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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 |
| | | | CAFC BOARD NEWS
The Board of Directors of the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County (CAFC) recently elected two new members to join the Board. |
| At the Annual Meeting held July 12, 2021, Patrica Rattray was elected unanimously onto the CAFC Board of Directors. Patricia lives and works in Stamford. She is a real estate professional working for William Pitt Sotheby's, as well as a business consultant helping small business owners on strategic planning and business operations across a variety of industries including construction, manufacturing, property management, professional services and non-profits. Patricia graduated from Brown University with a Bachelors in Education. She also gained a Master's Degree in Drama Therapy from New York University. Patricia has volunteered for United Way of Western Connecticut, was the co-founder of Stamford's chapter of Lean In, a discussion group for professional women, and is also a board member of New Neighborhoods, Stamford's oldest non-profit affordable housing developer.
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At a special meeting of the CAFC Board held August 12, 2021, Bill Purcell was elected unanimously on to the Board. Mr. Purcell has been President of the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce, based in Shelton, and a member of CAFC, since 2000. Previously he served as the Executive Vice President of the Worcester Area Chamber of Commerce. A firm believer in life-long education and continued professional development, Bill earned the highest professional designation in the Chamber profession when he was designated a “Certified Chamber Executive” in 2000 by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives. In 2002, he was named a “Certified Association Executive” by the American Society of Association Executives. In addition, he was elected by his Chamber peers as President of the Connecticut Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives for a two-year term ending in June, 2012. Bill has taken on leadership positions with a variety of local nonprofits, including the Valley United Way, the Boys and Girls Club and ACT/Spooner House, to name a few. Bill earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Urban Studies and Public Administration from Worcester State University and his MBA from Babson College in Wellesley, MA.
To view the membership of our entire Board, click here. |
| | | | CYRENIUS H. BOOTH LIBRARY, NEWTOWN
Director: Douglas Lord; Asst Director: Jennifer Nash
The Cyrenius H. Booth Library was opened on December 17, 1932 with a capacity for 25,000 volumes. It was made possible by a posthumous gift from Mary Elizabeth Hawley, who named the building after her maternal grandfather. Her gift included a trust fund so that the town did not have to finance the library until the 1980s. The library was designed by Philip Sutherland who also designed the Edmond Town Hall in Newtown. In 1998 an addition was opened that doubled the size of the library. See website, facebook, instagram |
| | EASTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
Director: Lynn Zaffino
Founded in 1933, the Easton Public Library opened in the basement of Samuel Staples School with a budget of $200 from a state grant and $50 from the local P.T.A. After moving around within Town Hall, the library gained its own building in 1996. In 1999, the Library received the Award of Excellence for Small Libraries from the Association of Connecticut Library Boards, which also awarded Library Director, Bernadette Baldino, a citation for Outstanding Contribution to Library Service in Connecticut. The Library helps community members of all ages lead richer, more interesting lives by providing access to print, audio and electronic resources, hosting cultural activities, and serving as a forum for community gatherings. See website, facebook, instagram |
| | TRAPEZIUM
Owner: Shawn Rice
Trapezium is a professional screen printing shop in East Norwalk, specializing in high quality printing, customer service, and quick turnaround. Shawn has collaborated with a wide variety of organizations, artists, non-profits, musicians, restaurants, retailers, start-ups, breweries, small business owners, design agencies, event planners, and fundraisers. See Trapezium's website
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| UNESCO CENTER FOR GLOBAL FRIENDSHIP
Executive Director: Angelucci Manigat
The UNESCO Center for Global Friendship, Inc. is a Connecticut-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, officially recognized by the U.S. Federation of UNESCO Clubs, Centers and Associations. It develops free cultural programs for U.S. libraries, and provides educational materials and professional assistance to libraries in the Caribbean and Latin America. See website, and facebook |
| | | | | | The Ballet School of Stamford's founder and executive director, Marti Etter, was nominated and selected as the CT Arts Hero for 2021 from coastal Fairfield County. The awards celebration for all 2020 and 2021 Arts Heroes was held Wed. Sept. 1 at Infinity Hall, Hartford. The Ballet School of Stamford is devoted to nurturing young dancers through a disciplined and focused training program that brings out the best of their natural talent. Students are never turned away because they cannot afford classes – Marti finds a way to provide scholarships to all those who want to dance. She is passionate about arts education and the change it can bring to a child’s life. |
| | As young people return to school, it's a natural time to think about arts education, and National Arts Education Week comes up Sept. 12-18. Arts education is a vital element of the Bruce Museum's agenda and as Suzanne Lio, Bruce COO and Managing Director puts it: "Part of the core of our multi-year renovation and expansion project is the imperative to create nearly limitless opportunities to serve young people and their sense of creativity to art and science. If we don’t put arts education front and center now—right now, when it’s truly needed most—then when will we?”" This is part of the reason for the Bruce's national webinar next week: Creative Today, Creative Tomorrow: The Future of Arts Education - with 8 panelists from across the country discussing the role of arts education in our national future. |
| | Connecticut’s non-profit mobile art museum, cARTie, has succeeded beyond expectation in raising funds to buy and equip its bus. On its Patronicity site, cARTie raised $4,555 of its $3,000 goal (to be matched by SustainableCT) giving a final total of $7,545. To celebrate the retrofitting of the bus and the completion of exhibition design, cARTie is planning a "Sneak Peek Celebration" Sun. Oct. 17, 3-6:00pm at the NEST Arts Factory in Bridgeport. |
| | The Housatonic Museum of Art recently announced a landmark gift of $500,000 from the Werth Family Foundation. The donation represents the largest contribution from a single donor in the history of the museum, and will establish an endowment. In honor of the gift, the Werth Family Foundation Atrium will be established at the entry to the museum’s Burt Chernow galleries, located on the Housatonic Community College (HCC) campus in Bridgeport. A naming ceremony will be held in the spring of 2022. The Werth Family Foundation is a longtime supporter of the Housatonic Museum of Art, donating nearly $900,000 in total since 2004. At right, Peter J. Werth, Jr.
