The arts in Danbury and Ridgefield are alive and thriving. Seven nonprofits in Ridgefield and Danbury were the recipients of grants from the Connecticut Arts Endowment Fund (CAEF) for a combined $38,042 in state grants to support their work.
The nonprofits include A.C.T. of Connecticut, the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, the Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra, the Ridgefield Guild of Artists, the Danbury Music Centre, the Western Connecticut Youth Orchestra, and the Ridgefield Chorale.
According to Elizabeth Shapiro, director of arts, preservation & museums for the state Economic & Community Development, The Connecticut General Assembly established the CAEF fund to: stimulate the development of private-sector funding and to ensure the long-term stability of Connecticut’s arts industry by providing funding to organizations. Managed by the state treasurer and administered by the Connecticut Office of the arts, CAEF grants provide general operating support that organizations use for programming, administrative or operational costs, capital projects, or equipment.
“The most desirable and popular grant awards are for general operating support. GOS (general operating support) grants allow arts organizations the ability to use their expertise, their mission, and their strategic goals, to determine the best use of the funds,” Shapiro said. “This gives the arts organization the autonomy to pursue their vision of service to their many communities.”
Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum
The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum in Ridgefield received $10,784.
“Funding from the CT Office of the Arts will advance The Aldrich’s marketing and communications efforts, ensuring broad and meaningful access to contemporary art,” said Kris Honeycutt, the museum’s director of development. “It supports promotion of exhibitions and education programs across local and national media, and helps the museum improve our on-site experience for visitors, including offering Spanish translations on all gallery wall text and enhancing digital accessibility and engagement online.”
Founded by art collector and fashion designer Larry Aldrich in 1964, The Aldrich serves as a leading incubator for artists at critical creative junctures.
“The Aldrich has a deep commitment to artists: every exhibition is accompanied by a publication and each participating artist receives honoraria and production support,” Honeycutt said.” Providing artists with the resources they need to create inspiring and innovative new work depends on the support of grants like this. Without it, our ability to sustain and grow these opportunities would be significantly limited.”
Danbury Music Centre
The only nonprofit from Danbury to be included in the grantmaking, the center received $2,071. “The funds will be used to pay for artistic directors which directly supports our artists and artistic quality,” said Laura Flachbart, executive director. “Our organization has been grateful to receive support from the Connecticut Office of the Arts before.”
DMC is a non-profit community arts organization located at 256 Main Street in Danbury that provides classical community music experiences through ensembles and events.
A.C.T. of Connecticut
A.C.T. of Connecticut received a grant in the amount of $10,784. “These funds will support our general operating expenses, as well as special programming such as our sensory friendly performances and our First ACT! initiatives, which provide students and individuals who may not otherwise have the opportunity to experience live theater with access to professional productions,” said Daniel C. Levine, artistic director.
“Like most nonprofit arts organizations, A.C.T. faces ongoing fundraising challenges. Ticket sales cover only 40% of our annual operating costs, so we rely heavily on donations, sponsorships, grants, and community support.”
A.C.T. of Connecticut is a professional nonprofit theater in Ridgefield dedicated to bringing Broadway-caliber productions and educational programming to Fairfield County, known for producing acclaimed musical productions featuring Broadway talent in an intimate setting.
Levine noted these grants acknowledge the important of the arts. “Support like this recognizes that the arts are not a luxury; they are an essential part of life,” he said.
Shapiro reinforced the importance of being there for the arts.
“Supporting for arts organizations is support for the creative economy as a tool for sustainable community development,” Shapiro said. “A vibrant arts ecosystem attracts and retains a skilled, innovative workforce, encourages entrepreneurship and small business growth, activates underused community spaces, improves community health and wellness outcomes, and more.”
