Nominate an Arts Hero!

The Connecticut Arts Hero Awards honor and celebrate Connecticut residents who are doing inspiring things in, for or through the arts in Connecticut.   Since 2016, the Connecticut Arts Hero Awards have introduced us to an array of remarkable individuals engaged in or supporting the arts – some publicly and some behind the scenes. Recipients of the award from our region include: 2020 – Semina De Laurentis – Semina is the founder and artistic director of Seven Angels Theatre in Waterbury.  She has devoted herself for the past 30 years to making a difference for thousands of people by ensuring that the theater and all its activities are accessible and open to all.  Through her work, Semina reaches out to all demographics with diversity and openness in casting, programming, volunteerism and employment. 2019 – Chase Taylor of Waterbury – Chase is a passionate young artist and author of engaging children’s books that encourage a love of learning and imaginative play. He has championed the hurdles of his Autism diagnosis and is an inspirational role model to many; proving that having a disability does not mean a person is incapable of achieving big goals and dreams. 2018 – Calida Jones  – Calida is a violinist, a violin teacher and the former artistic director of Bravo Waterbury! at the Waterbury Symphony Orchestra. She currently serves as President of the Connecticut Arts Alliance, a statewide advocacy organization for the arts. 2017 – Lynnette Letsky Piombo of Waterbury – Lynnette is a long-time volunteer in the Waterbury arts community, advocating for and participating in a diverse set of arts-related projects, programs and organizations. She also currently serves on the Arts & Culture Collaborative’s Governing Council and Programming Committee. If you know a special someone who has contributed significantly to the arts in Connecticut, please take a moment to nominate this individual. You can do so by completing the nomination form below. The deadline to submit a nomination is Sunday, June 27, 2021 at 11:59 p.m.  We look forward to learning about YOUR Arts Hero!   Note: Arts Heroes are not awarded posthumously.

Connecticut Open House Day

Connecticut Open House Day, now in its 17th year, is an annual event held on the second Saturday of June.

The purpose of this event is to inspire Connecticut residents to learn about all the experiences in their own backyard, anticipating that this will convert them into ambassadors who will recommend these experiences to other visitors. The state heavily promotes this event and typically enjoys significant press coverage each year.
 
With the uncertainty due to the pandemic, we are allowing participating tourism-related businesses to either offer a virtual experience or as in the past free admission, a discount or other incentive for an in-person experience, or both. This allows us to continue the event, continue the promotion of the event, and give the residents of Connecticut a safe way to learn about and enjoy Connecticut’s offerings.

Learn More

Participating Members:

Palace Theater

Thank You for Participating in the Flying Ivories Event!

The dueling piano sensation, The Flying Ivories, were BACK by Popular Demand on Thursday, April 29 at 6:30 p.m. to help raise some much-needed funds for the arts.  This special virtual performance was supported by dueling sponsors, Ion Bank and Drew International. The event also showcased the culmination of an online fundraising auction, sponsored by Post University, featuring art, performance and products of ACC members and supporting businesses.

THANK YOU to everyone who purchased tickets, submitted song requests and donations, participated in the auction and supported us at all levels!  

Thank You for Giving to Give Local!

We are grateful for your support of Give Local and especially for donating to the Arts & Culture Collaborative (ACC) and our arts members.  The ACC received $1,975 in donations, which will be boosted by bonus funds from generous sponsors and the Connecticut Community Foundation.  Thank you!