Creative Community Experiences

Our programs are designed with a focus on our mission's two key pillars: promoting our region's collective wellbeing and driving economic development. Arts Council programming includes cultural events, networking opportunities, and promotion services for artists and cultural organizations.

We have recognized a need for accessible and inclusive creative experiences that give those within our region a sense of belonging and pride, and intrigue those visiting. We lead community-powered projects, honor creative workers in our region, and provide fun, useful and accessible programs for people of all backgrounds. By creating avenues for people to express their creative sides and to be a part of something bigger than themselves, we are strengthening the relationship between the public and local art.

As our new programs grow and our existing programs evolve to our changing society, we will continue to facilitate opportunities for collaboration, conversation, and using the arts as a tool for positive social change.

Litchfield Hills Creative Festival

Image: Thrive Movement Studio at Coe Memorial Park, Torrington, 2021

The Litchfield Hills Creative Festival is a collaborative community event facilitated by the Arts Council. The Festival includes an artist fair, live music, performances art, dance, and pop-up events hosted by local organizations.

The goal of the Creative Festival is to highlight the vibrant local arts scene and empower NWCT's arts community in defining the region's cultural identity.

Learn More
Make Music NWCT

Image: Ysanne at the Outlet for the Arts, Torrington, 2021

Make Music Day is an international celebration of music which happens on the summer solstice, June 21st, each year. We coordinate with local venues and musicians to organize Make Music NWCT.

Musicians of all ages and skill levels are encouraged to participate in creating free, live music experiences in the community.

2022 registration for venues & performers is now open!

Register to Participate
Arts Night Out

Image: Arts Night Out at Norfolk Hub, 2019

Arts Night Out is a virtual and in-person networking series, free and open to the public. When we are able to host in-person Arts Night Out events, we partner with local venues like breweries, coworking spaces, galleries, and others to bring the arts community together.

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Monthly Printed Calendar

Image: 2021 Print Calendars

The montly printed calendar is an Arts Council member benefit and serves to promote our artist and organization members' events. When members submit their events to our online calendar, they are also included in the print calendar. It is mailed directly to approximately 300 members and donors each month.

For a donation of $25/year, you will be added to our mailing list to receive print calendars year round.

There are also opportunities to advertise your business in printed calendars.

Visit our Online Calendar

If you would like to get involved with our programming, learn about volunteer opportunities here.

Emerging Songwriter Scholarship

Through this scholarship program, young adults aged 16-25 will have the opportunity to write and record their own songs in a professional setting. Scholarship recipients will get access to 2 workshops that incorporate creative writing, production resources, and the laws that impact songwriting. Awardees will also have the opportunity to write and produce 1 professionally recorded song.