All across Connecticut, young artists are moving into rehabbed old buildings, setting up creative new businesses and bringing new life to their communities. I’d like to share two examples.
In Hartford’s Parkville neighborhood, factories and warehouses have been converted into apartments and commercial space. A new CPTV series called “The Parkville Sessions” tells this story through the eyes of some of the musicians who now call Parkville home.
But it’s not just a city thing. In Litchfield, the former Bantam Switch Factory has been renovated and converted into commercial space for artists and artisans. Today, the occupants of the Bantam Arts Factory are helping draw younger people to this rural town. “Arts means business,” says Jocelyn Ayer of the Northwest Hills Council of Governments.
Click the links below and get a sample of the exciting things arts are making happen in our communities!
The Parkville Sessions, Bantam Arts Factory, Bantam revitalization
Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut Unveils Plans for Arts Hub Feasibility Study
The Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut is excited to announce the commencement of a comprehensive feasibility study for establishing an Arts Hub in Danbury, following the receipt of a $250,000 planning grant awarded last fall, through DECD and the Community Investment Fund. This initiative, supported by state leaders and the City of Danbury, aims to transform the cultural landscape of our community by creating a vibrant space for artistic expression, community engagement, and cultural development.
Calling all High School Poets!
High School Students – Apply for consideration to attend a poetry writing workshop at the Glass House
Muse Squad Launches Spring 2025 Writing Class: Melting Stars
Muse Squad is very excited to announce that our upcoming Melting Stars creative writing course, to take place in New Milford beginning in late March, will be co-instructed by New Milford local Kay Mickelson. Ms. Mickelson is both a Girl Scout troop leader and an educator at Pratt Nature Center, and we cannot wait to bring her on board and have her join our team of talented and enthusiastic instructors.
A.C.T. of CT Now Accepting Applications for the 2025 Posthumous Prodigy Productions Fellowship for Musicians
ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2025 POSTHUMOUS PRODIGY PRODUCTIONS FELLOWSHIP FOR MUSICIANS
Apply for Funding to Pursue a Career in Arts Administration
The Elizabeth L. Mahaffey Arts Administration Fellowship provides funding to individuals to pursue professional development opportunities in the field of arts administration.
Discovering Amistad: A Community Event
Part I at The Playhouse on Sunday June 25th with Samuel Pieh, descendant of lead captive, Sengbe Pieh will discuss his family’s story, along with Captain Bill Pinkney who served as the first captain of the Amistad reproduction and Paula Mann Agnew, Executive Director of Discovering Amistad.
Public Art Learning Fund Now Open
The Public Art Learning Fund provides grants of $500 to $3,000 to support professional development opportunities for New England-based artists who are looking to deepen and expand their public art practices.
Join the Board of Directors at Keeler Tavern Museum and History Center!
Ridgefield’s Keeler Tavern Museum and History Center (KTM&HC) is seeking enthusiastic individuals to join our Board of Directors and contribute their unique perspectives to advancing our mission.
State Historic Preservation Office Announces Its 2025 Educational Programs
State Historic Preservation Office Announces Its 2025 Educational Programs
Seeking Filmmakers for the Brookfield Festival 2025
The Brookfield Arts Commission is seeking short film submissions for the 17th Annual Brookfield Film Festival. The dates of the 2025 film festival are March 28th through March 30th. From its inception in 2008, the Brookfield Film Festival consisted of three showings of Shorts & to the Point – a showing of curated, award-winning short films from around the world.
National Endowment for the Arts Grant Deadlines
National Endowment for the Arts Grants deadlines
CT Office of the Arts Presents Social Prescriptions for Arts Kick-Off
The Connecticut Office of the Arts is excited to welcome Adrienne Hundley, Head of Community Partnerships at Art Pharmacy, for a virtual conversation on how arts-based social prescribing can play a vital role in supporting health and well-being in Connecticut.
You’re invited to the Connecticut Arts Awards!
CT Art Awards April 2 Hartford
Announcing an Innovative Arts-Based Health Initiative: Art Pharmacy
This program allows healthcare providers and institutions to prescribe participation in arts and cultural activities as a way to improve health outcomes.