At a June 10 community gathering, the ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ Arts Commission celebrated the town of ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ’s official designation as a Connecticut Cultural District.
The event featured music, refreshments, and remarks from distinguished members of the government and arts community. Speakers included Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, Connecticut Office of the Arts Director of Arts, Preservation and Museums Liz Shapiro, and First Selectman William A. Gerber, with WSHU’s Davis Dunavin serving as Master of Ceremonies.
¼â½ÐÊÓƵ’s Director of Community and Economic Development Mark Barnhart offered opening remarks, and ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ Arts Commission Chair Charlie MacDonald and ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ Arts Commissioner Lou Heumann delivered closing remarks. The ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ Arts Commission, an official body of the town of ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ, has been working toward achieving statewide recognition of a cultural district in ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ since 2023.
The event highlighted the town of ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ’s engaging cultural life and recognized the many institutions that contribute to its artistic vibrancy, including the arts and culture programs at ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ University. The new ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ Arts & Cultural District Map features the ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ University Center for Arts & Minds, the ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ University Art Museum, and the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts.
¼â½ÐÊÓƵ University, a long-standing cultural and educational presence in the town, was honored to be included in the official district designation. Members from the aforementioned University arts organizations and community relations were all in attendance at the celebration.
“The ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ University Art Museum and greater University arts community are honored to be part of ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ’s official Cultural District designation,” said Carey Mack Weber, the museum's Frank and Clara Meditz Executive Director. “Our commitment to the arts is deeply rooted in ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ's Jesuit mission, and as we proudly celebrate the 15th anniversary of the museum this year, we are delighted to continue to collaborate with partners across our town to enrich the cultural life of our community and region through our robust schedule of free exhibitions and programs.”
Launched last year, ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ University’s Center for Arts & Minds brings together the University’s arts and cultural programming under one umbrella, further establishing its leadership in the creative life of the region. Anchored by venues such as the ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ University Art Museum and the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts—each celebrating milestone anniversaries in the coming year—the University continues to draw national and international attention for its exhibitions, performances, and educational initiatives.
