Connecticut Arts Foundation Shares Mission to Support CT Artists

By Nancy Sasso Janis

The Connecticut Arts Foundation hosted a briefing on Tuesday discussing their planned initiatives. It was a gathering of those involved in the full spectrum of the arts and was held at Grace Farms in New Canaan. Grace Farms generously awarded the Foundation a SpaceGrant for this event.

The Roxbury-based Foundation has a singular mission to support artists by providing a living wage to create original works with a commitment to long term residency in the state.

Representatives from organizations working with the visual arts, theater, music, and authors, learned about the Foundation’s plans to provide a living-wage to artists to help them create, as well as learn basic business skills. It also aims to give working artists the recognition they deserve, while acknowledging the positive economic impact of those that remain in the state of Connecticut.

Preston Whiteway, CEO of the CT Arts Foundation, welcomed the attendees. Formerly of Eugene O’Neill Theater Center CEO/Producer, Whiteway recently joined Tribeca Productions as a creative development consultant.

Dr. Jack Rosenberg, a studio artist and the Board Chair of the Foundation, explained the goal of the organization. Rosenberg is also the Chair of the Connecticut State Arts Council, and a member of the Board of Advisors of the New York Foundation for the Arts. From his website bio, “He remains dedicated to enhancing the arts ecosystem with a focus on making sure artists are included, and have opportunities to develop their craft and artistic expression.”

The panel discussion was moderated by Rebecca Suran, a Channel 12 News Anchor.

Board member Alva G. Greenberg, who opened a contemporary art gallery in New London and currently works as an independent art curator, was part of the panel discussion. She encouraged attendees to be part of the arts community, support it and encourage others to do the same.

Will Wilkins, Executive Director of Real Art Ways in Hartford, added insight into running a contemporary art gallery in the capital city and reminded us that “inspiring artist matters.”

Liz Shapiro, the permanent Director of Arts, Preservation and Museums at CT Office of the Arts (COA) and CT State Historic Preservation Office, was also part of the panel. She aptly pointed out that “without artists there is no art” and that in order to create an appreciation of the arts, we must “start with the youngest of our citizens” in our schools.

The informational panel was a discussion of arts in Connecticut and the Foundation’s mission, goal and role, with an emphasis on how the arts help to support businesses and communities.

“The CT Arts Foundation, established as an independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization, and created by the State Legislature, is dedicated to enhancing a vibrant and sustainable environment for the arts in Connecticut,” press materials noted.

The Foundation’s Board of Directors “has further refined the mission as artist-centric: To provide a living-wage support which will empower generative artists to fully focus on their craft and allow them the freedom to create new artworks.”

To drive home the need for the Foundation, Rosenberg presented this evidence in a letter on the organization’s website. “Beginning in the 1980s with the rightward shift in American politics, direct artists grants were removed from public funding. The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), and the Connecticut State Legislature, prohibit direct funding of artists. Last year, for example, the State of Connecticut distributed more than $65 million in grants from the NEA and State Legislature to arts, culture and tourism organizations. By contrast, only $150,000 from a single grant was allocated to distribute as artist grants in amounts up to $5,000 each.”

The Foundation, which started up only two years ago, has set out to “fill the gap” and provide funding directly to artists in the full spectrum of the arts and develop a supportive infrastructure so that they will not leave the state. The ultimate goal is to raise $100 million. Donations to the Foundation may be made at ctartsfoundation.org.

The Connecticut Arts Foundation board members include Rosenberg, Whiteway, Jenny Dixon, Jessica Fenner, Floyd Green, Alva Greenberg, Denise Massingale-Lamb, Glori Norwitt, Yolande Spears, and Jill Totenberg.

The beautiful Grace Farms is an “art’s centric” space that celebrates cultures from around the world. The space will host the London Philharmonic Symphony for a benefit to celebrate their ninth anniversary on Oct. 21. Grace Farms’ Space Grant program offers not-for-profits, community partners, government agencies, and other mission-aligned organizations free access to space at Grace Farms.