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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 |
| | | | COVID-19 ECONOMIC IMPACT ON CT'S ARTS & CULTURE SECTOR TOPS $386 MILLION
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| | The CT Arts Alliance released a new report, outlining the impact of COVID-19 on the arts and culture sector in Connecticut. To date, the estimated economic losses for these nonprofits total $386M. Lost sales in the Connecticut creative industry (which is the broader umbrella that includes for-profit businesses, cultural production and film/media, etc.) are estimated to be $2.4B and cumulative jobs lost total 33,258. This is a result of venues completely closing and cancelling seasons through fall 2021; arts education programs and extracurricular programs cancelled for schools; no rehersals or events at arts organizations; and unemployment among individual artists and arts professionals still growing. Read full study... |
| | These results include statistics gathered in the recent Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County (CAFC) COVID-19 Impact Survey conducted this summer which included responses from 44 member artists and 58 arts and culture organizations (about one-fifth of the CAFC membership).
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| | REIMAGINING ARTS & CULTURE: A PUBLIC CONVERSATION SERIES |
| The Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County (CAFC) invite your participation in the two remaining public conversations that are part of its "Collective Action Against Racism & Inequity" initiative. Planned and conducted by Valeria and Andrea Lopez, of OnBeat Consulting (Stamford), the series is designed for independent artists, organizations that promote the arts, culture and creative expression, and community members interested in learning about the intersection of the arts and the national movement to dismantle racism in America.- Sept. 29, 6pm: Empathy in Times of Crisis
- Oct. 13, 6pm: Moving From Empathy to Action
These conversations are designed to help the audience understand and advance the national conversation on race and racism, while inviting them to be a part of the movement by taking individual action grounded in an expanded awareness of the issues. It fills the community need to participate and respond meaningfully to the current reckoning with regard to race and other prejudice and bias. Sign up here.
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| | SONO ART CARES WORKS AVAILABLE IN SILENT AUCTION - SAVE THE DATE: OCT. 3 |
| | A live online SoNo Art Cares Project auction will take place on Sat. Oct. 3 to benefit CAFC. Save the Date! This partnership between The SoNo Collection and The Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County, continues through the end of the month. Stop by the mall in Norwalk Friday - Sunday 1-4pm to watch local artists painting live and chat with them about their process and inspiration. All artwork is being donated to CAFC and is currently available for bidding in a silent auction. Upcoming live painters include Kristin Schnitzler (Sept. 18-20) and Duvian Montoya (Sept 25-27). Learn more...
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| | SEPTEMBER SPOTLIGHT - DISCOVERIES FROM GOING VIRTUAL
NOW AVAILABLE ON SOUNDCLOUD |
| | The September edition of our monthly Spotlight on Arts & Culture on WPKN 89.5 FM, focuses on Discoveries from Going Virtual. Hear the stories of artists, teachers, arts marketers, performers, radio hosts and more, sharing the silver linings they have discovered when they have transferred what they do online, or have invented new ways of performing, teaching and collaborating online, necessitated or inspired by the technology they need to use to survive. Hear the podcast here.
