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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 |
| | | | WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT CULTURAL ALLIANCE OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY HOLIDAY APPEAL IS UNDERWAY...DONATE TODAY! |
| | Whew - This has certainly been a challenging year! And, despite the COVID-19 crisis, the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County has continued its mission helping promote, support, and connect artists, cultural organizations and creative businesses with each other and with their audiences across coastal Fairfield County. See just some of what we've done this year.
We recognize and understand that surviving as a cultural organization has been extremely difficult this year, but if you are one of those who are managing, we would appreciate a show of your support during our year-end annual appeal. Please Contribute here... Thank You.
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| | DECEMBER SPOTLIGHT NOW AVAILABLE AS PODCAST: KEEPING ARTS & CULTURE ALIVE THROUGH COVID-19 |
| | The December Spotlight on Arts & Culture on WPKN 89.5 FM celebrated the largest award ever from the CT Office of the Arts (COA): $9 million of COVID Relief Funds given to 154 CT arts organizations. Liz Shapiro discussed how this grant was made possible and how it was designed. Hear from CT Humanities' Frank Mitchell about the $2+million it is awarding to humanities organizations - and how this crisis has affected how grant making is done. Three recipients of the COA award, Michael Barker (Westport Country Playhouse), Lawrence Caso (The Klein), and Angie Durrell (INTEMPO) spoke about their struggles and successes, and how this grant is helping stave off disaster for them. Also hear from Kathy Maher (Barnum Museum) and Jason Patlis (Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk) how they are managing the crisis and what the chances of survival though the summer are for them. And hear Senator Tony Hwang make the point that such a large grant is still only part of a continuing mix of federal and state grants, individual giving and foundation philanthropy necessary to keep the arts and culture industry alive through 2022. Hear the podcast here..
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| | | | Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo is celebrating Director Gregg Dancho's 40 years of service. From landing his first volunteer position at the Zoo while still in high school, to his steady movement up the Zoo ranks, and his actions on behalf of animals from rescued parrots to endangered Amur tigers, his life has been a testament to the value of nature. The Gregg Dancho Endowed Chair, the first endowed chair for the non-profit facility, was created in 2019 to honor his decades of service. Under Dancho’s tenure, notable animal welfare protocols were put in place, bringing the Zoo to a new level of professionalism. Educational programming and local, national and international conservation programs have flourished, and the Zoo has become a cultural and recreational resource for Fairfield County and the region. |
| | After a series of talks initiated by leaders of the Discovery Museum, Sacred Heart University will assume management of the museum on January 1, 2021. The University will completely modernize and enhance the exhibits to offer state-of-the-art and interactive and educational exhibits and programs in science and technology. The planetarium has been completely updated during this past year—a priority for the museum—offering a realistic simulation of the starry sky. The images completely envelop viewers’ senses for an immersive theater experience. The museum has been known throughout its 62-year history for providing hands-on STEM learning experiences. These experiences—designed to encourage questions and problem-solving from young learners—will be enhanced by the creativity and expertise of SHU faculty and students. Read more...
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| | A grant from Art Bridges this year, allowed the Fairfield University Art Museum (FUAM) to purchase a best-in-class 3D-compatible Matterport camera that works with a parallel artificial intelligence software to transform footage of the museum's galleries into immersive digital experiences. “Viewing original works of art in person is the optimal museum experience,” said Carey Mack Weber, Frank and Clara Meditz Executive Director of FUAM. “When that’s not possible, providing numerous access points to an exhibition in a virtual space is the next best thing." Related programs and events are listed on the museum's calendar. Click image above to enter the gallery.
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| | The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum has received $1,000 from Fairfield County Bank as the recipient of its Charity of the Month program for the month of October 2020. The donation will benefit the Museum’s educational and cultural programs. In other news, LMMM recently collaborated with Tracey Magnet School of Norwalk, a National Blue Ribbon School and National School of Character, on a service learning project that connects 19th-century holiday dolls and toys to those cherished by many of Tracey’s students and their families today. After exploring the Museum’s new holiday exhibition, Christmas Playtime at the Mansion, Tracey fourth graders put their creativity to work and crafted multicultural dolls, which are currently on view in the Mansion’s Billiards Room.
