BY LISA SCAILS
Arts and culture in northern Fairfield County are as robust and thriving as in any urban center. More than 450 creative resources, which includes 45 cultural organizations, 25 historical societies or museums, 10 libraries, 35 arts education programs, annual events, festival, fairs or projects are related to arts, culture and history. Additionally, more than 900 individuals are identified as creative resources. These include hundreds of artists and countless smaller commercial businesses engaging in creative efforts like graphic design, architecture and photography.
Danbury ranks sixth in the country for its “artistic wealth,” according to Richard Florida (The Atlantic, 2011) and is the birth home of Charles Ives, one of America”™s greatest composers. The famous Marian Anderson lived here for many years. Our flourishing creative economy is enriched by Western Connecticut State University”™s state-of-the-art School of Visual and Performing Arts Center, a stalwart and enduring partner.
Western Connecticut is vital and engaging with world-class talent, visual arts and history to enjoy and to support jobs. It”™s a place where arts, history and culture intersect to help define who we are and what we dream to become.
So this holiday, if you”™re looking for something different think western Connecticut. You just may need a little help finding places to go. Even for the folks who live there. We can help.
The Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut, a regional arts organization based in Danbury and the economic center of the region, has a singular focus to promote and support creative, historic and artistic resources throughout the 10-town greater Danbury area. We are the go-to place for people to come and find world-class performances and activities in a diverse landscape of urban, suburban and rural surroundings.
To find out more about the Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut and to get started on holiday fun, go to artswesternct.org. Look for “ArtsWestern Events,” which uncovers more than 1,000 cultural gems for you to enjoy.
Cheers and Happy Holidays!
Lisa Scails is executive director of the Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut.
For more information, visit CulturalAllianceFC.org.
