Clinton Arts Council Receives CT Humanities Grant

The Clinton Arts Council (CAC) is pleased to announce that it has received a CT Cultural FundOperating Support Grant from Connecticut Humanities in the amount of $5,700.00. CAC partnered with the Shoreline Arts Alliance (SAA) in applying. “The Arts Alliance, acting as our partner, made it possible for CAC to apply for the grant simply because CAC has not been a non-profit organization long enough” said Steve Van Ness, President of CAC. Formed in 2019, CAC only received its 501c3 nonprofit status in July of 2021.

“This grant will give us the much-needed funding to stabilize and expand the numerous projects we are planning in 2022 and beyond.” said Mr. Van Ness. Arts Council programming started in 2019 and has included the ever-growing Main Street Sculpture Mile, First Thursday, Main Street’s performance and business development events, and the Storytelling Series. During the COVID problems of 2020 and 2021, CAC was able to produce the Womankind Virtual Performance Series, Live from Jules and Thom Broadcast Series, and Virtual Storytelling, all while expanding First Thursday.

As it grows, other main focuses of the Clinton Arts Council will include arts advocacy, arts marketing, and arts education, in addition to creating and developing programming. The Arts Council conducted a survey in 2021 of all the Clinton-based visual and performing arts organizations to learn what their most pressing needs were. Marketing of arts events including a comprehensive website, and the development of summer outdoor events were the top responses.

“There is a great and diverse amount of visual and performing arts that take place in Clinton. The Arts Council is excited to nurture the growth of all these arts. This CT Humanities grant will help us to support many of these programs and marketing initiatives.” said Mr. Van Ness.

The Clinton Arts Council was initially founded under the umbrella of the Clinton Sustainability Committee and then operated under the Clinton based non-profit Placemakers organization until July 2021.

For more information about the Clinton Arts Council, email clintonarts19@gmail.com a board member will connect with you.