Newtown Cultural Arts Commission Seeks Last Two Members

By Kendra Bobowick

The Newtown Cultural Arts Commission (NCAC) is like a fresh canvas stretched smoothly across its frame and awaiting dabs of vibrant color. The commission became a reality per town ordinance on January 3, 2006. It needs two more people to make its membership complete.

The ordinance declares, “The purpose of the Newtown Cultural Arts Commissions shall be to stimulate, facilitate, coordinate and cooperate with existing organizations for the development of the arts. It shall serve as an informal center and focal point in the community for activities in the arts.”

The need for a commission has been clear to the two artists behind its establishment.

“We know so many wonderful and artistic people and groups in town, and we wanted [the groups] unified,” said Jennifer Johnston, owner of Newtown Centre of Classical Ballet and commission co-organizer. “The commission will see what the needs are and come up with a vision.”

The campaign for the NCAC began roughly five years ago with two original ad-hoc Cultural Arts Study Committee members — Ms Johnston and Brigette Sorensen, a visual artist who works in mixed/multi media.

“It’s been a long time in the making,” said Ms Sorensen. “There are people out there waiting for this to happen.”

Also noting the time that has passed, Ms Johnston said, “It’s been well worth it.”

She remembers when the idea began.

“It all started with the purchase of Fairfield Hills, [we] felt the need for a performing arts facility and felt the best way to do that was to create a commission to bring groups together,” she said. In her view, a facility would help bind the diverse arts element in town and if Fairfield Hills was not a possibility, the commission could look elsewhere, she said.

Ms Sorensen said, “[Ms Johnston] and I joined together when we learned the town would purchase Fairfield Hills and we knew we needed a commission and we knew we needed a facility.” A potential home in a community/recreation center has become a possibility in recent months.

Selectmen have urged the Parks and Recreation Department, seniors, and also the arts to consider sharing combined space in the future. A tentative multipurpose building is slated for Fairfield Hills.

Aside from a home, the NCAC needs members. The ordinance calls for nine members and as of last week, two seats remain open. Ms Johnston, who already has submitted her resume and letter of interest in joining the commission, urges others to follow her lead.

For The Arts & The Public

Ms Johnston put the commission into perspective.

“It gives [artists] an avenue to showcase their work…and definitely brings arts into the public reach,” she said. She is also hoping for “more events open to the public and more connection with the community.”

Ms Sorensen also imagined what the arts commission, and a center, could accomplish.

“Once we’re up and running we’ll put together a studio, instruction…there will be educational programming,” she said. “We want to offer programs with quality instruction.” She explained that artists need a space for work, the performing arts need a stage, and exhibit space in town could be improved.

“[The public] could also enjoy programming and events,” she said.

Imagining the commission’s first steps, Ms Sorensen said, “We’re hoping that at first there will be an art base established in Newtown…make sure Newtown has something to offer, for all ages.”

The commission’s responsibilities are detailed in the ordinance and include making a survey of the cultural and artistic resources in town; to make additional surveys as deemed advisable, of private and public institutions; to produce and update an ongoing Cultural Arts Events Calendar via website; stimulate and encourage both private and public study and presentation of performing and fine arts; to encourage and assist freedom of artistic expression essential to the arts; to stimulate cooperative and coordinated effort among cultural organizations engaged in a single art from; to advise and make recommendations to the Board of Selectmen on matters of cultural significance to the town…

Now one year in existence the committee awaits the appointment of two more members before it is complete. A detailed and complete document establishing the Newtown Cultural Arts Commission is available through the first selectman’s office. Call 270-4201.