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| CANDIDATES FORUM WED OCT 14, 6pm |
| | | As part of its participation in the Connecticut Arts Alliance's Create The Cote CT, the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County is organizing a candidates forum on Oct 14, 6pm, on Zoom where you will hear from 6 candidates about their views on the arts and CT's recovery. |
| | | | FRIENDS OF SHERWOOD ISLAND STATE PARK The Friends of Sherwood Island (FOSI) are a committed coalition of concerned outdoorsmen, environmentalists, birders, and educators who support public programs at the very first state parklands in Connecticut. It is a 230-acre shoreline paradise for walking, fishing, birding, picnics, and disc golf. FOSI has initiated a Dune Restoration program and the creation of a Butterly Garden. The Nature Center, a building realized through FOSI and staffed annually through FOSI funds, is open each season for public programs, including feeding snakes and turtles, counting nesting horseshoe crabs, and the banding of purple martins before they migrate to the Amazon for the Winter. Website Facebook Page |
| | STATION HOUSE WINE BAR Station House is a hidden gem, conveniently tucked away aside Stratford Train Station. Gourmet dishes are prepared by Chef Edgar, who has years of experience delivering exceptional cuisine. This fare is offered seamlessly alongside artisan Japanese sushi, crafted by sushi chef extraordinaire Peter, to deliver a unique and eclectic dining experience. Make your selection from veal entrees, calamari and Angus burgers to, of course, a wide array of premium sushi rolls. To ensure there truly is something for everyone, there’s a fully-stocked New York City-style bar and live entertainment most evenings. Come enjoy professional renditions of Sinatra and Bennett on Sunday evenings, a variety of bands on Friday and Saturday night, or stop by any day of the week for our happy hour with cocktails and appetizers. Station House even hosts wine & beer tastings. Step right from the Stratford platform and into Station House, a slice of genuine New York metropolitan luxury right next door. Website, Facebook and Instagram pages |
| | | | The Avon Theatre Film Center Board of Directors is pleased to announce the winners of the Eleventh Annual Avon Scholarship Essay Contest, “Why Film Matters”. The contest was open to high school seniors in both public and private schools throughout Fairfield and Westchester Counties. Prizes totaling $9,000 were awarded this month to eleven talented high school seniors. There was a tie for first place resulting in each winner receiving a scholarship of $2,000. The top three Avon Scholarship 2020 winners are: Isabelle Abbasi, Greenwich High — Pomona College; Christopher Saladin, Fairfield Warde High — Yale University; and Ekaterina Ulyanov, Academy of Information Technology & Engineering (AITE – Stamford) – Williams College, who won a $1,000 prize for third place.
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| | | CT Humanities (CTH) recently awarded $37,265 in COVID-19 related Quick Grants to nine (9) humanities organizations in Connecticut. “Connecticut Humanities is proud to help the cultural sector remain vital and transform to meet the needs of audiences across the state in response to the ongoing impact of COVID-19,” says Dr. Jason Mancini, Executive Director, Connecticut Humanities. Congratulations to our local member organizations. |
| | | Creative Connections invites the public to enjoy Videos from Home and be part of "Our Traditions," showcasing family traditions from across the world. The videos were created as a result of a call to Creative Connections' ArkLink community. Creative Connections, an international cultural education organization, creates and facilitates innovative arts-based exchanges between classrooms in the USA and their peers around the world. Its mission is to educate young people by encouraging their awareness, understanding, and appreciation of other cultures, as well as their own. View Videos here... |
| | | Danbury Music Centre announces the resignation of Executive Director Barbara Adams Jaeger, effective Sept. 30. According to a release, Barbara facilitated many opportunities for musicians, singers and dancers to actively participate as performers and learners during her 20-year tenure. "The establishment of new programs and continued development of DMC's longstanding programs have all happened with Barbara's input and leadership. She has fostered many valuable connections within our community, always bringing the message about the importance of music in all our lives." |
| | | The Maritime Aquarium has shifted from primarily presenting in-person classes to now offering 25 online distance-learning lessons, available to any school anywhere. The programs are streamed live to allow for questions and answers, and for adaptations to a specific focus. Live captioning and other accommodations are available for students who have special needs. In total, since late March, more than 20,000 individuals from 43 states and six foreign countries have participated in the Aquarium's virtual programs. |
| | | Mark Twain Library's Board of Trustees has announced the retirement of Library Director Beth Steinhardt Dominianni. In the decade that Beth has been at the helm, the library has flourished as Redding's center of engagement and saw tremendous growth in both services and programming. The number of annual adult programs more than doubled and children's programs increased by over 100 per year. |
| | | MoCA Westport announces that Anne Greenberg has been named the new Director of Education. A former classroom teacher and elementary school assistant principal in New York City, Anne brings extensive knowledge and experience to support students and teaching staff at MoCA in her new role. MoCA also welcomes two new teachers to its POD instruction program: Amy Chaple is a seasoned teacher with international experience. She taught in both Poland and Turkey before moving to Westport 13 years ago. Nell Waters is a painter and an art educator whose work is exhibited internationally and is held in many private and public collections. |
| | The Quick Center for the Arts at Fairfield University has announced its 2020-2021 Season with a robust line-up of more than 50 online programs. Quick Members enjoy all fall 2020 events for free. The general public can subscribe to nine ticketed events for $175 or purchase single tickets for $20. Upcoming programs include Barnum Museum -The Greatest Showman - Fiction vs Fact; The REAL Story Behind the REEL Story! HINDSIGHT / 2020: Humanistic Reflections on an Unprecedented Year - Humanities Institute with Dr. Kathleen Fitzpatrick, Director of Digital Humanities, Michigan State University and Open VISIONS Forum with Peggy Noonan, “Finding the Moral High Ground; Challenges for USA’s Reboot.” Learn more...
