Enriching Arts & Culture

The Foundation’s support of arts and culture in Fairfield County reflects our belief that creative organizations can be at the center of community and regional vitality, serving as a place for conversation and dialogue; playing an essential role in economic and community development; providing a platform for under-represented and aspiring artists; providing cultural experiences for youth; or serving as a destination attraction.

Performing and visual arts can also be tools to highlight our differences and to emphasize our similarities. When we use art to communicate our shared sorrows and joys and our shared hopes and fears, we are reminded of our humanity. A region rich with arts and culture is one characterized by strong social connections, increased civic engagement, and improved multicultural understanding. Powerful cultural experiences can bring us together around important issues and spark dialogue about what matters to us most.

What's Being Done

There are many exemplary nonprofit programs that provide arts instruction to children and youth. Grants from our Arts for Youth Fund help support a number of them in Fairfield County.

The Foundation also works to strengthen arts organizations with professional development and training opportunities.

In 2009, the Foundation initiated the Institute for Arts Organizations program. Five Bridgeport area arts organizations were chosen to participate in a two-day, four-part institute to strengthen financial and capital planning. In partnership with the Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism, the Foundation organized one-on-one and group training with staff from the national Nonprofit Finance Fund.

As a result, the arts organizations learned to focus on financial management, define and create a business model, communicate their financial story and set capital planning goals for large projects, programs and undertakings.

How You Can Help

You can make a tax deductible, online contribution to the Arts for Youth Fund to support arts and culture, other Foundation initiatives and regional grantmaking.

To make a contribution by mail or fax, or for more information, email Fiona Hodgson, Vice President of Development and Marketing, or call her at 203.750.3200.