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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 |
| | | | JULY SPOTLIGHT ON ARTS & CULTURE THIS MONDAY JULY 12 THEATRES: COMING OUT OF COVID
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| | | Tune in to our monthly Spotlight on Arts & Culture radio show on WPKN 89.5 FM, Monday, July 12 at noon, where we hear from a wide range of our theatres in Fairfield County as they emerge from 18 months of closure and deep uncertainty about their futures. All five of these theaters have survived in quite different ways and are reassessing who they are, who their audiences are and what the future looks like. Our guests are: Michael Barker, Managing Director of the Westport Country Playhouse; Hugh Hallinan, Executive Director and producer of Downtown Cabaret Theatre, Bridgeport; Stephanie Hazard, Founder and Co-Artistic Director, with Andrea Lynn Green, of the Greenwich Theatre Company; Kristin Huffman, Producing Artistic Director of the New Paradigm Theatre; and Lou Ursone, Executive Director and Producing Artistic Director of Curtain Call, in Stamford. |
| | WE NEED YOUR HELP STILL 3,000 SURVEY RESPONSES NEEDED!
Our Demographics2021 survey is the biggest and most important survey we have ever done and we need everyone to take it. It is very simple and short: 8 simple questions (2 are just Name and Email! 6 are multiple choice, including one about the prizes you can win). We need your help in collecting demographic information so we can better support and connect artists and cultural venues to audiences, and to engage more equitably with the rich diversity of residents across coastal Fairfield County. Please take it: here. |
| | | | METRO ART STUDIOS
Metro Art Studios, located in the historic Crown Corset factory building on Railroad Avenue in the South End of Bridgeport, offers premium loft studios for fine arts professionals. The three-story building is being meticulously renovated to accommodate fine artists in 38 studios. The grounds will include space for outdoor performances and a public art garden featuring murals and sculptures by local artists. The Crown Corset factory, built in 1907, manufactured corsets, hoop skirts, and other foundation garments. The 500 mostly female workers of the factory walked out in August, 1915, joining a strike of garment workers in Bridgeport that led to all American workers having an 8-hour work day. The creativity and productivity of the building lives on with the vibrant and thriving arts community that now resides within its walls. See website, Facebook and Instagram pages |
| | COOKING & CHORDS
Cooking and Chords is the creative business owned and operated by Chef Danny, Danny Trzcinski, a private entertainment chef, who works with those who entertain and want to be guests at their own events. Danny is the singing chef, so apart from cooking the meal, he also provides the entertainment. See Danny's website, Facebook and Instagram pages |
| | STRATFORD LIBRARY
The mission of the Stratford Library is to empower and enrich our diverse community by providing access to innovative services, information, and ideas essential to an informed citizenry. In order to do so, it provides residents of all ages materials and programs on current topics, helps them find answers to questions, and promotes lifelong learning. The Library develops residents’ abilities to effectively find, evaluate and use information in a variety of formats and promotes understanding and appreciation of the diverse cultural heritage of this community. See website, Facebook and Instagram pages. |
| | SHU COMMUNITY THEATRE
Sacred Heart University Community Theatre is a University-run Community Theatre in Fairfield. It was formerly known as the Community Film Institute (2009–2011) and also as Fairfield Community Theatre Foundation (2001–2009). In 2019, Kleban Properties bought the long-vacant theater and leased the space to Sacred Heart University, which turned it into an independent, nonprofit venue for cinema, performance and education. The Theatre officially re-opened December 23, 2020. In addition to the restored marquee, upgrades to the property have included a larger stage, a balcony with a skybox, a renovated front office and new digital technology. See website. |
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| | | | The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts has awarded The Adrich Contemporary Art Museum $75,000 to support its 2022 exhibitions program. These essential funds will help realize three important exhibitions: the group exhibition 52 Artists: Revisiting a Feminist Milestone, and two solo exhibitions by artists Milano Chow and Duane Slick. "The Foundation’s artist-centric focus is in perfect alignment with the Museum’s programming and we are incredibly grateful for their generous grant,” said Cybele Maylone, The Aldrich’s Executive Director. |
| | On June 30, the construction crew at the Bruce Museum put the last steel beam in place, celebrating a significant milestone in the evolution in The New Bruce project. Bruce Museum staff and guests celebrated this long-standing construction tradition and commemorated the completion of the New Bruce steel structure with a good luck beam signing ceremony and remarks from friends of the project. The Grand Opening of the New Bruce is anticipated for fall 2022. To learn more, visit newbruce.org.
