchased Cardboard Slave Kit, Abolitionist Blend DIY by artist Roberto Visani, in addition to a ceramic work by Afro-Latino artist Roberto Lugo titled Peaceful Protesters: Nina Simone II. (pictured at right). The Museum is now actively seeking both financial contributions and donations of museum-quality artwork to achieve greater representation and recognition of non-white artists and artwork. The Museum seeded this fund in 2021 with $20,000, with the goal of raising $40,000 in additional funds by the end of the year. So far, the Museum has received donations totaling $25,000 in support of this effort. |
| | Greenwich Theatre Company (GTC) and Theatre Artists Workshop (TAW) are excited to release a virtual holiday co-production: “A Christmas Memory” by Truman Capote. This production’s journey began at TAW, where playwright Patsy Moss first adapted Capote’s short story for the stage in 2019. GTC collaborated with TAW member artists in December of 2020, resulting in GTC’s first virtual production during the height of the pandemic. This holiday season, GTC and TAW put their resources together, and after securing an archival use agreement with Actors’ Equity Association, this special virtual production will run December 20 - 26, 2021. |
| | The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum has been nominated, for the second time, as one of the top 20 U.S. museums and cultural institutions with the most magnificent holiday tour experience by USA Today. The public now decides which of the 20 makes it into the list of “10 Best Holiday Historic Home Tours”. You are encouraged to vote daily and generously for the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum through Monday, December 6. Click here for more information on tour schedules. Photo courtesy of Alex Rosenfeld |
| | The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is now offering deep admission discounts to Connecticut residents participating in the federal SNAP food-assistance program. From Nov. 1, state residents showing their SNAP EBT card gain Aquarium admission for just $3 per person, for up to six people. In offering the EBT discount, the Aquarium plans to become a participating organization in Museums for All, the only nationally coordinated financial-accessibility program in the museum field. An initiative of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Museums for All encourages individuals of all backgrounds to visit museums regularly and build lifelong museum habits. Learn more... |
| | Sacred Heart University welcomes Matt Oestreicher as the new director of SHU Community Theatre in Fairfield. Oestreicher plays several instruments, writes and produces music, and has worked with artists such as Stevie Wonder, John Legend and Alicia Keys. He has played at New York's Carnegie Hall and Apollo Theater, and recently recorded all the music for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The 46-year-old Fairfield native and resident started working at the theatre a few months ago. He is thrilled to bring his vision, as well as world-class acts, educational opportunities and films, to the downtown-Fairfield establishment—a venue he frequented as a child. |
| | Stamford Symphony and The Westport Library have created a partnership to bring the Symphony into more of Fairfield County. Under the partnership, Westport Library serves as the eastern hub for the Symphony, which strengthens its mission to serve many audiences in Fairfield County and help make music accessible for all ages. Bill Harmer, the library’s executive director, said “Creating community partnerships is essential to what public libraries are all about. It is refreshing to work with Russell Jones and the Symphony. Our shared philosophy and approach will make for a great collaboration.” "Westport’s state-of-the-art library and performance space, coupled with the fact that the town doesn’t have its own orchestra, made the library “an obvious location” for the symphony’s eastern hub," said Russell Jones, the Symphony’s President and CEO. |
| | | | WE-MAKING: NEW REPORT EXAMINES ROLE OF ARTS AND CULTURE IN FOSTERING SOCIAL COHESION AND COMMUNITY WELL-BEING
Social cohesion is a basic requirement of healthy communities, especially now since the COVID-19 pandemic has inflicted trauma and exposed social, racial, and health inequities across the country. A new report: WE-Making: How Arts & Culture Unite People to Work Toward Community Well-Being, shows that place-based arts and cultural practices, or creative placemaking, can help grow social cohesion to encourage community well-being. Learn More...
