Ridgefield Arts Council Submits Budget, Advances 2026 Programs And Award Support

RIDGEFIELD, CT — The Ridgefield Arts Council approved routine business, advanced planning for major arts initiatives and authorized a letter supporting a Cultural District Award nominee during its Jan. 7 meeting at Town Hall.

The meeting, held in the Small Conference Room at 400 Main St. and via Zoom, was called to order at 7:16 p.m. following a motion by council member Raje Kaur, seconded by Danielle Roth.

The council unanimously approved its December 2025 meeting minutes on a motion by Jennifer Dineen, seconded by Kaur.

Budget and governance updates

Council members reported that the Arts Council’s proposed 2026–27 budget request has been submitted to the town. Members also plan to request time on the agenda of an upcoming Ridgefield Board of Selectmen meeting within the next few months.

The council’s updated charge has been approved by the Board of Selectmen, according to the minutes. Members said both the town-hosted Arts Council webpage and the council’s proprietary website will be updated to reflect the revised mission and charge.

Treasurer updates included the receipt of an invoice from the previous fiscal year for Make Music Day parking attendants, which is currently being processed.

Membership and program planning

The Arts Council reported five vacancies and reviewed priority areas for new members. Additional details will be added to a recruitment document outlining needs related to banner coordination, the Arts Watch column, the Our Artists Our Schools program, and the scholarship program.

Program updates included confirmation that downtown banners are installed and operational, and that the Our Artists Our Schools initiative featuring Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra musicians at Ridgefield High School is underway, with further updates expected.

Work on the “Behind the Scenes” program is expected to begin within the next month, with participating organizations to be asked to submit nominees.

The council also discussed upcoming January events connected to A-250 celebrations, noting that details for the Liberty Ball and events at Ballard Park are being finalized. Arts Council support will be requested once plans are confirmed.

Event planning and outreach

Members reported strong attendance at the December EDR event and said a survey will be distributed to participating organizations to determine preferred days and times for future EDRs. Potential 2026 venues discussed included Founder’s Hall, ACT of CT and the Meeting House.
Planning for Make Music Day is also moving forward, with a kickoff call scheduled for later this month.

Cultural District Award support

In old business, the council reviewed Cultural District Award nominations, which must be submitted by the end of January. Kaur made a motion authorizing the Arts Council to write a letter of support for a specific nominee. The motion was seconded by Dineen and approved unanimously. A draft letter will be prepared and circulated before the deadline.

Members also noted increased interest from residents seeking to join the council. A document outlining current initiatives and areas of need will be sent to all prospective candidates.

The meeting adjourned at 8:09 p.m. following a motion by Tracey Bryggman, seconded by Kaur. The next meeting is scheduled for Feb. 4 at 7:15 p.m.