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| | In May, ECOoperative owner Bradley Kerner learned that he was the winner of a new, innovative retail concept grant, providing him two months free rent in a store front in South Norwalk. He opened the doors of his eco-friendly creators cooperative on June 5. During the first month, he not only featured his own low-waste goods, but featured products from 37 Connecticut makers and aritians, including a refugee woman who sold 14 hand-made pieces. Bradley is also opening a Pop-Up space in Fairfield.
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| | The Greater Connecticut Youth Orchestra is proud to announce the formation of the GCTYO's Conducting Fellowship Program, which will provide young, up-and-coming conductors an opportunity to gain valuable experience working within a youth orchestra setting. Tailored to each individual, the program will allow fellows to explore areas of the GCTYO program which best suit their interests and development as educators and musicians. Advanced teaching skills, conducting, rehearsal techniques, and youth orchestra management are areas in which participants can choose to focus. Glenn Alexander II is GCTYO’s first conducting fellow for the 2021-22 season.
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| | Norwalk Public Schools K-3 summer school students will participate in sting ray feedings, expeditions on a research vessel, live interactions with turtle habitats, a “Shark Safari” program and more as part of a unique five-week summer school program thanks to a partnership with The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk. More than 700 NPS students who academically qualify for summer school will engage in hands-on academic and social emotional activities, all at no cost to the students’ families. The program in Norwalk is one of 235 statewide receiving grants from the State of Connecticut’s COVID-19 recovery funds to support expanded and innovative educational opportunities this summer, especially to students from traditionally underserved communities.
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| | Redding's Mark Twain Library is excited to introduce its new Director, Erin Shea Dummeyer. Erin assumes her role upon the retirement of current director Beth Dominianni who leaves after 10 years in that position. Erin comes to Redding after serving as the Branch Supervisor at the Harry Bennett and Weed Memorial & Hollander Branches of the Ferguson Library in Stamford. Prior to that, she was the Head of Adult Programming at Darien Library. She has also written columns for Library Journal, has frequently presented at speaking engagements concerning libraries and in 2014 was named a Library Journal “Mover and Shaker.”
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| | Congratulations to the 2021 Music for Youth Scholarship Winner Vaillant Domingue III. Vaillant graduated from Staples High School and is an incoming freshman at the University of Connecticut. He started playing the piano in 2nd grade, the cello when he was in 4th grade. About 4 years ago, he started coming to the Music for Youth Friday Night Cafe programs with his ensemble partners from the Vision Academy. Vaillant has a unique ability to share his enthusiasm for the music with his audience and and other students.
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| | | The Friends of the Weir Farm National Historic Park announced that they have received a generous grant from The Elizabeth Raymond Ambler Trust of Wilton, Connecticut to fund an installation of “Art Bears” in the landscape at Weir Farm NHP in the spring of 2022. The Art Bears project will feature eight life-size, wooden cutouts of black bears, as well as a few cubs. These cutouts will be wrapped on one side with images of American Impressionism paintings of Weir Farm NHP, by several artists associated with the park, as well as art by contemporary artists. The Art Bears will be placed at various focal points throughout the park to encourage visitors of all ages to explore the gardens, grounds and woods and appreciate art set in nature. |
| | Wilton Historical Society recently received a $5,500 grant from the Elizabeth Raymond Ambler Trust. The funding is to be used to research Black history in Wilton. The grant request stated, in part “In this year of reckoning over the country’s legacy of slavery and racial inequality, it is evident that in many places, local stories about those iniquities have not been fully explored, or perhaps have been swept under the rug. In any number of states and towns, Wilton included, there is still much to be learned from the documents and artifacts that provide proof and evidence of some painful episodes in our local past. Facts are needed to ground discussion and to make more information available to the public.”