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| | The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk recently received two grants from the Institute of Museum & Library Services that will enable the Aquarium to take on two diverse initiatives: 1. Create a Marine Debris Prevention Corps made up of 100 teens who will lead new efforts to remove and reduce marine debris from Long Island Sound and its tributaries (a $144,440 grant), and 2. Understand the barriers in presenting virtual/ distance-learning programs to members of the community with special needs, to then create a suite of new virtual programs that overcome those barriers (a $49,607 grant). |
| | RiseUP for Arts, which has completed over 50 public art murals throughout Connecticut, has recently launched STAMFORD MURALS. Stamford artist Alissa Siegal meets weekly with Stamford high school students and co-teacher Mary-Kate Chute, via Zoom, to explore mural making methods, materials and styles, messaging, community, and place-making. Working artists visit and share their journeys and practices, and an art in the park field trip. The first mural will provide momentum to paint more public art murals throughout Stamford, and include more youth, local artists and community members in the process. The first mural (25x14 feet) will be at 819 East Main Street. The project's Sustainable CT’s Community Match Grant page is here and they need to raise $3,000 by Sept. 13. |
| | The Wall Street Theater will be the new venue for Wilton Rocks for Food (WRFF). The musicians took a one-year hiatus from performing due to COVID-19 and will now have twice the capacity as before with the 600-seat capacity of Norwalk's historic Wall Street Theater. The concert date is Dec. 4 and will raise money for the Connecticut Food Bank and the Wilton Food Pantry. Founder Andy Schlesinger explains that he pays for all of the event’s cash expenses out of pocket so that 100% of the proceeds are split between the charities. He added: “We live in one of the richest parts of the country and right next to us are people that don’t have food on the table and I think it’s outrageous. I think that people that are fortunate enough to not have to worry about that have an obligation to help people who do.” Tickets are now on sale. |
| | Congratulations to WPKN Radio for a Talk of the Town article in the August 23 edition of The New Yorker, in which columnist David Owen writes about the station as "The Greatest Radio Station in the World." Celebrating the "hundred volunteer hosts" and their in-depth research, he writes "you can be reasonably certain that, if you hear a song you don’t like, you’ll never have to hear it again. The station also has talk shows that no one would mistake for ‘Fox & Friends.’" Owens also celebrates WPKN's upcoming move to new space in Bridgeport's Bijou Theatre - a move for which, station manager Steve di Costanzo reminds us, they are still seeking funds. See how you might help here - from naming a shelf to naming a studio! |
| | | | BETTER ARTS EDUCATION ARTS IN EDUCATION WEEK: SEPT. 12-18 |
| With National Arts in Education Week coming up Sept. 12-18, Americans for the Arts calls for all those who understand the critical role arts education plays in the holistic education of our young people to sign a letter to Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel A. Cardona (former Education Commissioner for the State of Connecticut). The letter calls for specific steps to address unacceptable disparities in educational access, opportunity, and outcomes for students through getting better data and assessments, clearer communication with state and local officials, and engagement of senior staff. See the letter here. Sign the letter here. |
| | ARTS EDUCATION DATA: READ AND LISTEN |
| Read this short piece from Nancy Daugherty on "The Importance of Heading Back to School with Arts Education" in which she stresses the crucial role the arts can play, especially in addressing healing and trauma. She also points out that 80% of NEA-supported AIE projects directly engage underserved populations, including children with disabilities, Native American children, students who live in low-income communities, and LGBTQ+ students. Then listen to the short 7-min podcast from Sunil Iyengar, NEA Director of Research and Analysis, where he explores a new study that contributes to growing empirical evidence about the value of the arts in developing cognition skills. |
| | HERE TO STAY: THREE PANDEMIC-RELATED TRENDS
- An increase in expectations related to digital engagement (so we need to shape up)
- Changes in travel behavior that may impact long-term attendance trends (people are more likely to travel shorter distance and travel by car)
- A movement toward the suburbs and working from home (so re-think where your audiences are located, and also reach out to other local venues to create a sense of “critical mass.”)