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| | CLHO RECEIVES TWO-YEAR PARTNERSHIP GRANT FROM CT HUMANITIES
At their October meeting, the board of directors of CT Humanities (CTH) awarded $2,384,484 from the CT Cultural Fund and $80,000 in SHARP funding to further support statewide collaborations with humanities and arts organizations. The Connecticut League of History Organizations is thrilled to be among the organizations to receive a partnership grant of $800,000 through this initiative. CLHO's continued partnership with CT Humanities will forge a stronger, more robust, and sustainable Connecticut League with the capacity to serve not only Connecticut’s history community but its entire museum ecosystem. Learn More... |
| | NEA: AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN REGRANTS TO LOCAL ARTS AGENCIES
The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) announced that 66 local arts agencies (including The Greater New Haven and NWCT Arts Councils) will receive $20.2 million in American Rescue Plan (ARP) grants for regranting to qualifying recipients in local communities to save jobs, fund operations, and for marketing initiatives to encourage attendance and participation. The third installment of ARP funding to arts organizations to support their own operations will be announced in January 2022. Read more... |
| | REPORT: CREATIVITY SPARKS ECONOMIC RENEWAL
A recent analysis by economist Douglas Noonan at Indiana University investigates how the arts interact with the broader economy after acute shocks. His conclusions reveal several facts about how creative industries rebounded more quickly than the overall economy after the Great Recession. Noonan’s analysis tells us that rebuilding the creative sector will not only help the arts to recover but will also help to revive the broader economy. Noonan also discovered that highly diversified arts ecosystems posted more significant economic gains than their less-diversified neighbors and arts employment per capita boosts overall employment per capita in more rural states. Read more... |
| | A YEAR INTO PANDEMIC, SURVEY FINDS THE ARTS ARE MORE IMPORTANT TO US
Culture & Community in a Time of Transformation is a report that examines people’s experience of the cultural sector in the era of COVID-19. Unlike other culture-centered pandemic impact reports, it does not focus on a single group, such as artists or museum workers, but rather the general public. The study found that Black and African American respondents said they perceived systemic racism to be more present in museums than in any other type of arts organization. It also found that artist livestreams are the most popular arts-related digital activity since the start of the pandemic, and individual artists and performers, not organizations, are the most popular content providers. Read more... |
| | ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SUMMIT
This December, the state will host the 2021 Connecticut Economic Development Summit, which will include interactive discussions about Connecticut's economic recovery from the pandemic and what the state is doing to ensure future success. The in-person event will take place on December 2 at The Bushnell in Hartford. This half-day conference will feature interactive discussions on the policies and decisions driving economic recovery, how and why Connecticut is navigating the pandemic effectively, and how we leverage this moment in history into a sustainable future that includes everyone. If you're interested in attending, further details can be found in the email below from DECD Commissioner David Lehman. Information and Registration... |
| | | | INCUBATOR FOR ARTS AND CULTURE LEADERS OF COLOR IN TRI-STATE AREA DECEMBER 6
Leaders of Color from arts and cultural organizations based in Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York State (outside of NYC) are encouraged to for the New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) Incubator for Arts and Culture Leaders of Color in the Tri-State Area (outside of NYC). This is a free program that will provide leadership training and community support for up to 18 arts administrators from January 2022 to June 2022. Learn more & Apply... |
| | NEH: SUSTAINING CULTURAL HERITAGE COLLECTIONS JANUARY 13
The Sustaining Cultural Heritage Collections program at the NEH helps cultural institutions meet the complex challenge of preserving large and diverse holdings of humanities materials for future generations by supporting sustainable conservation measures that mitigate deterioration, prolong the useful life of collections, and support institutional resilience: the ability to anticipate and respond to disasters resulting from natural or human activity. For a recorded Application Webinar click here: https://youtu.be/Y2Ba8hy3Wrk. More information here. |
| | NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN FOR CLHO's 2022 AWARDS OF MERIT JANUARY 21
