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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 |
| | | | SPOTLIGHT: BANKS, THE ARTS & THE COMMUNITY MONDAY FEBRUARY 10, 12pm |
| | On Monday, Feb. 10 at noon, catch our monthly Spotlight on Arts & Culture which will explore The Banks, The Arts and The Community – looking at the changing role of banks in supporting the arts, culture and community development. As banking has become increasingly an online activity, where do banks fit into the local community? How different are they than other businesses when the arts look for support and for partners? We meet representatives of three different banks: Dan Berta, president, Fairfield County Bank; Christine Chivily, Executive Vice President/Chief Risk & Credit Officer, Bankwell Financial Group; and William Tommins, Market Executive-Commercial Banking, Southern New England at Bank of America Merrill Lynch., to hear what’s new in their support of the communities where they are placed. What are some great examples of the projects they support? How should you approach your local bank to partner in a project or to help your organizations?
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| | Remember to nominate your candidates for the ARTIST, CITIZEN, CORPORATE, EDUCATOR and NONPROFIT Awards for our 5th annual ACE Awards Breakfast, Tues. June 9, 2020. Our Arts and Culture Empowerment Awards are made to those individuals, organizations and businesses who you feel have made significant artistic and cultural contributions to our community. On the nomination form, give contact information for nominator, nominee and a succinct statement as to why the nominee deserves the award. Make your nomination here. |
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| | BETHEL JAZZ
Executive Producer: Tom Carruthers
La Zingara Restorante." Bethel Jazz was established to produce and coordinate live music events in and around the village of Bethel. Its goals are to support jazz and world music musicians, and to bring live performances by world class musicians to a variety of venues in Bethel and Northern Fairfield County who ordinarily perform in larger venues and cities requiring extensive travel. See Bethel Jazz' website and Facebook page. |
| | SAMUEL OWEN GALLERY
Owners: Lee & Cindy Milazzo Director: Liz Tuncer
The Samuel Owen Gallery, Greenwich, specializes in international contemporary and modern art. With over 25 years of experience in the art business, owners Lee & Cindy Milazzo share an unerring eye for unique and engaging contemporary art. The gallery boasts a stellar roster of established and mid-career artists whose work is recognized for utilizing unique techniques, quality craftsmanship, and ground-breaking concepts. Samuel Owen Gallery exhibits original paintings, sculptures, mixed-media, and limited-edition prints in the its three locations: Greenwich, Connecticut; Nantucket, Massachusetts; and Palm Beach, Florida. See the Gallery website, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter pages. |
| | TRUMBULL LIBRARY SYSTEM
Director: Stefan Lyhne-Nielsen
The Trumbull Library System strives to be the cultural center of the community with more than 40 years of achievement and a wide range of high-quality services and resources in our Main Library, and more than 90 years in the Fairchild-Nichols Library. The library serves four generations, each with their own unique needs. Every day, the staff balances the demands of each of these groups and provides resources, targeted services, and space to foster community well-being. See the Library's website, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages. |
| | ❦ – Latest List by Town of Organization and Creative Business Members: here
❦ – Latest List by Town of Artist Members: here |
| | | | The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum is pleased to announce that artist Risa Puno will lead the Museum’s pioneering Common Ground program this semester with all seventh-grade students at Side by Side Charter School in Norwalk, CT. Common Ground, a cross-disciplinary School-Museum-Artist curriculum partnership serving students from Ridgefield’s Public Schools and Side by Side Charter School, was developed in 2015 to function as a classroom/laboratory where students engage in creating projects through writing, art-making, and analytical thinking, while educators learn how to use art as a tool for teaching critical thinking across multiple disciplines.
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| | | Bruce Museum Leaders of the Campaign for the New Bruce are pleased to announce continuing widespread community support for the $45 million renovation and expansion project that will transform the Greenwich museum of art and science. In July 2019, two exceptional friends of the Bruce Museum agreed to match all new gifts of $10,000 or more and to bring the next $1 million raised to $2 million. The challenge was met by close to 20 generous donors, completing the match in early 2020 and bringing the Campaign to 85% of its fundraising goal for the renovation and construction project. The $1 million challenge was launched by Rebecca Gillan, a member of the Bruce Museum Board of Trustees, and by a second Campaign leader who wishes to remain anonymous. |
| | Carriage Barn Arts Center and New Canaan Land Trust have announced the selected artists in their upcoming outdoor public art exhibition -- the New Canaan Sculpture Trail. Drawing from over 70 submitted proposals, the Exhibition Advisory Committee selected eight sculptures which will be exhibited at six NCLT preserves, the front lawn of the New Canaan Town Hall, and the courtyard of the Carriage Barn Arts Center. The four-month exhibit will run from April 1 through July 31, 2020, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, which takes place on April 22nd. The participating artists are Cultural Alliance member Thomas S. Berntsen of Norwalk, (above, two of his seven portals from his "Passages"); Gilbert Boro of Old Lyme, CT; Joe Chirchirillo of North Bennington, VT; Christopher Kaczmarek of New York, NY; Elizabeth Knowles of New York, NY and William Thielesen of Illinois; Anthony Heinz May of Brooklyn, NY; and Matthius Neumann of Brooklyn, NY. More...