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| | The Lounsbury House Ridgefield’s historic community center, has announced the appointment of three new Board of Director members as well as the full slate of officers and directors for 2021. David McInnis has nearly two decades of global recruitment experience and is President and Founder of Willard Powell, Inc., a Stamford-based executive recruitment firm. As a 26-year Ridgefield resident, Catherine Savoca has volunteered in many organizations in support of the community where she and her husband, Tom, have raised three children. Longtime resident Chris Tiberio is the current Executive Director of Risk and Insurance Management with Linde plc in Danbury, CT (formerly Praxair).
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| | MoCA Westport's World Peace exhibition featured work by Marilyn Minter, whose Justice Now was one of 20 billboards in the Art at a Time Like This' open-air exhibition, Ministry of Truth: 1984/2020, named one of "The Most Important Moments in Art of 2020" by The New York Times (see #10 The Great Outdoors). Additionally, World Peace artist Nicholas Galanin is featured in Craft in America, the Peabody Award-winning documentary series on PBS.
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| | | The Stamford Art Association announced that Emily Derr has joined the staff. Emily will coordinate efforts to expand SAA's virtual gallery exhibit presentations and create organization and business partnerships and outreach. Emily is a freelance illustrator who worked as a jewelry designer and production manager for NAGI Jewelers in Stamford. She earned her degree in fashion design from Syracuse University and an MBA from DeVry University. Born in Michigan, she has been studying watercolor painting, sewing, and textile dye work since elementary school. |
| | Stamford Downtown has organized a Holiday Window Decorating Contest involving 18 businesses, which have transformed their storefronts into creative, festive holiday displays. The public is encouraged to take a stroll around Stamford Downtown to view all the decorated storefronts and choose their favorite for the "Best of Show" prize. Participants will automatically be entered to win a $100 gift card. One vote per person. Voting ends Dec. 21 at 5pm. Learn more...
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| | The Weir Farm Art Alliance has announced its new video series "Weir Farm Artist-in-Residence Reflections: Creating During the Pandemic." During each episode, Alliance member Michelle Stewart interviews a different Artist-in-Residence Alumni. These artists reflect on their experiences while in residence, how the residency has influenced their work since their time at Weir Farm National Historic Site, and how they have responded to the current pandemic. The first episode of the series featuring 2000 Artist-in-Residence Marietta Patricia Leis. There are multiple ways in which to watch this series and be notified when new episodes premiere. Weir Farm Art Alliance YouTube; Weir Farm Art Alliance Facebook; Weir Farm Art Alliance Instagram; Weir Farm Art Alliance Website.
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| | | | $9 MILLION FEDERAL CARES ACT FUNDS AWARDED TO 154 ARTS ORGANIZATIONS
On November 30th, Governor Lamont announced the release of $9 million awarded to 154 performing arts and arts education organizations that suffered from the impact of the pandemic. Funds for The COVID Relief Fund for the Arts, administered by the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, were taken from federal CARES Act funding. The governor commented: “Connecticut’s arts community provides an incredible amount of good for our state and supports thousands of jobs. The ongoing, global COVID-19 pandemic has impacted so many aspects of our lives, and many of our state’s nonprofit arts organizations are struggling to recover from its impact. This program will provide some support so that these groups can continue providing the services in our state that so many depend on.” Liz Shapiro, DECD’s Director of Arts, Preservation, and Museums, added: "The year 2020 has presented unprecedented challenges to Connecticut’s arts organizations and they have risen to the occasion in every possible way. These organizations play a critical role in shaping the character of our communities, providing forums for engaging public dialogue, and positively impacting the economy. While we are thrilled to offer this support, it is important to understand that this funding, while certainly helpful, does not solve these organizations’ financial challenges. I strongly encourage residents and donors to do everything they can to support these organizations in the months ahead.” For a complete list of awardees, click here. For more on this award, and what remains to be done, see CAFC's Spotlight on Arts & Culture radio program, Keeping Arts & Culture Alive Through COVID-19 here. (See article above). |
| | ATTRACTING CHARITABLE GIVING THROUGH EDUCATION PROGRAMS
A months-long halt to ticket sales, fundraising events, space rentals, cafe and gift shop sales, and exhibition loans has left many museums hurting financially, with few ways to get back their earned income. This has put them in a precarious position: AAM released a report near the end of July saying that up to a third of the museums it surveyed were either at a significant risk of closing permanently by next fall, or their directors didn’t know if their institutions would survive. Charitable income, then, is especially critical while museums operate under limited capacity or remain closed altogether. With fewer opportunities to pay museums directly for products and services, more people will need to make a conscious decision to support them as causes. Educational programming is one of the few concrete tools for engaging patrons virtually with our institutions. Full AAM article
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| | OUR CULTURE IS AILING. IT'S TIME FOR A DR. FAUCI FOR THE ARTS
When a president calls a meeting of the Cabinet, most vital sectors of the economy — from soybean farmers to auto manufacturers — have an appointed government representative in the room, a secretary of agriculture or transportation, to speak for them. You know what doesn’t get a seat at the table, and never has? The arts. And in this crisis moment, when a pandemic threatens ruination for museums, theaters, concert halls, opera houses, dance studios, cineplexes and amusement parks — and the 5.1 million arts workers who staff them — the time has come to rectify this glaring oversight. Now, more than ever, we need a secretary of arts and culture -- A national advocate. An Anthony Fauci — but at the Cabinet level — for the arts. Read Washington Post OPED here...