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| | | | MUSEUMS CAN RENEW AMERICA THROUGH SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL
As we come upon the five-year mark to the United States' 250th anniversary, planning is reaching a critical stage, and it's time for museums to think about how to leverage the huge opportunities for public engagement. Here's how they can use the event to reframe the country's history and engage their communities more deeply. In short, the 250th presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform the nation, and museums should play a central role. Read full AAM article here... |
| | HOW RELAXED MASK POLICIES ARE IMPACTING FAMILY ATTENDANCE
Since most governments have removed mask mandates for vaccinated individuals, museums and performing arts entities have been in an increasingly tough spot. Audiences have been divided: desires for mask requirements remain generally unchanged for people with children under 13 in the household, while desires to ditch the masks rapidly increase for others. Potential attendees to cultural entities tend to be more educated, and also more wary of the coronavirus. This makes the stark contrast between potential attendees with and without young children even more notable. According to Colleen Dilenschneider, Know Your Own Bone, "We’ve recently observed in the research that mask requirements generally support family visitation without jeopardizing attendance from others." The research shows a growing desire to "get back to normal" among those who already intend to visit cultural entities. Full article here... |
| | LUCIA HIERRO MINES THE SPACE BETWEEN OBJECTS AND PERSONAL HISTORIES
“Staked on shapes and iconographies borrowed from Pop Art, minimalism, and the Dutch still-life tradition, ‘Marginal Costs’ encompasses recent and new sculptures from Hierro’s Mercado series; the debut of the Gates, a commission from the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum; and several sprawling wall murals. Taken together, her graphic, oversized pieces mine the boundary between objects and personal histories, economies and identities—especially as they pertain to marginalized communities caught in the crosshairs of gentrification.” Read the full VOGUE article here. |
| | #CTSUMMERMUSEUMS FREE ADMISSION PROGRAM UNDERWAY
Governor Ned Lamont today announced the launch of Connecticut Summer at the Museum – a new state program created in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic that allows Connecticut children to receive free admission at more than 90 museums across Connecticut during the 2021 summer months. It’s time to explore! From July 1 to September 6, Connecticut children age 18 and under plus one accompanying adult can visit participating museums free of charge through the Connecticut Summer at the Museum program. The program is part of Governor Lamont’s larger plan to use recovery funds to provide students and families with engaging summer enrichment and learning experiences in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. |
| | | | CTHUMANITIES TO ALLOCATE $30M TO CULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS
Connecticut Humanities (CTH) announced it will receive more than $30 million through the state’s budget process. The allocation will be used to stabilize state cultural organizations over the course of the biennium. Centering equity, the funding will assist the arts and culture sector as it recovers from the pandemic, provides support for upgrading technology and expanding digital programming and be used to better connect K-12 students to the arts and humanities. CTH will receive up to $20 million in FY 2022 and up to $10.7 million through the FY 2023 budget. Funding will be awarded through a collaboration between CT Humanities and the CT Office of the Arts. Awards will provide stability within the cultural sector with an eye toward the future sustainability of organizations. To receive updates and learn more about the grant process, subscribe to CTH’s newsletter. |
| | STORYCORPS MOBILE TOUR COMING TO CONNECTICUT AUGUST 4 - SEPTEMBER 4
The StoryCorps Mobile Tour has facilitated thousands of meaningful conversations between people who know and care about one another. To date, these face-to-face conversations have taken place in the MobileBooth: an Airstream trailer outfitted with a recording studio, but now, for the first time ever, StoryCorps is providing the opportunity for people at stops along the Mobile Tour to bring a loved one to its “virtual recording booth” and participate in the StoryCorps experience online. StoryCorps & CT Public are hosting a virtual Open House on July 15 at 6pm to share more information about StoryCorps and how to participate. To RSVP for the Open House, Register here... |
| | STRATEGIES FOR CREATIVES WORKSHOPS
The Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut is offering a series of webinars giving five business growth strategies for creative entrepreneurs, arts and cultural leaders, designers, makers and others to grow their business. Great for creative entrepreneurs and small business owners looking to strengthen and grow their business. Zoom workshops conducted every other Tuesday. Workshops will start at 5:00pm and go to 6:00pm or 6:30pm depending on the session.- July 20: Prioritizing New Technology to Transform Your Business
- August 3: The Importance of Your Financials
- August 17: Ensuring Goals and Values Align With Your Website
Register Here... |
| | | | VIRTUAL WRITERS WEEKEND JULY 9-11
Last summer’s Virtual Writers Weekend attracted 170 registrants from across the United States and all over the world, reminding us all that the Mark Twain House in Hartford is truly a writer’s home — and a home for writers. The 2021 Writers Weekend will feature a variety of author talks, writing workshops, panel discussions, and keynote addresses. Admission to the entire weekend is $100 and includes all workshops, panels, and keynote talks by Jennifer Finney Boylan, Matthew Salesses, Jay McInerney, and Dr. François Clemmons. Learn more... |
| | RETURNING TO THE OFFICE: LEGAL ISSUES AROUND VACCINES, MASKS AND SOCIAL DISTANCING AUGUST 16
You may return to the office with a mix of vaccinated and unvaccinated employees, with some employees unwilling or unable to take the vaccine. Do we create blanket policies for all staff? Require masks for some and not others? And how do we reconcile competing interests and best protect our employees and the community? This interactive webinar, offered by Probono Partnership, will will focus on legal issues surrounding vaccinations, masks and social distancing – what an employer can or should require, and questions the employer should consider. The presenter will also address these safety approaches as they relate to guests, visitors and clients. Speaker: Matthew T. Miklave, Esq., The Law Office of Matthew T. Miklave, PLLC. Register here...
