My first document

Honoring the 2023 ACE Award Recipients for their Commitment to Arts and Culture in Fairfield County

Wednesday, June 21, 2023 7:30-9:00 am

The Shore and Country Club 220 Gregory Boulevard

Norwalk, CT

Presented by:

Cheryl Williams President

Kim Morque Vice President

Holly Hotchner Treasurer

Cindy Vaccaro Secretary

Board of Directors

Oliver Abel

Harold Bailey

Kim A. Healey

Bill Purcell

Patricia Rattray

Artistic Advisory Council

Adger Cowans

Frederic Chiu

Mia Dillon

Keir Dullea

Helen During

Jill Eikenberry

Chris Frantz

Joanna Gleason

Staff

Lynne Meadow

James Naughton

Lissy Newman

Chris Sarandon

Stephen Schwartz

Michael Tucker

Tina Weymouth

David Green, Executive Director

Lorie Lewis, Communications & Marketing Director

Marisa Govin, Administrative Assistant

John Cusano, Equity Strategies Consultant

Angela Frusciante, Knowledge Strategies Consultant

Jessica Morozowich, Funding Booster Consultant

June 21, 2023 Dear Friends,

Welcome to the 7th Annual Daniel E. Offutt III ACE Awards Breakfast!

We are delighted that you have joined us this morning to help us honor this year’s award recipients: Cris Dam, Vic Mulaire, David Genovese/Baywater Properties, Jenny Nelson/Westport Country Playhouse, Fairfield Museum & History Center, and, for a special President’s Award, Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward. We thank them for their commitment, creativity, dedication, innovation, leadership, and impact on the cultural landscape of Fairfield County.

We are excited to have Michelle Lapine McCabe, Executive Director, Connecticut Main Street Center, as our keynote speaker. Joining her are Elizabeth Shapiro, Director of Arts, Preservation and Museums at DECD, and Jason Mancini, Executive Director of Connecticut Humanities. We also have many of our legislators in attendance today. We are grateful to all for their participation this morning. And, as always, we appreciate the continued commitment of our master of ceremonies, Jim Naughton.

This year, we are proud to recognize recipients who have been instrumental in enabling the Fairfield County arts and culture community to connect government entities, businesses, nonprofit agencies, educational institutions and municipalities. Arts and culture is the glue that activates communities, offers common ground, and creates a sense of place that leads to economically and socially thriving communities.

I would like to thank our major sponsors of today’s event: The Daniel E. Offutt III Private Foundation Trust, and WSHU; Award Sponsors: Fairfield County Bank, Spinnaker Real Estate Partners, the Lundberg Family Foundation, and Elisabeth Morten; Champions of the Arts

Sponsors: Cindy Raney & Team, Cohen & Wolf, Facade Interactive, Hobbs, Inc., Koskoff, Koskoff and Bieder, Rise Up for Arts and WellBuilt; and to the CT Office of the Arts and CT Humanities for their ongoing support of our objectives. Thank you to our Board of Directors for their guidance, and our staff for their commitment to promoting and advancing the work of the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County.

As always, we are grateful to all of you - our members and supporters - for joining us at our ACE Awards Breakfast. We look forward to working with you throughout the year as we continue to support the valuable arts and culture assets of Fairfield County.

Warm Regards,

CELEBRATE THE ARTS WITH

GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA

JULY 28

Considered to be one of the greatest bands of all time with their unique jazz sound!

7TH ANNUAL BERNIE WILLIAMS DAY

AUGUST 5

A family fun day at the park with a celebrity softball game and outdoor concert!

AIR SUPPLY THE LOST IN LOVE EXPERIENCE

SEPTEMBER 10

Australian soft-rock duo known for their Billboard charting hits.

ANOUSHKA SHANKAR

OCTOBER 5

Masterful sitarist, flm composer, & impassioned activist.

PIAF THE SHOW

NOVEMBER 8

The story of Edith Piaf’s impressive career through performances of her unforgettable songs and projections of never-beforeseen images.

RACHAEL & VILRAY

AUGUST 4

Lake Street Dive’s Rachael Price teams up with master composer Vilray for their own take on the sound of the 30s and 40s.

ANN WILSON OF HEART & TRIPSITTER

AUGUST 24

Founder and lead singersongwriter of the barrierbreaking band Heart.

CLANNAD IN A LIFETIME

SEPTEMBER 17

Grammy Award-winning Irish family band with traditional instruments and Gaelic vocals.

BRIAN STOKES MITCHELL

OCTOBER 29

Two-time Tony Award winner whose career spans Broadway, television, flm, and concert appearances.

VITAMIN STRING QUARTET

DECEMBER 15

Hits from Netfix’s Bridgerton and other favorites in this mash-up of the modern and classical.