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| | Westport School of Music begins its 83rd school year on Sept. 21 at a new location - the second floor of MoCA Westport on Newtown Turnpike. This marks an exciting new adventure for WSM. Having to rethink program offerings due to the Pandemic, the 2020-21 school year opens with three weeks of online lessons. If it’s safe to do so, in-person instruction begins the week of Oct. 12. Piano, violin, viola, cello, string and electric bass, and acoustic guitar will be offered in the new location. Woodwind and voice instruction will be online, and virtual instruction on all instruments is an option for any student whose parents are not comfortable with in-person learning.
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| | | | CT FLAGSHIP PRODUCING THEATERS ASK FOR RELIEF
The Connecticut’s Flagship Producing Theaters (CFPT) issued an appeal to Governor Ned Lamont on July 15, requesting relief to continue their daily operations with hopes of safely reopening when restrictions are lifted. As vital financial and cultural contributors to Connecticut’s economy, CFPT is a consortium of Tony Award-winning nonprofit institutions — comprising the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, Goodspeed Musicals, Hartford Stage, Long Wharf Theatre, Westport Country Playhouse, and Yale Repertory Theatre — collectively overcome by nearly $12M in lost revenue resultant of COVID-19. Mindful that healthcare and education should remain the primary recipients of earmarked assistance, CFPT stakes its claim as a driver of Connecticut’s economy: responsible for $42M in direct economic activity each year. To date, the six Connecticut theaters have lost $12 million in revenue and laid off over 150 people during the COVID-19 pandemic. See Full Article... |
| | CT OFFICE OF THE ARTS APPOINTS NEW PROGRAM ASSOCIATE
The Connecticut Office of the Arts is delighted to welcome Kolton Harris to his new position as Program Associate. In his position, Kolton will be responsible for the Poetry Out Loud program, Arts Workforce Initiative and COA’s “READI-branded” programs for young creatives. Kolton is an artist, musician, director, facilitator, and creative visionary from Groton, CT. He has worked as an arts administrative leader in various capacities for the past several years, developing arts integration curriculum focused on social justice and youth development. As a creative director, he has directed new works of theater, interdisciplinary events and community-based programming. Through his eclectic approach as a musician, he has positioned himself as a vessel through which hope and unity are expressed in the midst of the harsh realities of the modern world. As a fierce advocate for the centrality of art to the human experience, he has continued to build bridges between arts and different sectors to demonstrate the universal necessity for creativity in all fields and experiences. Meet Kolton Harris... |
| | TIPS FOR ERASING HIRING PRACTICES THAT STYMIE EQUITY IN THE MUSEUM WORKFORCE
The authenticity of an organization’s actions to advance diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion (DEAI) is judged by two key factors: their consistency and comprehensiveness. Many long-standing and widespread practices are directly at odds with advancing DEAI in the museum workforce, even at times when boards and CEOs are making external statements of commitment to racial justice. One example, is that personal relationships often play a role in getting certain resumes to the top of the pile, or getting an “extra look” in the college admissions process for legacy students. Yet access to those critical relationships has never been equitably distributed. More often than not, these “recommendations” reinforce the advantages that uphold structural inequities, by lifting up those candidates already benefiting from the status quo, while blocking others who are already at the margins. In order to shift this paradigm, organizations should consider the following tips. See Full Article... |
| | VALUE VS. VANITY: METRICS THAT MATTER FOR CULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS
Measurements matter – especially right now. But they aren’t all equally important, and knowing the relationships between types of metrics can help entities more successfully weather this storm, according to Colleen Dilenschneider of Know Your Own Bone. Times are tough for cultural organizations right now, to say the least. We’re in the midst of a global pandemic, an uprising against racial injustice (a good thing, but also one that’s contributing to making people warier of big cities where many cultural institutions reside), and an economic recession. One industry study warns that one-third of museums in the U.S. may not survive the year. So how can entities increase their odds of being one that does? Focus on what matters most for the organization’s survival. Read full report... |
