At a June 10 community gathering, the newsArts Commission celebrated the town of ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø’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.
³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø’s Director of Community and Economic Development Mark Barnhart offered opening remarks, and newsArts Commission Chair Charlie MacDonald and newsArts Commissioner Lou Heumann delivered closing remarks. The newsArts Commission, an official body of the town of ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø, has been working toward achieving statewide recognition of a cultural district in newssince 2023.
The event highlighted the town of ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø’s engaging cultural life and recognized the many institutions that contribute to its artistic vibrancy, including the arts and culture programs at newsUniversity. The new newsArts & Cultural District Map features the newsUniversity Center for Arts & Minds, the newsUniversity Art Museum, and the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts.
newsUniversity, 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 newsUniversity Art Museum and greater University arts community are honored to be part of ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø’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 ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø'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, newsUniversity’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 newsUniversity 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.