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| | Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo received a generous donation (15% of sales) from Fairfield-based Ardaso Wine as part of its corporate giving program. According to company’s CEO, Sonja Narcisse, she founded the company with the goal of being a revenue stream for women, children and communities in need, and helping children thrive socially, academically and emotionally. The Zoo fits her corporate mission as a 501(c) (3 ) non-profit, educating 60,000 children each year on Zoo grounds, and thousands more children and adults through Zoomobile visits and offsite education programs. Narcisse joined the Zoo’s Board of Directors in November 2019.
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| | The Greater Connecticut Youth Orchestras (GCTYO) received a $75,000 gift from the Daniel E. Offutt, III Charitable Trust for the purpose of funding community outreach programs for music education. Mr. Offutt was a self-taught artist, investor and philanthropist who lived and worked at his Weston farm. His trust has provided charitable funding for nonprofits throughout the local area. "This grant from the Offutt Trust will allow us to realize a longtime goal of being able to give back to the community by providing free music lessons to students who might not otherwise have access," said Christopher Hisey, Music Director of GCTYO and the Community Outreach Program Director. A pilot program was launched this season with 12 students from Assumption School in Fairfield, and a new partner will be added for the 2020-21 season. In addition to professional music educators leading instruction, student volunteers from GCTYO’s most advanced orchestra groups provide instructional and social support to students in the program. |
| | INTEMPO is excited to announce that Angelica Durrell, founder and executive director, has been voted one of Connecticut's most distinguished young professionals by Connecticut Magazine. Durrell was included in the magazine's 40 Under 40 Class of 2020, joining some of the state's highest-achieving community leaders, educators, activists, entrepreneurs, artists, and other movers and shakers. About being voted onto the list, Angie says, "I'm thrilled to be included among this group of leaders who are working tirelessly to make our state a great place in which to live." More... |
| | | The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk will make significant energy-efficiency upgrades thanks to a gift of $120,094 from the global insurance provider Chubb. The amount is the value of a credit received by Chubb through the Connecticut Neighborhood Assistance Act (NAA) Tax Credit Program. Funds will be used to install energy-efficiency improvements to the Aquarium’s 135,000-square-foot facility. The Maritime Aquarium is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to educate visitors about – and to create stewards for – Long Island Sound. More... |
| | Neighborhood Studios of Fairfield County had a successful 2019 annual appeal campaign. Funds raised will go toward providing partial-to-full scholarships for Bridgeport children and teens to attend music, dance, visual art and theater classes. Parents report that arts education allows their children to have better attention in school; display more willingness to help at home; make better nutritional choices in order to have more energy for classes; and have more confidence overall. More... |
| | The New Canaan Library received approval by the town for a $10 million budget, a third of its total $30 million budget, to re-imagine a center for inspiration and discovery. The new 48,000 square-foot cultural center will feature a glass-and-stone exterior, 300-seat auditorium, rooftop terrace, café, public concourse, fireplace, two large conference rooms and “town green.” Designed by Connecticut-based Centerbrook Architects & Planners, the new building draws from New Canaan’s Mid-century Modern architecture, incorporating new technology and sustainable design. It includes an art gallery, children’s room three times the size of the current one, Maker Lab, STEAM learning center, new business center and Teen Library, as well as quiet work spaces and 10 new meeting rooms for public use. See VIDEO |
| | The Norwalk Historical Society received a grant from CTHumanities towards the fabrication costs for the new exhibition, Norwalk's Changing Communities Before 1835. It will be installed in the 1835 Town House building at it's Mill Hill Historic Park site. This is the Norwalk Historical Society's first exhibition to explore the stories of the community from the arrival of the first people to the reconstruction of the City after the Battle of Norwalk in 1779. Opening Fall 2020. |