| | INVITE CONGRESS TO VISIT YOUR MUSEUM VIRTUALLY
In the coming weeks Congress will continue to consider economic relief and recovery legislation, and resume the FY 2021 appropriations process as well. It will be critical that museum advocates continue to make the case for federal, state and local support for museums over the course of this summer. There’s never been a more important time to engage with the elected officials and stakeholders that represent your museum. Inviting local, state, and federal elected officials and their staff members into your museum is a powerful way to show them the unique work museums do – from world-class exhibitions to working with local students and community members on critical life skills. Here's how. Read full Article... |
| | GET OUT THE VOTE: HOW MUSEUMS CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE POLITICAL PROCESS
True story: A group of museum studies graduate students are collaborating with a museum to develop a history exhibit. A student suggests, “Hey, we should add a voter registration table to the exhibit!” The curator says, “No, that would be too—you know—political.” The subject of the exhibit? The struggle to pass the 19th Amendment, granting American women the right to vote. That curator was mistaken if he believed that voter registration is forbidden under the tax code for 501(c)(3) organizations. The U.S. tax code does state that 501(c)(3) organizations are “banned from partisan electioneering” with potential penalties including loss of tax exempt status and excise taxes. Critically, however, IRS guidance for 501(c)(3) organizations notes that certain voter education activities and activities intended to encourage participation in the electoral process, such as voter registration and get-out-the-vote drives “would not be prohibited political campaign activity if conducted in a non-partisan manner.” Read full Article... |
| | | | CENTER FOR CRAFT INVESTS IN THE NEXT GENERATION OF MAKERS, CURATORS, SCHOLAR OCTOBER 13
A new opportunity established by the Center for Craft will support the collective re-imagining of the future of craft, providing both economic relief as well as purpose and community-driven resolve in the wake of the coronavirus. The Craft Futures Fund will support craft communities throughout the United States and their creative responses to COVID-19. These one-time, unrestricted grants of $5,000 will be disbursed monthly to craft-based education projects that seed resilience, foster community and amplify impact. More information...
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| | YALE UNIVERSITY COLLECTIONS-BASED FELLOWSHIP OCTOBER 15
The Yale Institute of Sacred Music invites applications for Short-term Collections-based fellowships at Yale University to research the aural, material, visual, ritual, and textual cultures of religions. These fellowships are designed for, and restricted to, research taking place in Yale’s non-circulating collections, which span virtually every age and region of the world and are among the deepest and widest ranging of any university. Examples of Yale’s non-circulating collections include materials in the Collection of Musical Instruments, the Yale Center for British Art, the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History, the Divinity School Library, and the Yale University Art Gallery, among others. Applications are due Oct. 15 for fellowships beginning in Summer 2021. Application information... |
| | SIX IMLS MUSEUM GRANT OPPORTUNITIES NOW OPEN NOVEMBER 16
Museums across the United States have six opportunities in the coming months to apply for grants from the nation’s primary source of federal museum funding. The Institute of Museum and Library Services is now accepting applications for six grant programs:
Applications for all six programs are due on Nov. 16. Applicants should review the notices of funding opportunity carefully to understand the program goals, which align with the 2018-2022 IMLS Strategic Plan. |
| | | | REOPENING CT ARTS VENUES SCIENCE-BASED WEBINAR 7 SEPTEMBER 18
Shoreline Arts Alliance and Yale School of Public Health present the 7th webinar in this series. DIY for less $$ (Air Purifiers, Safety Shields, Negative Pressure Environments); 6 feet, 10 feet, 12 feet?; Dancers, Musicians, Actors, Studio Artists – On Stage and in the Studio; Mask study findings: Common Threads for us all! Public Health researchers and leaders, Drs. Sten Vermund, Krystal Pollitt, and Marie Brault will offer arts organizations, historic sites, venues, staff and boards science-based guidance. This state-wide convening offers clarity, practical scientific advice and an opportunity for you to ask questions related to your risk-reduction strategies. Sign up...
