MakingItArtisan$tories: About Arts Council of New Haven (POV Rebekah Moore)

Recorded in studioW Oct 28th: Interview with Program Director Rebekah Moore Arts Council of Greater New Haven: Mission and Role The Arts Council of Greater New Haven supports artists by providing resources, one-on-one assistance, professional development, grants, networking, and business support. It serves 16 cities and towns across Greater New Haven , not just New Haven. The organization has existed for more than 60 years and operates with a small staff of three full-time and several part-time employees. Key Programs and Resources Sandbox Creative Space A free creative space for members to hold events, performances, workshops, meetings, rehearsals, and classes. Accommodates about 45-50 people. Includes professional audio equipment, microphones, tables, chairs, and presentation technology. Artists manage the space themselves through a self-service model. Has logged over 2,000 reservations since opening. Artist Directory and Opportunity Network Partnership with Culturalyst provides an online artist directory. Artists can create profiles, connect with other creatives, and discover opportunities. Includes calls for artists and opportunities from local, regional, and broader markets. Resource Databases Space database connecting artists with venues and exhibition opportunities. Regional event calendar where artists and organizations can promote events. Events submitted once can appear on calendars throughout Connecticut via the state's Designated Regional Service Organization network. Skill Box Training Program Online and in-person professional development workshops. Topics include: Forming an LLC Business taxes Sole proprietorships Grant writing Fiscal sponsorship Website development Canva and marketing tools Workshops are recorded and available through the Arts Council's YouTube channel. Funding and Economic Impact The Arts Council recently secured $194,000 in congressionally directed spending (CDS) funding to expand its "Artists as Small Business" initiative. Funding sources include: Grants Partnerships Donations Rental income from property ownership Fees from certain organizational use of Sandbox spaces Leadership emphasizes that artists should be able to earn income and build sustainable businesses. Major partners include: Libraries throughout the region City of New Haven Yale University Yale Ventures Midnight Oil Collective Local businesses and Shops at Yale The Council often acts as a facilitator, connecting artists with funding, mentors, businesses, exhibition opportunities, and collaborators. Mentorship and Career Development Provides office hours and individualized guidance. Helps connect artists with mentors and industry professionals. Operates mentorship programs focused on both arts administration and creative entrepreneurship. Supports artists in transitioning from hobbyists to sustainable business owners. Fridays at the Sandbox Networking events Artist performances Community-building activities Broad Definition of "Artist" The Arts Council intentionally defines art broadly, including: Visual artists Musicians Dancers Theater artists Podcasters Culinary artists Nail artists Hairstylists Other creative professionals Arts and Economic Development The Council views the arts as an economic driver for the region. It cited f