| | The Stamford Downtown Special Services District is proud to welcome David Kooris as the new President, replacing Sandy Goldstein who retired after 26 years in this position. David is known as one of the region’s recognized experts on economic development. He most recently held the position of Deputy Commissioner of The Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development and was a recent member of Stamford’s Board of Finance. Under David’s strong leadership and clear vision, the Downtown will continue to develop as a model urban center. Reach out to David at david@stamford-downtown.com |
| | The Westport Library has been awarded a $4,999 grant from CTHumanities to support the 2019-2020 WestportREADS “Westport Suffragists – Our Neighbors, Our Crusaders” Exhibit. The exhibit highlights the names and contributions of Westport women central to the “Votes for Women” campaign and ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920, many of whom remain nearly forgotten. The exhibit is part of “Our Vote, Our Future,” the Library’s WestportREADS 2020 centennial celebration. More... |
| | The Wilton Library and the family of the late jazz legend Dave Brubeck announced that the Brubeck Collection, formerly housed at University of the Pacific in California, has found its way home to Wilton Library. The collection is a treasure trove of musical recordings, correspondence, legal and business documents, photographs, manuscripts, and memorabilia from Dave and Iola Brubeck, two of contemporary jazz’s greatest contributors. Initial plans for this endeavor are underway including a ribbon-cutting ceremony that will be part of the library’s celebration of Dave’s centennial. The Brubeck Collection will be available for research by appointment to musicologists, historians, jazz aficionados, and the public, as well as an online presence for digital research. More... |
| | | | ADVOCACY ALERT GOVERNOR'S BUDGET TOURISM FUND TESTIMONY
Governor Lamont released budget recommendations for FY21, which contained no reductions for arts and culture funding. While that's a relief, the focus is now on the Tourism Fund that could be a significant source of funding for arts and culture. The CT Arts Alliance has a nine-point policy platform and is asking for support and for testimony before the Appropriations Committee's Conservation & Development Subcommittee, which holds hearings next Tues. Feb. 11. Here are the main points: - Dedicate and codify that the Tourism Fund invests 40% to Arts+Culture and 60% to Tourism
- Change the name of this fund from Tourism Fund to Arts, Culture and Tourism Fund
- Allocate 25% of existing Lodging Tax revenue into the Tourism Fund (compared to current allocation of 10%)
- Ensure that all excess revenue in the Tourism Fund is appropriated annually and shared equally among all line items; do not add new line items, which includes “Arts Commission” (Office of the Arts), “Statewide Tourism Marketing” (Office of Tourism), CT Humanities, and direct line items to arts, cultural and tourism entities and consortiums
- Encourage the Tourism Fund, as a whole, to have additional and new dedicated revenue sources without increasing the Lodging Tax rate.
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| | THE NEXT GENERATION OF NONPROFIT LEADERS FACE CHALLENGES FOR 2020 AND BEYOND
Tim McClimon (senior vice president of corporate social responsibility at American Express) writes in Nonprofit Times about some of the key challenges lying ahead for those millennials and GenZers that are poised to take over the reins of many of our most important and cherished nonprofit organizations, and Generation Zers are close behind. The next generation of nonprofit leaders will face institutional issues that will require business acumen and management skills often ignored or dismissed by their founders and senior leaders. In particular, the next generation will need to have their voices heard on many contemporary organizational issues, including the following five challenges that might hit close to their places of work: Diversity, equity and inclusion; Income inequality; Taking a stand; Environmental sustainabililty; and Cybersecurity. READ MORE. |
| | | | MAKER FAIR CONNECTICUT CALL FOR MAKERS FEBRUARY 29
If you're a creative, innovative person and want to share what you know and do with others, apply to be a maker at Maker Faire Connecticut. This is the Northeast's largest creativity and innovation event. The ninth annual event will be held on Saturday and Sunday, April 18 & 19, 2020 from 10 am - 4 pm at Staples High School in Westport. Some 15,000 - 20,000 attendees are exected. The event provides a great opportunity to share creativity and connect. REGISTER HERE.
