FAIRFIELD – Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz and the state Department of Economic and Community Development’s Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA) announced Tuesday, June 10, a new Cultural District in the Town of Fairfield.
The district, which encompasses Fairfield’s downtown and its historic town green, includes many diverse attractions, including the Fairfield Theatre Co., the Burr Mansion, Art/Place Gallery, the SHU Community Theatre, the Fairfield Museum and History Center, Fairfield County StoryLab, Three Roses Studio, Fairfield University’s Quick Center for the Arts, the George Billis Gallery and The Studio Fairfield, among others.
“Today’s announcement showcases the talent, culture, beauty, and history that strengthen the unique character of Fairfield,” Bysiewicz said. “I’m so incredibly excited to welcome the Town of Fairfield’s new cultural district to our growing list of cultural assets across the state. Congratulations to Fairfield and to all who made this designation possible.”
Cultural Districts are designated as walkable areas of a city or town that feature numerous cultural facilities, activities and/or assets. These vibrant areas draw visitors from other towns and states and serve as a hub for residents to congregate and interact.
The districts:
- Promote and encourage artists, entrepreneurs, and creative businesses
- Promote tourism and increase visitation
- Improve the quality of life for residents
- Strengthen distinctive character of communities
- Drive economic growth and expand the tax base
- Highlight local culture and history
A requirement of the program is the city or town must establish a Cultural District Commission that manages all aspects of the district.
“I’ve been fortunate to have spent many hours on and around the beautiful historic Fairfield Green over my years in Connecticut,” said Liz Shapiro, DECD’s Director of Arts, Preservation and Museums. “When you stand behind the beautiful new Fairfield Museum and History Center and close your eyes just a little bit, you can see and feel the architectural bones of Connecticut’s past. Fairfield’s deep sense of place has an immersive effect on residents and visitors alike.”
First Selectman Bill Gerber, who was also on hand for the announcement, believes the designation shows how commited the town is to the arts.
“The town of Fairfield has a vibrant arts community and a rich history of supporting the arts,” he said. “We are thrilled to receive the state’s Cultural District designation, demonstrating our belief in how art in all its forms — music, theater, painting, sculpture and more — contributes to our quality of life.”
Fairfield Arts Commission Chair Charlie MacDonald hopes this is the beginning of the promotion of the town’s arts and culture.
“We are truly honored and excited to receive State recognition of our downtown cultural district,” he said “We look forward to continuing our work with the Connecticut Office of the Arts to promote and advance the arts in Fairfield.”