Read the whole article for more details on the implications on these trends for our organizations in the future. |
| | NEA RESEARCH REPORT: TECH AS ART
Tech as Art: Supporting Artists Who Use Technology as a Creative Medium is the result of a two-year research project exploring the creative practices of artists engaged with digital technologies. The report examines the creative infrastructure supporting tech-focused artistic practices and provides insight into the existing challenges and opportunities faced by artists and organizations working at the intersection of the arts and technology. Tech as Art originated with a cross-sectoral field scan conducted by the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the Ford Foundation and the Knight Foundation. |
| | | | LES PAUL FOUNDATION MUSIC PRODUCTION/EDUCATION SEPTEMBER 15
The Les Paul Foundation works to inspire innovative and creative thinking by sharing the legacy of Les Paul through music education, recording, innovation, and medical research related to hearing. To that end, the foundation invites applications for grants in support of programs and projects that encourage innovation in music production and/or performance and innovative STEM or STEAM programs for students and others in challenging situations. The foundation also will consider proposals for medical research related to curing tinnitus and other hearing impairment issues. Preference will be given to programs that focus on music innovation, engineering, and medical research related to hearing loss. For complete program guidelines and application instructions, see the Les Paul Foundation website. |
| | AMPHION FOUNDATION CONTEMPORARY MUSIC PERFORMANCE SEPTEMBER 15
Founded in 1987 by Elliott and Helen Carter, the Amphion Foundation was established to encourage the performance of contemporary concert music, particularly by American composers, through funding to performance, presentation, and service organizations that have demonstrated sustained artistic excellence. The foundation is inviting applications for its Grant Program, which will award general operating support or special project grants of up to $7,500 to presenters, festivals, and music service organizations that have a history of substantial commitment to contemporary concert music at a high level of excellence. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the foundation will accept proposals for: socially distanced and other safe methods of live performance; virtual and web performances, including live and recorded streaming; and touring only at such time later in the 2021-22 season when deemed safe to do so by local government officials. Applicants must be publicly supported nonprofits or fiscally sponsored organizations that have been in existence for at least two years at the time of application. For complete program guidelines and application instructions, CLICK HERE. |
| | IMLS GRANT PROGRAMS NOVEMBER 15
Museums and related organizations have six opportunities in the coming months to apply for grants from the nation’s primary source of federal funding for museum services. The Institute of Museum and Library Services is now accepting applications for six grant programs:
Applications for all six programs are due on November 15, 2021. For questions or guidance, please contact the staff members listed on the grant program web pages. |
| | COVID19 VACCINATIONS MUSEUMS & LIBRARIES AS TRUSTED PARTNERS DEADLINE 1: SEPT. 2 DEADLINE 2: OCT. 29
Communities for Immunity is an initiative supporting the work of museums and libraries in engaging their communities in COVID-19 vaccine confidence. The country is at a critical moment—experiencing both a surge in COVID-19 cases related to dangerous new coronavirus variants and an urgent need to dramatically increase vaccination rates. As trusted community partners and critical education providers, museums and libraries can play a critical role in building vaccine confidence and fighting the pandemic. Communities for Immunity invites museums and libraries to submit proposals for funding efforts that support vaccine confidence where it matters most―at the local level. Funding awards will be provided to museums and libraries to leverage their deep relationships with local communities to improve vaccine confidence. By providing funding awards to these trusted community institutions, the initiative will use new and existing resources to reach Americans across the nation. Additionally, a Community of Practice will be created to develop and refine vaccine education resources that will be shared with the broader museum and library community. MORE INFORMATION HERE. |
| | | | BRIDGEPORT & NORWALK LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS BEGIN SOON
Bridgeport and Norwalk Chambers of Commerce are preparing for their FY22 Leadership programs. These are invaluable community leadership development programs for future leaders, addressing topics such as the economy, public safety, education, the arts, and healthcare, focused on the local town and its economy. The programs develop participants’ skills so that they will have a positive impact on the future of their towns, while also giving participants the opportunity to learn and work with others in an intimate and collegiate environment. Click here for information and to register for the Greater Bridgeport Chamber's Leadership Program and here for the Greater Norwalk's Leadership Program. For further details or questions contact Erin Mercede at Mercede@BRBC.org (203-335-3800) and Ben Vetter at Greater Norwalk Chamber of Commerce: ben@greaternorwalkchamber.com (203.866.2521x102). |
| | STARTING A NONPROFIT: UPSIDES, DOWNSIDES & ALTERNATIVES
SEPTEMBER 15, 12PM
Sign up for this free ProBono Webinar on Starting A Nonprofit Sept 15, 12-1pm. Staff attorney Alexandra E. Kilduff, Esq., will explain the upsides and downsides of starting a nonprofit and will introduce several alter-natives that might better serve the community and achieve your goals. Topics include: - Basic components of operating a nonprofit including: legal compliance, financial responsibilities, and board governance
- The benefits and responsibilities of tax-exempt status
- The legal responsibilities of a nonprofit board
- Alternatives to consider
- Questions to ask yourself before forming a nonprofit.