Arts & Culture Empowerment Awards Breakfast

The Shore and Country Club

June 21, 2023, 7:30-9:00 am

Breakfast (served promptly at 8:00am)

Welcome & Introductions

Cheryl Williams, President

David Green, Executive Director

James Naughton, Master of Ceremonies

Remarks

Jason Mancini, CT Humanities

Elizabeth Shapiro, CT Office of the Arts

Keynote Speaker

Michelle McCabe, Connecticut Main Street Center

Award Presentations

ACE Artist Award

Cris Dam

ACE Citizen Award

Vic Mulaire

ACE Corporate Award

David Genovese/Baywater Properties

ACE Educator Award

Jenny Nelson

ACE NonProfit Award

Fairfield Museum & History Center

Support Communities through Arts & Culture

James Naughton

ACE President’s Award

Paul Newman & Joanne Woodward

Closing Remarks

Jason Mancini Connecticut Humanities

Dr. Jason Mancini joined CT Humanities as Executive Director in 2018. At CTH, he is focused on strengthening organizational partnerships, engaging diverse audiences, and anchoring Connecticut’s placemaking, public history, and integrative digital initiatives. He is also co-founder of Akomawt Educational Initiative and the former Executive Director of the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center. Currently, Mellon Visiting Fellow in Slavery and Justice at Brown University, Jason served as Adjunct Professor of Anthropology at the University of Connecticut, Visiting Assistant Professor of Anthropology at Connecticut College, Visiting Assistant Professor of History at Brown University, and Social Sciences Instructor at Sea for Sea Education Association (SEA). Jason holds a Ph.D. in anthropology from the University of Connecticut with expertise in the archaeology and ethnohistory of New England.

Elizabeth Shapiro Connecticut Office of the Arts

Elizabeth Shapiro was appointed Director of Arts, Preservation and Museums in 2019 and oversees the Connecticut Office of the Arts and the State Historic Preservation Office. Prior to her position with the state, Shapiro spent six years as the Executive Director of the Connecticut League of History Organizations, the professional networking and support organization for volunteers and professionals working in public history in Connecticut. Shapiro served as Executive Director of The Sharon (CT) Historical Society for twenty years and has worked as a consultant to nonprofit organizations in the areas of governance and strategic planning. Shapiro attended Haverford College and received a master’s degree in History Museum Studies from the Cooperstown Graduate Program.

Michelle McCabe Keynote Speaker

Michelle McCabe was appointed Executive Director of Connecticut Main Street Center in July 2022. Born and raised in Connecticut, she graduated with degrees in Art History and Criticism from Vassar College (BA), and the University of Texas - Austin (MA), and after years of museum work, returned to Connecticut and spent the last thirteen years working in nonprofits. Her expertise in program development and strategic planning provides critical direction as CMSC expands its educational and technical assistance programming, member assistance offerings, and takes a larger role in championing statewide policies that benefit Connecticut’s downtowns and Main Streets. She is a member of the Fairfield RTM and serves on the boards of Connecticut Arts Alliance and Connecticut Economic Development Association.

James Naughton Master of Ceremonies

James Naughton is an award-winning actor, singer, director, and enthusiastic supporter of arts and culture in Connecticut. He has had a successful career on Broadway, winning Tony Awards for his leading roles in City of Angels in 1990 and Chicago in 1997. Among his directorial achievements was the Westport Country Playhouse production of Our Town, with Paul Newman, that transferred to Broadway, was filmed for television in 2002 and broadcast on Showtime and PBS in 2003. His work in film and television has spanned more than four decades, and he is always in demand as a voice actor, narrator, and commercial spokesperson. He is a longtime member of the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County’s Artistic Advisory Council and is a strong voice and outspoken supporter of the arts and culture sector on the local, state, and national levels.

Congratulations to all of the 2023 ACE Awardees

The Lundberg Family Foundation

Sponsor of The Artist Award

Artist Award

Sponsored by The Lundberg Family Foundation

Cris Dam

Cris Dam is an artist-entrepreneur who has pioneered artists’ spaces in Berlin, Williamsburg and now Bridgeport. He is also a curator, entrepreneur and community organizer. After establishing his studio in Bridgeport, and reviving the art events at the historic Arcade Mall, he went on to establish Ursa Gallery in 2020, with his partner architect-designer Dustin Malstrom. Ursa’s shows give space to eld County artists and also artists from around the world. Cris is now keen to introduce Bridgeport artists to the world, rst Bridgeport booth at Art Basel Miami in 2022 and planning participation in future international art fairs.

eld Avenue in Bridgeport to create working spaces for fellow artists, raise community awareness of the arts, host events, and open a coffee roaster. Cris also teaches children in community art and leadership programs at Norwalk Community College. His vision as both an artist and promoter of the arts is unparalleled and will continue to grow. His presence as an artist, curator, colleague, teacher and entrepreneur has helped catapult Bridgeport into a new era.