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| | JIM HENSON FOUNDATION GRANTS FOR INNOVATIVE LIVE PUPPET THEATRE LOI MARCH 9
The Jim Henson Foundation was founded in 1982 by Muppets creator Jim Henson to promote and develop the art of puppetry in the United States. To that end, the foundation is inviting applications for the creation and development of new, innovative works of live puppet theater. Production Grants of $7,000 will be awarded for the production of new works ready to be presented in the coming year; Workshop Grants of $3,000 will be awarded for the development and workshopping of these pieces; and Family Grants of $4,000 will be awarded in support of the development of new and innovative work specifically for children, families, and teenagers. Letters of Intent are due March 9. Upon review, selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal by September 7, 2020.To be eligible, applicants must be tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Those without 501(c)(3) nonprofit status must apply through a fiscal sponsor. Complete RFP here. |
| | SVA ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR MA CURATORIAL PRACTICE Applications for Fall 2020 master’s degree program in Curatorial Practice at the School of Visual Arts in New York City are currently being accepted. Art history and exhibition history, along with contemporary theory, are crucial to the program and SVA integrates them with courses covering everything from grant writing, exhibition design, and lighting design to seminars on curating film and video, digital media, performance, interdisciplinary programming, considering architectural spaces for curating, and institutional collecting. Learn more here. |
| | CT PRESERVATION AWARD NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN
MARCH 6
The Connecticut Preservation Awards recognize outstanding achievements in protecting and nourishing Connecticut’s significant buildings, landscapes and communities. Awards have been given since 1989, honoring over 210 people and projects for their outstanding commitment to historic preservation and community character. Nominations are due by March 6, 2020. Awards will be presented on May 6, 2020 at the New Haven Country Club in Hamden. Nomination forms here. |
| | SAVE THE DATE: ARTS DAY @ THE CAPITOL APRIL 8
Connecticut Arts Day @ The Capitol will provide an opportunity for arts organizations to exhibit and to educate policymakers and the public regarding their exceptional work and the power of the arts. Connecticut Arts Day includes performances, panel discussions, presentations, workshops, networking opportunities, and the presentation of the Connecticut Arts Hero Awards and Connecticut Office of the Arts’ Lifetime Achievement Award. Reservations will be accepted on a 'first come - first served' basis. Stay tuned for more details! |
| | | | LEGAL BASICS FOR CONNECTICUT NONPROFITS
Scrutiny of nonprofits has never been more intense than it is right now. Nonprofit leaders – both senior staff and the members of the board – need to be familiar with the many state and federal rules that govern nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations to make sure their organization avoids any missteps. Join us for this important two-hour workshop to learn about the fundamentals of nonprofit law and their application to your organization. Pro Bono Partnerships is offering a workshop (rescheduled from Dec. 11). Feb. 19, 10am - 12pm at the Public Library of New London. FREE of charge Register online click here. |
| | 11 MUST- READ BOOKS FOR NONPROFIT PROFESSIONALS
Network for Good is a hybrid organization—a nonprofit-owned for-profit. Network for Good’s nonprofit donor-advised fund uses the Internet and mobile technology to securely and efficiently distribute thousands of donations from donors to their favorite charities each year. To kick off 2020, the staff recommends 11 books for nonprofit leaders, offering a road map to success that you can implement in your own organization. Topics addressed include corporate culture, advice on dealing with challenges, becoming a better manager, understanding the behavioral psychology of donors, how to make lasting change and more. See the list click here. |
| | | | VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR MARITIME AQUARIUMThe Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk seeks a full time Volunteer Coordinator to lead its dynamic team of more than 300 volunteers and interns. This outstanding volunteer corps, diverse in age and background, supports the Aquarium’s mission by providing interpretation, inspiration and entertainment to the Aquarium’s half a million visitors a year. Collectively, Aquarium volunteers contribute close to 30,000 hours per year, providing behind-the-scenes support to a variety of departments in addition to the vital role interacting with Aquarium visitors. APPLY HERE |
| | DISCOVERY MUSEUM FRONT DESK RECEPTIONIST The Discovery Museum is hiring a part-time receptionist who will serve as the first point of contact for the museum and will provide administrative support across the organization. Primary responsibilities include handling the flow of people through the museum, accommodating admissions and Point Of Sale by taking payment, making change, and ensuring proper receipts are given; answering, screening and forwarding any incoming phone calls while providing basic information when needed. Appropriate and professional greeting, customer service, and appearance are keystones of this role. Full information here. |
| | THEATER DIRECTOR MILFORD ARTS COUNCIL
Eastbound Theatre in Milford, CT is currently in the process of selecting plays for its 27th season. The public is encouraged to submit a proposal to direct for the 2020/2021 season. Eastbound is a community theater with no professional affiliations. Members of professional theatrical unions should consult their guidelines regarding restrictions. A division of the Milford Arts Council, EBT produces three main stage productions each season, each running for 3 weekends. Eastbound performs at the MAC in downtown Milford, with proscenium stage, computerized light board and audience seating capacity of approximately 100. Proposal should include a resume and a list of the plays you wish to direct. Learn more. Contact Nancy Herman at nahshell33@aol.com with any additional questions. |
| | DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT GREENWICH HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The Greenwich Historical Society is seeking a Director of Development, who will report to the Executive Director, works closely with the Board and other organizational staff, and participates in several Board committees. Responsibilities include working with senior leadership to aggressively plan, lead and direct the organization and implementation of fundraising from individual, foundation, corporate and government sources to meet the operating, exhibition, collections, and education needs of the Historical Society for the present and the long term. Key initiatives include: ongoing efforts to identify and expand corporate and foundation donors and sponsorships; increased identification and cultivation of individual donors, with particular focus on accessing new constituencies and funding sources; growth of the annual fund, major gifts and membership; and advancing a planned giving program. Full description... |
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| | | FEBRUARY
Feb. v7: CT Humanities: Quick Grant (upto $5,000) Deadline
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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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