Recognizing the intrinsic value and impact of arts and economic partners working side by side as an enriching influence on the communities of the Housatonic Valley, the Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut has received two 2014 grants for its ongoing services and efforts on behalf of the ten town region.

The Connecticut Office of the Arts, Department of Economic and Community Development has awarded $30,855 to the Cultural Council, as a Designated Regional Service Organization (DRSO), to support the state’s creative economy and provide cultural leadership to a broad diversity of constituents. An award of $15,000 from the Fairfield County Community Foundation will provide general operating support.

Funding will help strengthen infrastructure, as well as enable the Cultural Alliance to continue services such as professional development, coordinated marketing and promotional initiatives, opportunities to build stronger networks and to assess needs, and to strengthen relationships among artists, arts organizations, business professionals, and the community at large.  From strategic conversations with stakeholders to opening doors with its Accessible Arts series, an annual year-long, multi-site artist-business project that has entered its sixth year, the Cultural Alliance continues, with such generous support, to meet the challenges of its mission and the shared vision of its communities.

"Living creatively, energizing the economy," says Executive Director Lisa Scails, "has always been our working motto. These acknowledgements underscore our belief that arts, history, and culture are essential assets to quality of life and to the economy."

"The Cultural Alliance has consistently ranked among the 'top ten' in Connecticut for providing cultural leadership to the region," added Board President Lew Wallace. "Its programs are considered a new model in the arts industry and on the cutting edge in terms of community development because it's service driven."

The Cultural Alliance's efforts are primarily geared toward the 400-plus cultural resources throughout the ten-town greater Danbury region and for the benefit of the larger community. It is cultural hub for Bethel, Bridgewater, Brookfield, Danbury, Newtown, New Fairfield, New Milford, Redding, Ridgefield, and Sherman. The creative economy accounts for approximately 10 percent of all the jobs in the region.

The state Office of the Arts develops and strengthens the arts in Connecticut and makes artistic experiences widely available to residents and visitors. Through its grant programs, the office invests in Connecticut artists and arts organizations and encourages the public’s participation as creators, learners, supporters, and audience members.  Through its programs and services, the office connects people to the arts and helps to build vital communities across the state.

The Fairfield County Community Foundation promotes the growth of community and regional philanthropy to improve the quality of life throughout Fairfield County. Individuals, families, corporations and organizations can establish charitable funds and contribute to existing funds.

The foundation provides philanthropic advisory services and develops and leads initiatives to tackle critical community issues. It is in compliance with the Council of Foundations’ national standards for community foundations. The Foundation has awarded over $151 million in grants to nonprofits in Fairfield County and beyond.

For more information about the resources, services and programs of the Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut, call 203-798 0760 or visit www.artswesternct.org.

The Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut (formally Housatonic Valley Cultural Alliance) is headquartered at 287 Main Street, Danbury. The alliance is a leader in supporting a vibrant arts and culture community in northern Fairfield and southern Litchfield Counties.

The Cultural Alliance promotes and advocates for arts, history, and culture as a primary driver of the economy and as an enriching influence for communities and people.  The alliance, a 501(c)(3), is the largest and only regional service organization working to ensure better access to arts and culture for all residents and visitors in the Housatonic Valley region. It is  supported by public funding, corporate and private contributions, and by its members.