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| | THREE MODEL PRACTICES FOR SUSTAINING OLDER VOLUNTEERS DURING COVID-19
According to a survey conducted by the American Association of Volunteers (AAMV) in Summer 2020, an astonishing 84 percent of museums have suspended their volunteer programs during COVID-19. In part one of this two-part blog post, Marjorie Schwarzer explores the ethical and strategic issues at play with museum volunteer programs. In this conclusion, she explores how and why some museums are choosing to sustain their older volunteers. In part two, Marjorie provides a forceful argument about what museums stand to lose from shuttering these programs, in addition to exposing the inherent ageism behind some museums’ decisions. Read how three museums in the western United States are bucking the trend by taking a high-touch, empathetic approach to their older volunteers; prioritizing frequent and diverse avenues of communication; and utilizing technology to link volunteers directly to visitors. Full article here...
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| | NEW REPORT: ARTS STRATEGIES FOR ADDRESSING THE OPIOID CRISIS
A new NEA report, reviewing 116 articles, overviews of eight ongoing programs, and an examination of gaps and opportunities for further research, finds that, among many other benefits, incorporating music into treatments for opioid use disorder can contribute significant, positive effects for patients. The report centers on arts integration in pain management and in the prevention and treatment of substance use disorder (SUD), including opioid use disorder. The report examines studies and programs that demonstrate the arts’ role in improving physical symptoms, psychological health, and personal relationships. For more information Learn more...
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| | | | PPP FORGIVENESS WEBINAR DECEMBER 18
As 2020 comes to a close, many cultural leaders have requested additional guidance on filing PPP Loan Forgiveness Forms and what the Income Tax Implications will be to organizations and individuals receiving CARES Act grants, loans, and unemployment compensation. Sarah Mercer, shareholder partner with our pro bono law firm of Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, will present a free Americans for the Arts Action Fund webinar on Friday, Dec. 18 at 1:30pm ET covering all of these topics. Additionally, if a new COVID-19 bill is passed by then, highlights of those new programs will be covered. Register here... |
| | CLASSICS FOR KIDS MATCHING GRANT PROGRAM DECEMBER 31
The Classics for Kids Foundation believes that playing a stringed instrument can transform a child, giving them experiences and skills that can help make them more successful in life. The foundation is inviting applications for its matching grant program for schools and nonprofit organizations to support the incorporation of string instruments into music education programs. All instruments in the string family are supported (including guitars and ukuleles). Programs must serve children from kindergarten through grade twelve. If your school or non-profit organization believes in the role of fine instruments in your program, and can show evidence of need and commitment to raising matching funds, you are a strong candidate for the Classics for Kids matching grant program. Download application here. |
| | LES PAUL FOUNDATION MUSIC INNOVATION GRANTS JANUARY 15
The Les Paul Foundation works to honor the legacy of Les Paul and inspire innovative and creative thinking in the areas of music education and recording. To that end, the foundation invites applications for its grants program, which awards grants to programs and projects that explore music innovation and engineering. See the Les Paul Foundation website for complete program guidelines and application instructions. |
| | CT HUMANITIES RECEIVES $55K FOR EDUCATION AND THE ARTS TEACH IT PROGRAM
Connecticut Humanities (CTH) has received $55,485 from The Scripps Family Fund for Education and the Arts to support content development and expanded access for Teach It, CTH’s online resource providing educators and students with inquiry-based activities, primary source documents, and links for further exploration. Teach It fosters a greater appreciation among students for the role their own communities played in our state’s history and Connecticut’s significance on the national and global stage, helping to forward CTH’s vision of a more engaged, informed citizenry.Funding will be used to add thirty-six new content units to Teach It. For more information, contact Gregg Mangan. |
| | | | ALA VIRTUAL MIDWINTER CONFERENCE JANUARY 22-26
The American Library Association’s 2021 Midwinter Meeting & Exhibits, scheduled for January 22-26, will take place virtually. Registration is now open. ALA is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, ALA has been the trusted voice of libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. Register here... |
