More than 40 states and jurisdictions have appointed a poet laureate. These prestigious writers fulfill a variety of roles, such as increasing public engagement with poetry, encouraging creative expression by youth and elevating the visibility of the state’s contributions to the genre of poetry. Selection policies, stipends and official duties vary from state to state,…
Research indicates that museums provide ideal spaces for exploration, immersive learning and critical thinking for children. They also offer opportunities for social, cognitive and emotional development. To provide children and families with engaging summer enrichment and learning experiences in 2019 during the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont announced the Connecticut Summer…
Using a combination of state and federal funds, the Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA) developed the Connecticut Artists Respond Grants program to harness the creative energies of artists and teaching artists to develop new pathways to online arts participation for Connecticut residents during COVID-19. The program was designed to support artists and to provide…
The Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA) recently launched an Arts Workforce Initiative to support career development for emerging professionals. The initiative is designed to expand professional opportunities in the creative industries. Individuals from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply. COA selected 12 individuals specializing in arts administration, curation, media arts, performing arts, visual…
The Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA) recently adopted its new 2017-2021 Strategic Plan, which it developed through human-centered design, an approach often used by architects and other designers that is based on understanding people’s needs, hopes and abilities. COA began its strategic planning process by recognizing the limitations of quantifying the arts, for some…
Thanks to state legislation enacted in May 2014 authorizing a $10 million bond issue, the Connecticut Office of Arts and Historic Preservation has launched a new pilot grant program offering project support and capital investments to organizations with limited history of state funding. The overarching goal of the Good to Great program is to link…
Thirty state arts agencies award fellowship grants to individual artists, but only two of them also offer arts administration fellowships. These programs recognize the achievements—and advance the leadership and management skills—of the hardworking, talented people who make sure theatre curtains rise, gallery doors stay open and communities have opportunities to thrive creatively. Through the Elizabeth…
The Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA), which became a division of the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) in 2011, has announced a new focus on arts based place making. Starting in July 2013, COA will integrate six of its current grant programs (Arts Presentation, Creative Collaboration, Artists Fellowships, Arts Project Support, General…
The Peer Advisor Network (PAN) is a flexible, short-term consulting service available to cultural organizations in Connecticut. Led by the Arts Division of the Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism, PAN provides peer advisors—seasoned Connecticut professionals trained to provide consultation—to help community cultural groups to address a variety of organizational health, capacity and management issues.…
The Arts Division of the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism (CCT) has developed a fellowship program open to recent college graduates who are interested in the arts. The Division currently offers Public Information, Art in Public Spaces and Visual Arts fellowships as a way to provide on-the-job training and meaningful experiences for individuals aspiring…