The Behind the Scenes Honors
is an annual ceremony to recognize the outstanding contribution of volunteers working ‘behind the scenes’ at our non-profit cultural institutions. These volunteers are vital to the success of our cultural community. This tradition provides an opportunity for the Arts Council and the Town of Ridgefield to officially recognize their selfless hard work and thank them for the contribution they make.
2022 Behind the Scenes Honors
Executive Director Roundtable
is a quarterly gathering of our community’s arts non-profit organizations to discuss schedules, challenges and opportunities for collaboration. It is through these discussions that we are able to understand the community’s needs, identify new projects for the Arts Council and gather information in order to advocate on behalf of our constituents.
Current as of 2022
The Generator
is a seasonal networking event hosted by the Ridgefield Arts Council and held at one of many local Ridgefield, CT arts organizations. It’s a place for our community to be connected to local artists and businesses - allowing all to mix and mingle over light snacks and wine. The meet ups often feature innovative speakers, arts demonstrations and presentations geared toward the creative community.
December 2021 Generator Event held at RPAC Gallery on Main Street.
Music and Art in the Park
Music & Art In The Park is a free event and is held seasonally in Ballard Park. Local musicians perform throughout the day and visual artists will have their work on display at this free event. Music & Art In The Park event is free. All artists are welcome to create, display and sell their art.
Make Music Day
Make Music Day Ridgefield is an outgrowth of the Fête de la Musique, which originated in France in 1982. Make Music Day is an event for people who love music and the joyous sense of community that music can foster. The event began as a call to musicians in Paris to get out in the streets on June 21 and play their music. It has since spread and has a large footprint, particularly in Europe and parts of Africa, and in the US, Make Music Day began in 2014.
On June 21, 2023, hundreds of U.S. cities organized thousands of free concerts. Ridgefield featured 17 venues, over 120+ musicians presented 71 performances.. We believe this is a great way to showcase our town and the many talented and amazing people that make Ridgefield special.
Waiting on Mom performs in front of Town Hall for a crowd on Make Music Day 2022!
Our Artists, Our Schools
is an initiative to facilitate partnerships between Ridgefield’s schools and our creative community. Projects have included a logo-design unit with a graphic arts class, school performance from local singer/songwriters enhancing a colonial history unit and a partnership with the Aldrich museum and a kindergarten class. Ongoing seminars include ’Careers in the Arts’ day at Ridgefield High School, where students have the opportunity to hear adults discuss their journey from student to creative professionals and a College Seminar, a collaboration with the Ridgefield Library and other local non-profits, for students who are ready to continue their artistic studies. And, during the pandemic - a virtual string orchestra improv night for Ridgefield Middle Schoolers!
Western Connecticut Youth Orchestra Conductor, Sasha Ono, leading a virtual improvisation workshop for 3rd and 4th grade string orchestra students at RPS in spring 2021!
Scholarship
Each spring, the Ridgefield Arts Council Scholarship provides support of $500 to a Ridgefield resident and high school senior who anticipates pursuing personal advancement in a field of artistic endeavor. Application process usually opens in the new year and the deadline to submit is usually mid-April. Interested in learning more or applying? Click the button below to visit our Scholarship Page!
Those interested in donating to the scholarship should visit OUR DONATION PAGE. Thank you for your support!
Our 2021 Scholarship Winner, Alexandra Dillulio (left) and Ridgefield Arts Council Member, Amy Casey (right).