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
Submit Your Nomination for the Emerging Creative Award
The Emerging Creative Award highlights a breakthrough creative leader who is starting to blossom as an impactful and innovative contributor to the Connecticut arts scene.
Virtual Event: Celebrating Black-Owned Businesses
Learn how Black-Owned Small Business owners have leveraged local resources and support organizations
In-person Event: Honoring Black-Owned Entrepreneurs
This in-person event is designed to empower business owners and entrepreneurs to tap into available resources.
Equity Match Grant Program Opens August 14!
The Equity Match Grant Program supports the growth of women-owned businesses in Connecticut by offering grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000.
THEATER BARN ANNOUNCES 2023-2024 KIDS’ WORKSHOP SEASON
The Ridgefield Theater Barn recently opened registration for their Fall workshops, nickelodeon The SpongeBob Musical, Youth Edition for teens, and Charming for younger performers. In addition, the Ridgefield Theater Barn has announced their entire season of teen and youth workshops through the end of the school year which offers parents the opportunity to plan (and register) ahead and to potentially save money with discounted packages if kids are enrolled for an entire season of workshops.
2023 VSA Emerging Young Artists Program
For U.S.-based* visual artist ages 16-25 with disabilities+, apply for our 2023-2024 VSA Emerging Young Artist Program. Applications close on Friday, August 18.
Grants for New England-Based Filmmakers
Supporting Arts Grant Program Is Now ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS.
Supporting Arts Grant Program Is Now Accepting Applications
Supporting Arts Grant Program Is Now ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS.
Grant will help Cultural Alliance serve area youth
State Rep. Farley Santos (D-109th) secured the $50,000 grant, which the Cultural Alliance will re-grant to other organizations and artists for projects.
Connecting Connecticut Presenters & Dancemakers
Hour-long virtual meeting, with Connecticut based dance makers of all genres.
WCSU Announces 2023-24 Theatre Arts Season
Western Connecticut State University announces its Theatre Arts productions for the 2023-24 season, with shows including “Something Rotten!” “The Crucible,” “The Donkey Show: A Midsummer Night’s Disco” and more.
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.