| | MUSEUM ADVOCACY DAY 2021 FEBRUARY 22-23
For more than ten years, AAM's Museums Advocacy Day has been providing the essential training and support advocates need to meet face-to-face in Washington, D.C. with members of Congress and their staff. With Museums Advocacy Day taking place virtually this year, advocating in support of museums in February 2021 will look different than in past years, but it will be more important and impactful than ever before. Following the elections and the convening of the 117th session of Congress, it will be critical to join forces with fellow museum supporters and professionals to make our voices heard with legislators and their staff. To maximize our collective voices and impact, AAM is currently planning for a full Monday, Feb. 22 program, which will take place online. For Tuesday, Feb. 23, Congressional meetings to be held virtually will be scheduled with Capitol Hill offices, designed for lawmakers, staff, and advocates to participate by video or phone. Registration Deadline: Jan. 19. Sign up here... |
| | | | NORWALK PUBLIC LIBRARY LIBRARIAN
The City of Norwalk is seeking a Librarian for the Norwalk Public Library. Among other responsibilities, the Librarian will plan, organize and supervise library program for pre-school, elementary and young adult library users, and perform professional library services in assisting library patrons in the selection and use of library materials. Direction will come from the Library Division Chief. Candidates minimum requirements include a Master’s degree in Library Science, including course work in specialty. Artistic skills used in creating posters, displays, etc., highly desirable. Full job descriptions... |
| | MARITIME AQUARIUM OF NORWALK PT SALES LEAD
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has a part-time Ad Sales Lead position availble. Responsibilities include providing exceptional guest service in support of the store management team in day-to-day operations; Ensuring that guests have the best shopping experience ever; Engaging with guests and creating an entertaining, fun, exciting and memorable experience. Prior retail keyholder, retail supervisory, cash-handling, and customer service experience required; Strong merchandising skills a must; Able to work a flexible schedule, weekends, early evenings and holidays; Naturally enjoy interacting with people of all ages. The Aquarium has several job opportunities available currently. See all Aquarium career opportunities... |
| | YALE PEABODY MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
Reporting to the Director of the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History, the Assistant Director is responsible for developing and implementing financial solicitation programs for annual and capital giving to the Museum, from individuals and organizations, as well as developing and implementing financial and non-financial programs to promote active and ongoing engagement with the scientific and educational missions of the Museum. The Assistant Director will directly supervise a Development Coordinator, and will be responsible for all membership programs at the Museum. Salary range: $70,000 - 80,000; Full time. Full job description... |
| | LYME ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The Lyme Academy of Fine Arts is seeking a dynamic leader to re-launch and lead a storied art academy as it completes its first 50 years and looks forward to the next 50. As the Board of Trustees undertakes the search for an Executive Director, the institution has considerable assets: a distinguished reputation, a beautiful campus in Old Lyme, CT, and a substantial endowment to support the Academy’s programming and mission. The ED is responsible for the financial, organizational and operational health of Lyme Academy. This will be accomplished by raising needed funds;delivering programmatic results; stewarding the annual budget; managing campus facilities & operations; leading the staff working collaboratively with the board of trustees. Full job description... |
| | WILLIAMS COLLEGE MELON CURATORIAL FELLOW
The Williams College Museum of Art seeks a Post-Baccalaureate Mellon Curatorial Fellow. The Mellon Fellow will serve as a critical member of an ambitious and collaborative curatorial and engagement team within a remarkable museum and college environment. Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in art history, cultural/global studies, visual anthropology or related field; A commitment to working as part of a collegial, dynamic team and to forming partnerships in the particular environment of a small liberal arts college. Full job description... |
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