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| | INTRODUCTION TO PODCASTING FOR MUSEUMS
SEPTEMBER 16, 2PM
Hannah Hethmon, Owner/Executive Producer, Better Lemon Creative Audio will introduce the medium of podcasting for museums with a focus on how podcasts are consumed and what is already being done in the sector. Instruction will briefly cover the A-Z of production (to be discussed further in workshops 2 and 3) and podcast planning, including how to decide if a podcast is a right fit for your museum, what to podcast about, and how to turn existing expertise and resources into a winning show idea. The session will also introduce podcast distribution, marketing, and evaluation. Free but registration required. Webinar will be streamed live on the Museum Learning Hub. Register here. |
| | CONNECTICUT COLLECTIONS APPLICATION DEADLINE
SEPTEMBER 17
Connecticut Collections (CTCo) is a collections management program designed to help you organize your museum objects, archival materials, and other heritage collections, all in one place. Connecticut Collections was designed by CT League of History Organizations (CLHO) for CLHO members, with the needs and budgets of history organizations in mind. The software is a customization of Collective Access, a web-based, open-source collections management program used by libraries, archives, and museums around the world. CLHO works directly with the makers of Collective Access to manage the system for our users. For more information, click here. Apply to be a member here. Deadline is Sept. 17. |
| | | | GREENWICH HISTORICAL SOCIETY PUBLIC PROGRAMS MANAGER
The Public Programs Manager (part-time position) designs and presents, in collaboration with a community engagement team, a broad range of public programs for adults on history, art, architecture, landscape and gardens relating to the Historical Society’s exhibitions, historic site, collections and diverse community heritage. The Public Programs Manager sustains existing and fosters new relationships with local, regional and national partners to enhance public programs, engage target audiences and broaden stakeholders in the Historical Society’s mission. Master’s degree in museum studies, public history or related field; excellent oral and written communication skills; keen listener; excels in interpersonal interaction; collaborative work style; excellent time management skills and strong work ethic. Details here. |
| | GREENWICH HISTORICAL SOCIETY CONTRACT EXHIBITIONS REGISTRAR
The Greenwich Historical Society seeks applications for a Contract Exhibition Registrar. The successful candidate will provide project support for an exhibition of artworks by American Impressionist painter John Henry Twachtman, to take place at the Greenwich Historical society October 2021-January 2022. Reporting to GHS’s Curator of Exhibitions and Collections, the Exhibition Registrar will work as an Independent Contractor, managing the logistical details and shipping arrangements of approximately 20 loan artworks from museum and private collections. This is a part-time, flexible position contracted for a total of 500 hours, averaging to approximately 15-20 hours/week, beginning March 2021 and ending January 2022. This position may be worked remotely for the majority of the contract term, although the Exhibition Registrar will be required to assist on-site during for several days during exhibition installation in late September 2021, and de-installation in mid-January 2022. Details here. |
| | THE KLEIN DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT & COMMUNICATIONS
The Klein, Bridgeport’s 1,447-seat performing arts center serving the greater Bridgeport region, is looking to hire a part-time grant writer who will research potential grantors and sponsors and write the grant applications and sponsorship solicitations. The grant writer reports to the director of development and the executive director. Funds raised support Klein Theatre Arts, (a tuition-free arts education program), entertainment programs and events, capital projects and capacity building. View Full Job Description |
| | DAVID SCOTT PARKER ARCHITECTS EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT/WRITER
David Scott Parker Architects seeks a full-time and in-person Executive Assistant with a background in art history and/or architecture to join their small-but-growing firm in Southport, CT. Ideal candidate is self-starting, proactive, resourceful, impeccably organized, tech-savvy and an excellent communicator. A background and/or demonstrable interest in architecture, historic preservation, and/or art history is helpful. Full description |
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| JOBS, FOR SALE, KIDS & TEENS, VOLUNTEERS, & CALLS FOR ARTISTS - CONSULT AND POST IN OUR CLASSIFIEDS |
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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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