The CT League of History Organizations invites nominations for the 2022 Awards of Merit to honor excellent work in Connecticut History. Organizations and individuals are encouraged to nominate their own work in the Project category as well as nominations to recognize Individual Achievement. There will be a CLHO Programs Colleague Circle: Awards of Merit Info Session and Q&A on Friday, December 10 at noon RSVP and Learn more... |
| | MUSIC FOR YOUTH, INC 2022 MARIANNE LIBERATORE INSTRUMENTAL COMPETITION JANUARY 21
Music for Youth announces the Marianne Liberatore Memorial Instrumental Competition for High School instrumentalists who reside in Connecticut. Music for Youth was the creation of Marianne Liberatore and friends with the goal of bringing classical music, professionally performed, into the lives of young people in Fairfield County. This competition is in honor of Marianne and the gift of music she gave to our community through the Free Young Persons’ Concerts and school residency and exchange programs. The award for first place will be $1,500. A $350 Karl Koss Memorial Prize will be awarded to the second-place winner. The top finalist(s) will be offered an opportunity to present a solo/ensemble concert in the Emerging Artists Series at Pequot Library. More information and application... |
| | MUSEUM ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (MAP) FEBRUARY 1
The Museum Assessment Program (MAP) is a collaborative program offered by IMLS and the American Alliance of Museums that offers museums an opportunity to strengthen operations and plan for the future through a low-cost, year-long process of self-assessment and consultative peer review. A MAP assessment engages a team of museum staff and stakeholders in a series of institutional activities and information gathering using a MAP Workbook. A Peer Reviewer visits the museum and, consulting with staff, governing officials, volunteers, and other stakeholders produces an assessment report evaluating the museum's operations. Five MAP assessment types are available: Organizational, Collections Stewardship, Education & Interpretation, Community & Audience Engagement, and Board Leadership. Find out which assessment type is right for your museum and how to apply when the next application period is open. Apply here... |
| | GIVING DAY FEBRUARY 24
Powered by Fairfield County's Community Foundation, Fairfield County's Giving Day will be back for its ninth year. Fairfield County’s Giving Day is the region's biggest philanthropic event, bringing people together to make a difference for local nonprofits delivering vital services to our neighborhoods. Through Giving Day, thousands of people - families, businesses, colleagues, classmates, and more - join together to make a BIG impact and strengthen the places where we live, learn, work, and play. Learn more... |
| | | | SEEING THE SHAPE OF OUR WORLD: DEMOCRACY AND CIVIC IMAGINATION DECEMBER 3
Americans for the Arts is hosting “Seeing the Shape of Our World: Democracy and Civic Imagination,” a conversation between Rosten Woo, civic artist and 2021 Johnson Fellow, and political theorist Dr. Danielle Allen. From their unique vantage points and experiences, Woo and Allen engage in a lively exploration of the role of sacrifice and loss in democracy, how we the people can make moral sense of our times, and what’s needed to construct a shared notion of our historical condition and paths forward to an inclusive, just, resilient, civic culture. Learn More & Register... |
| | STRATEGIES FOR GIVING DAY DIGITAL ENGAGEMENT DECEMBER 7Learn about obtaining and sustaining supporter engagement and about how you can rally your ambassadors and develop key social media strategies to broaden your organization's reach for Giving Day. Learn More... & Register for Webinar.
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| | NATIONAL ARTS MARKETING PROJECT CONFERENCE DECEMBER 7-8
Many arts and culture organizations have been shifting and changing how they deliver content, engage communities, and invite audiences to participate. The virtual National Arts Marketing Project Conference addresses these changes by bundling fresh concepts to inspire and set the groundwork for arts and culture organizations to adapt, survive, and thrive in 2021 and beyond. As the conference continues to be virtual, we remain sustainable, relevant, and responsive. Expanded registration support made available will also keep pricing affordable and accessible. Together, we look forward to navigating the changing landscape and exploring the road ahead for arts marketing. Register today and join us December 7-8! Learn More & Register... |
| | INTRO TO ARTS MANAGEMENT
If you are a creative person interested in learning how to navigate your career in the arts, begin with the Arts Extension Service (AES) course, Introduction to Arts Management taught by Dee Boyle-Clapp, AES Director. Learn about how the arts work and how to use your passion for a specific art form to find your place in the greater arts landscape. Take one or more courses or complete the Core or Professional Certificate! Register for Introduction to Arts Management and other spring offerings HERE. |
| | ARTS & CULTURAL EQUITY STUDIO EMERGING LEADERS COLLECTION
