Fairfield County’s Community Foundation Announces Inaugural Grantees for 3-Year “Arts in the Service of Equity” Initiative

New Grants Empower Arts Organizations and Programs in Greater Bridgeport, Driving Social Justice and Community Renewal.

Bridgeport, CT – (Oct. 17, 2024) – Fairfield County’s Community Foundation (FCCF) today announced the inaugural grantees of its new “Arts in the Service of Equity” grant initiative.

In partnership with the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County and the Bridgeport Regional Business Council, and with support from the Connecticut Data Collaborative, this $750,000, three-year grant program will support three local arts collaboratives in Greater Bridgeport to drive social change through the arts.

These grantees will leverage arts and culture to amplify community voices, promote racial equity and transform local neighborhoods.

“The arts are a vital part of any conversation about increasing equity and opportunity,” said Mendi Blue Paca, president and CEO of Fairfield County’s Community Foundation.” “We’re excited to launch this new initiative and support arts organizations that are essential to both individual wellbeing and thriving communities.”

The 2024 grantees include:

• Bridgeport Arts and Cultural Council: Park City Beautification Project
  In partnership with the Black Rock Neighborhood Revitalization Zone (NRZ), City of Bridgeport Office of Planning and Economic Development, Skateport, Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District (DSSD), Lifebridge and Groundwork Bridgeport
  The Park City Beautification Project aims to foster community engagement and neighborhood healing through participatory community art. Working with local artists and active neighborhood revitalization zones, the project seeks to address challenges such as transportation barriers, social isolation and cultural differences, creating inclusive art experiences that reflect and celebrate the unique identity of Bridgeport’s diverse neighborhoods.
• City Lights: Serve Community, Change Narrative, Support Creative Potential
  In partnership with the Bridgeport Film Fest
  This project will expand the successful Arts Trail and Bridgeport Film Fest to reach more residents and engage the community through arts programs that reflect Bridgeport’s vibrant diversity. By fostering creative entrepreneurship and providing work opportunities for local artists, the initiative will contribute to place-making efforts and support youth arts education, creating a lasting impact on the community.
• Park City Presents: Live Music Production Apprenticeships
  In partnership with CatalystCT (formerly RYASAP)
  This initiative will offer apprenticeships to Bridgeport youth, providing them with hands-on experience in live music production. By establishing a pathway to careers in the music industry, the program will open new opportunities for local youth, fostering both personal and professional growth within Bridgeport’s creative community.

“As City Lights/Bridgeport Art Trail marks 20 years as a community-based arts organization, the Arts Serving Equity grant from Fairfield County’s Community Foundation has boosted our capacity like no other grant before, enabling us to add staff, diversify programs and strengthen collaborations,” said Suzanne Kachmar, executive director of City Lights – Bridgeport Arts Trail. “This grant provides sustainability, looking forward to continuing to serve the community through art, enrich the learning experience for youth, offer an authentic platform for Bridgeport’s richly diverse cultures and perspectives, support creative entrepreneurs and promote Bridgeport’s creative potential. ”

Each of the three grantees will receive $250,000 over the next three years. This funding includes $100,000 in general operating support in the first year, followed by $80,000 and $70,000 in subsequent years. The grants will support community-based solutions that use the arts to influence social, economic and racial equity outcomes.

Empowering Arts for Systemic Change This grant initiative is part of FCCF’s ongoing efforts to promote arts innovation and systems change in Greater Bridgeport.

With a strong focus on racial equity, the “Arts in the Service of Equity” program seeks to support local organizations addressing social, economic and physical challenges through the arts. By investing deeply in these community-based projects, FCCF is amplifying the role that arts and culture can play in advancing equity and creating transformative solutions.

“Art has the power to inspire, to heal and to unify communities,” said Julian Pierce, director of economic opportunity at Fairfield County’s Community Foundation. “Through these grants, we’re supporting organizations that reflect and illustrate the true spirit of our community. Art influences social change, and we’re proud to partner with these organizations and witness the incredible impact they will make in Greater Bridgeport.”