SPINNAKER REAL ESTATE PARTNERS

Citizen Award

Vic Mulaire

In 1987, when Vic Mulaire moved his Cricket Hosiery Company to Bridgeport, he had no idea he would be establishing the first of the five artists' spaces that now thrive across Bridgeport. Cricket was one of the first companies to use knitting machines with computers, and graphic artists were employed to design socks. One artist set up a studio in extra space and others soon followed. Before long, an arts community had formed, adopting the name NEST Arts Factory and in 2012 moving to the current Fairfield Avenue location. Easels and drawing tables replaced knitting machines and warehousing.

Today, the NEST continues as a thriving community of artists working in a wide variety of media, with open space and a dedicated gallery allowing performing and visual artists to share their work with the community. Resident artists speak glowingly of Vic’s selfless generosity, kindness, patience, and dedication. Encouraging creative expression, he maintains a respectful, safe, and supportive atmosphere for the group and continues to foster a vibrant community within the space and the community at large.

Corporate Award

Sponsored by Fairfield County Bank

David Genovese Baywater Properties

Since founding Baywater Properties in 2001, David Genovese has shown a strong commitment to community needs in Fairfield County through both corporate philanthropy and working with nonprofit organizations. In 2007, he developed the Wilson Avenue Loft Artists in Norwalk, providing 15 studio spaces for artists, and that year was named one of the “40 under 40” business leaders in Fairfield County. He has sponsored the Darien “Summer Nights” Concert Series, "Art on the Plaza” and is working with both muralist Brian Kaspr and the You are Not Alone Murals Project to enliven the urban fabric.

In 2018, David was presented with The Connecticut Main Street Center’s Founders Award in recognition of his firm's work on The Corbin District, in downtown Darien. David has been a board member of the Human Services Council of Norwalk, the Darien Historical Society, the Darien YMCA, and many other nonprofits, and is highly respected in the business and real estate community.

The Westport Library is delighted, each year, to support the ACE Awards by using our state-of-the-art Maker Space to create the awards.

Congratulations to all recipients!

Educator Award

Jenny Nelson

Jenny Nelson has been an educator in theatre and music for over 20 years. She has two Master’s Degrees in Theatre — from the University of Arizona and Fairfield University — was a professor at City College of New York’s Graduate Program for Theatre Educators, has worked with many theatres, including Long Wharf, The Shubert, and Yale Rep., and with the Regional Center for the Arts. She is also Associate Artistic Director of Collective Consciousness Theatre.

An exceptional educator, Jenny built the arts education program for the Westport Country Playhouse. She is deeply committed to engaging with Pre-K-12 students and adults through the art of theater to create experiences that inspire lifelong learning as well as fostering lasting partnerships with our community. Her education program is built on four tenets: empathy, literacy, collaboration, and activism. She lives these values every day in programs such as the Playhouse Mobile Unit, a fully-staged play traveling to schools and surrounding communities building sustainable relationships with historically underserved audiences. She is an inspiration to all who work with her, and has inspired thousands of young people in Connecticut with her work.

Nonprofit Award

Fairfield Museum and History Center

Fairfield Museum and History Center is a community-centered museum that uses the power of the arts and humanities to inspire imagination, stimulate thought, spark important dialogue, and catalyze meaningful collaborations in a safe, trustworthy environment. Under the visionary leadership of executive director Michael Jehle, the Museum has become a vibrant and growing nexus of community life that welcomes more than 30,000 visitors annually.

The Museum believes that sharing diverse stories about our past, celebrating the individual’s role in creating and catalyzing social change, and promoting the value of an informed and active citizenry help empower students and their families to become active lifelong learners. The Museum partners with and supports dozens of artists, artisans, musicians, and performers, and collaborates with many fellow organizations in fostering a vibrant arts and culture community for Fairfield County.

Congratulations to all of the 2023 ACE Awardees

President’s Award

Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward

We honor Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward in recognition of their significant impact on arts, culture, children’s education and health, and environmental preservation in our region. While known as Hollywood’s power couple, when they moved to Westport in 1960 they surrounded themselves with the people and causes they cherished the most.

They actively supported many organizations, including The Westport Library, the Westport Historical Society, and the Westport Country Playhouse. Joanne served as artistic director of the Playhouse from 2001 to 2005, and directed and acted in many Playhouse productions. Paul famously starred in a revival of Thornton Wilder’s "Our Town” in 2002, directed by James Naughton, which quickly transferred to Broadway. Paul founded, with AE Hotchner, Newman's Own and Newman’s Own Foundation, which since 1982 has given more than $600 million to worthy causes. Paul’s interest in helping children with serious illnesses led to opening The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp in 1988. Today, the SeriousFun Children’s Network consists of 30 camps and programs that have served 1.7 million children with serious medical conditions. Paul and Joanne’s daughter Clea Newman Soderlund proudly serves as the Ambassador for SeriousFun, and the family continues to support many social and environmental causes, as well as their parents’ philanthropic legacy.