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| | GOOD GOVERNANCE AND THE IMPACT ON RACIAL EQUITY SEPTEMBER 24
Nonprofit Boards of Directors have important legal and fiduciary duties to their organizations. This includes the important need to address issues relating to racial equity. ProBono Partnerships is offering a webinar that will discuss these timely issues. Scheduled for Sept. 24, 12pm, this webinar is a primer on the Board’s legal and fiduciary roles and responsibilities, and practical tips on how to meet these obligations. A panel discussion on the implementation of these roles, and how they intersect with an organizations efforts to address issues of racial equity for the organization, its board, and its staff will also be covered. Sign up...
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| | CT-05 CULTURAL GRANTS WORKSHOP SEPTEMBER 29
Is your humanities or arts organization in need of funding for your programming goals? Join this informative webinar, hosted by the Office of Congresswoman Jahana Hayes to hear more about Federal and State grant opportunities for Arts & Humanities non-profit organizations. Tues. Sept. 29, 2:30pm. This workshop is sponsored by the National Endowment for the Humanities, CT Humanities, CT Department of Economic and Community Development. Sign up...
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| | | | CONNECTICUT HUMANITIES PT ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
CT Humanities, a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, seeks a part-time (20-24 hours) administrative assistant for its seven-member staff in Middletown, CT. CT Humanities administers the state-wide Connecticut Humanities Fund, digital humanities websites, the Connecticut Center for the Book as well as capacity building and advocacy programs. The organization's mission is to “encourages curiosity, understanding and critical thinking, providing leadership through grants, partnerships, and collaborative programs” and the ideal candidate will support staff in pursuit of these ends. The Administrative Assistant reports to the Executive Director. Full job description... |
| | ALDRICH CONTEMPORARY ART MUSEUM DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum is seeking an energetic fundraising professional to join the team as Director of Development. A platform for artists, the Museum was founded in 1964 and today is one of the leading contemporary art museums in the country. The Director of Development is responsible for building and maintaining a growing community of donors, with a specific focus on increasing upper level patrons and identifying new prospects, and overseeing the operations of the small, busy Development Department. S/he will take a lead role in cultivating, soliciting and stewarding individual patrons at all levels; overseeing the annual fund; working closely with the Museum’s board of trustees; overseeing the Museum’s benefit events; and managing institutional grants. Full job description... |
| | KEELER TAVERN MUSEUM PT MARKETING/COMMUNICATIONS
The Keeler Tavern Museum and History Center is seeking a part-time, 20 hours a week marketing/communications and social media manager. This position will report to the Executive Director. Responsibilities include developing content for weekly press releases, creating E-blasts, updating and monitoring social media platforms, maintaining the website and developing collateral materials and content for ads. Full job description... |
| | DARIEN ARTS CENTER PIANO TEACHER
The Darien Arts Center is seeking an experienced piano teacher who is willing to take overflow students in the afternoons. Candidates must be willing to teach in person at the DAC and remotely. Preference will be given to candidates who live close to the DAC. The DAC offers a competitive hourly rate. Please send resumes to juanita@darienarts.org and contact Juanita Bosee, Music Director, at 203 829-5451 for questions. |
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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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