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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Hands of Hope in Muriel Stockdale’s OM1-2026 Flag

An image of Muriel Stockdale's flag OMI-2026

When you meet Muriel Stockdale, artist, author, and visionary, you quickly sense her work is more than art. It’s an invitation to reflect on who we are as Americans and how we celebrate the richness of our heritage. Her latest creation, OM1-2026, is a breathtaking textile flag designed for America’s 250th anniversary. Its name, Out…

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Imagine What We Can Do Together This Giving Tuesday

Two hands passing a small black paper heart to one another

Giving Tuesday comes once a year. For us, it’s a chance to keep creativity alive in ways that ripple through our communities, from the confidence of a teenager discovering their voice to the collaboration that sparks new ideas and economic growth. Why this Giving Tuesday This year, we set an ambitious goal to raise $50,000…

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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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PLACEMAKING: Essentials of Public Murals

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Public Murals attract visitors, boost local economies, and strengthen city/town branding while engaging the community. The CT Office of the Arts and CT Main Street Center present this 2-part webinar, which will explore the planning, community participation, creation, and impact of public murals. Part 1: Purpose, Planning Process – Tuesday, 9/23/25 at 10:00 amPart 2:…

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