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| | STRATEGIES FOR ENGAGING AND RESPRESENTING LATINOS IN MUSEUMS
The American Alliance of Museums has published a presentation in English and Spanich that provides background information and strategies for engaging and representing Latinos in authentic and meaningful ways. It includes questions for museums to self-assess their work with Latino communities, offers insights on the value of developing culturally specific content and bilingual initiatives, and highlights the importance of Latino representation on museum staff and boards. The resource responds to a growing interest from colleagues in the museum field to attract and better serve Latino audiences, an interest which highlights a growing recognition of the important role that Latinos play in American society. Download here... |
| | | | CULTURAL ALLIANCE OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING DIRECTOR
The Cultural Alliance (CAFC) seeks a part-time (30-hour) Communications & Marketing Director to handle the marketing of member events and CAFC activities to our membership and to the larger public. The Communications & Marketing Director also shares with the Executive Director the function of being the public face of the organization, and attendance at member events is part of this position as is the active exploration of new ways to engage diverse audiences. The Communications & Marketing Director will be a key staff member in helping to achieve the Alliance’s equity goals and practices. Developing a coordinated communications and marketing strategy, and especially expanding and extending our reach and relationships is a core component of this position. View Full Job Description |
| | NEW ENGLAND DANCE THEATER TEACHER
A Ballet teacher for is needed for the New England Dance Theater's Primary Division ages 6-10 and Junior Pre-Professional Division ages 10-14. ABT teacher Certification preferred. Interview Classes to be held throughout the month of July. please email neadinfo@aol.com to make an appointment. |
| | CTHUMANITIES GRANTS AND PROGRAMS ASSISTANT
CT Humanities seeks a full-time (37.5 hours), Grants and Programs Assistant. This is a one-year contract-based position with the possibility of a one-year extension. CT Humanities administers the statewide Connecticut Humanities Fund, digital humanities websites connecticuthistory.org and teachitct.org, as well as capacity building and advocacy initiatives. During calendar year 2020, CTH grantmaking distributed $2.9 million in project grants and COVID-19 pandemic relief support to Connecticut’s cultural nonprofit organizations. View Full Job Description... |
| | STAMFORD MUSEUM & NATURE CENTER CURATOR OF COLLECTIONS & EXHIBITIONS
As the creative and visionary voice of the Stamford Museum and Nature Center's exhibitions program and professional steward of our permanent collection, you will work closely with the Executive Director and key programmatic staff directing all aspects of our annual exhibitions program and best practices stewardship of our permanent collection. As Stamford Connecticut's art museum, set in an expansive nature center with a working farm, our exhibition thematic focus includes a pallet of fine art, popular and contemporary culture, natural history, agriculture, science, history and astronomy targeted to family audiences and varied interests. Full job description... |
| | BRUCE MUSEUM DEVELOPMENT/FUNDRAISING ASSISTANT
The Bruce Museum seeks a FT Development Department Assistant to support the administrative functions of the Development Department. Responsibilities: Enter all donations into the database and acknowledge in a timely manner; Write donor correspondence; Maintain filing system; Organize mailings; Produce weekly reports; Assist all department staff; Work events, benefits, openings (including evenings and weekends as needed); Assist with Annual Report; Organize Development Committee meetings and prepare minutes; and provide occasional front desk assistance. Lean more... |
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| JOBS, FOR SALE, KIDS & TEENS, VOLUNTEERS, & CALLS FOR ARTISTS - CONSULT AND POST IN OUR CLASSIFIEDS |
| | | JULY:
July 15: StoryCorps & CT Public are hosting a virtual Open HouseJuly 20: Prioritizing New Technology to Transform Your Business WorkshopAUG: Aug. 3: The Importance of Your Financials Workshop
Aug. 17: Ensuring Goals and Values Align With Your Website Workshop
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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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