The

Board of Directors and staff of the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County

are grateful for the generous support of our institutional donors:

Major Supporters:

Adolph and Ruth Schnurmacher Foundation

Be Foundation

City of Norwalk

Connecticut Office of the Arts

Connecticut Humanities

Daniel E. Offutt III Private Foundation Trust

CT Dept of Economic and Community Development

National Endowment for the Arts

Corporate, Foundation and Organizational Support

Bank of America

Bregman & Company, P.C.

Cindy Raney & Team

Cohen & Wolf, P.C.

Facade Interactive

Fairfield County Bank

Hobbs, Inc.

Koskoff, Koskoff and Bieder, P.C.

Lundberg Family Foundation

Morgan Stanley Wealth Management

Rise Up for Arts

Spinnaker Real Estate Partners L.L.C.

WellBuilt

Media Partners

Hamlet Hub

CAFC is a non-profit 501c3 Designated Regional Service Organization for Fairfield County, CT with a membership of nearly 600 arts organizations and individuals We are the leading arts and culture network for coastal Fairfield County, supporting and strengthening creative community life for the 15 town region of Bridgeport, Darien, Easton, Greenwich, Fairfield, Monroe, New Canaan, Norwalk, Shelton, Stamford, Stratford, Trumbull, Weston, Westport, and Wilton

Our members are strengthened and supported through:

Connection Promotion Information Advocacy

We encourage members to connect, share, listen, and grow through Peer Networks & Communities of Practice

These groups share common interests and seek to enhance their skills and build knowledge together. They include:

Artist Network

Collective Action for Equity (CAFE)

Community Theatre Network

Data Task Force

Executive Director Network

Fairfield County Preservation Network

Funding Booster Network

Historical Societies

Local Arts Agencies

Marketing Network

It is through the process of sharing information and experiences that members learn and grow together

c a f c : w h o w e a r e

Belonging

Responsive Listening

Stewardship

Trustworthiness

The Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County has done an incredible job of connecting artists and arts and culture organizations across our county.

The CAFC network is an everexpanding circle of of creatives and creative organizations. We work to create partnerships and provide new intersections through Peer Networks and events. These entry points are designed to help expand creative circles anc bridge local arts agencies, municipal leaders, government, businesses, economic and community development.

Thanks to FCBuzz, we are able to reach a much greater audience of dedicated art lovers than we could on our own.

We shine a spotlight on our members as well as the general vibrancy of the arts throughout our region. We provide far-reaching marketing support, exposure across our media platforms, and event promotion through FCBuzz, the most comprehensive arts and culture event listing in Connecticut.

(CAFC) gave me ongoing confidence and trust in my work ... I’ve learned how to express what I do and why; to see that I have a place at the table alongside other artists.

We amplify the voices of cultural organizations, artists, and creatives by speaking out with a unified voice and representing how the arts contribute to quality of life and economic prosperity. We show up in regional, state, and national forums to address relevant issues that impact our membership.

a d v o c a t i n g

From partnerships, to sharing resources, data, grant opportunities, legislative priorities, & much more, CAFC is an integral part of our organization, each day, as we seek to support each other & uplift the human spirit throughout our communities.

We keep our members up-to-date with local, state and national news & information. We share professional development, educational, and funding opportunities. We also arrange programs and create initiatives that offer collaborative member experiences.

As we did in 2015, the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County is participating in the national study, organized by Americans for the Arts, on the economic impact of the nonprofit arts and culture industry on our communities. We are one of 387 communities in the country conducting audience-intercept surveys at arts and culture events through June 2023.

Nationally, the 2015 results showed this industry generated $166.3 billion in economic activity. In Fairfield County, arts and culture nonprofits generated $235 million in economic activity and supported 6,780 jobs and generated $20.6 million in revenue to local, and state governments. For more information, see our website: https://culturalalliancefc.org/resources/ economic-impact-of-arts-culture/

Economic impact studies such as AEP6 expand the conversation about how people view the arts. While most appreciate the cultural benefits, fewer realize that the nonprofit arts and culture industry supports jobs, generates government revenue, and is a cornerstone of tourism.

The results will be published in October 2023 and we will be hosting a visit from Randy Cohen, Vice President for Research at Americans for the Arts, on Monday November 13. Look out for announcements of special events we will be organizing around his visit.

Contact David Green at david@culturalalliancefc.org for more information.