Investing in Creative Leadership Through Statewide Partnerships

The Connecticut Office of the Arts recently highlighted Ryan Scails, a Fairfield County based multidisciplinary artist, as part of its April newsletter. Ryan participated in the Empower / EVOLVE program last year as one of three Creative Makers from Western Connecticut supported through this statewide initiative, alongside Brailyn Rodriguez and Nathalie Feliz Dipre. There were…

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Make Music Day Connecticut: Thinking Outside the Performance Venue

MAKE MUSIC DAY | JUNE 21INFORMATION PRESENTATION: “Thinking Outside the Performance Venue: Event Planning & Matchmaking” Thursday, April 30th @ noon Join a virtual presentation to learn more about the MMD matchmaking system, hear from past participants who will share event planning tips, and we will continue statewide planning conversations.

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A $75,000 Artist Grant to Support Your Practice

The Connecticut Arts Foundation is now accepting applications for the Spring 2026 Grant. This season, we are planning to award one grant of $75,000.00 to an artist who works primarily as a painter. Please read the Rules & Qualifications document which explain the grant in detail and also review the FAQs for application information. Then click the link APPLY HERE below to start your application. Deadline: April…

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Work You Don’t See That Makes Arts and Culture Happen

The Work Behind the Work in Arts and Culture When we experience arts and culture, we usually encounter the result.A performance. A class. A festival. A new space. A moment that brings people together. What we rarely see is the work that makes those experiences possible.And even more rarely, the work that allows them to…

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Inspire Life Through Creativity On Giving Tuesday

Two human hands painting

Tomorrow is Giving Tuesday, a Global Day of Generosity. Help us keep arts and culture at the heart of our communities when it matters most. We have a big mission and a small team One experienced staff member and a network of volunteers working behind the scenes to make big things happen. While momentum is…

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Exciting Times for Arts & Culture in Western CT

A crowd of people attending an outdoor event with an art installation

This time of year always makes me pause, to look back at what’s been accomplished and forward to what’s next. After nearly two decades in this work, I know one thing for sure: creativity changes everything. It shifts conversations, opens doors, and brings people together in ways nothing else can. Arts and culture aren’t extras.…

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Arts That Build Community and Drive Growth.

Group of people at a workshop

We’ve seen creativity spark in a child holding a paintbrush.And in an adult finally launching the project they’ve dreamed about for years. That’s what we’re building, together. With artists, educators, healthcare advocates, business leaders, and city partners across Western Connecticut, we’re creating spaces where creativity is nurtured, because creativity isn’t just about making art. It’s…

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