The Arts & Cultural Equity Studio | Emerging Leaders collection provides emerging arts administrators access to tailored training aimed at helping them develop the skills needed to advance in the arts management field. ACES is a three-part professional development collection spanning all topics regarding cultural equity in arts admini-stration and career advancement, including the following webinars at 3pm each day. Learn more & Register here.- December 3: Exploring the Field: Equity and Arts Marketing
- December 13: Exploring the Field: Equity and Arts Programming
- December 16: Exploring the Field: Equitable Philanthropy in the Arts
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| | | | ALDRICH CONTEMPORARY ART MUSEUM VISITOR EXPERIENCE MANAGER
The Visitor Experience Manager is responsible for the public face of the Museum by managing the front desk, supervising the visitor experience staff, and building relationships with the Museum visitors. This role primarily functions in communicating the Museum’s programs and activities to the public, promoting excellent customer service in the Museum, and serves as a liaison between visitors and all departments in the Museum. Learn More... |
| | AMS PLANNING & RESEARCH CONSULTING FELLOWSHIP
AMS Planning & Research‘s Expanding Pathways to Consulting Fellowship Program, designed to engage members of BIPOC populations, is seeking its next fellows. The program has engaged four fellows since its inception two years ago. This first-in-the-field program was initiated to help support and escalate involvement of individuals from groups that have been underrepresented in the arts and culture consulting field. Fellowships are intended to provide practical training and play a role in nurturing leadership and creating opportunity by expanding and fostering inclusiveness within the discipline of arts and culture consulting. Fellowship participants work a 40-hour week for 12 weeks and are provided a $600/week stipend. Three references will be required. To apply, applicants should send a résumé and cover letter, articulating why they think they would be a good fit, to Lynette Turner, Senior Associate at lturner@ams-online.com. Learn More... |
| | CT HUMANITIES MANAGER OF PARTNERSHIPS & PROJECTS DECEMBER 1
CT Humanities seeks a full-time Manager of Partnerships and Projects. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Manager of Partnerships and Projects will serve as a liaison with CT Humanities’ funded partners, convene partner groups, and provide guidance, assess progress, and report impact of partner activities and projects relating to CTH’s mission, strategic goals, and funding priorities. Learn More... |
| | KEYS MUSIC INSTRUMENT TEACHER
Join the KEYS faculty and teach instrument lessons during the school day (part-time) in Bridgeport, CT schools. Especially piano and winds needed, but all are encouraged to send resume to Rob Silvan at ED@keysmusic.org. Learn More... |
| | QUICK CENTER FOR ARTS ASSISTANT TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
An ambitious, energetic, and quality driven professional. The successful candidate will support the Technical Director (TD) in managing the daily operation of the Theatre and it’s respective programming. The Assistant Technical Director provides technical assistance for University and Quick Center for the Arts functions; ensures the safe and effective operation of all events in the presence and absence of the Technical Director; and assists in the supervision of student and professional personnel. The preferred applicant will maintain, operate and or manage the operation of all technical equipment within the Quick Center for the Arts. Learn More... |
| | PROJECT COORDINATOR IN THE ARTS QUICK CENTER FOR THE ARTS ASSISTANT TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
Coordinates projects related to programming needs in the College of Arts and Sciences; with specific attention to VPA, FUAM, The Quick Center and related arts programs or events. Duties to include personnel scheduling, master calendar management for events; facilitates the rental process for arts programming venues; coordinates hospitality, set-up, and logistics for events; and assists in the coordination of special University events as required. Apply here... |
| | STAMFORD SYMPHONY DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Stamford Symphony is seeking a full-time Development Manager whose primary responsibilities are to manage fundraising operations, research potential donors for the Orchestra’s five-year, $5m Crescendo Campaign for the Future of the Stamford Symphony and manage a portfolio of annual fund donors. This new management position will be instrumental in achieving the success of the Campaign to add $1m per year to the organization’s budget and the Stamford Symphony a model of a 21st century orchestra. Salary: In the range $80,000-$100,000 depending on experience. Please send a cover letter that outlines interest and qualifications, and a resume to: rjones@stamfordsymphony.org. Learn More... |
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| | 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: |
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