October 17, 2025

Dear Friend,

For two decades, the Northwest Connecticut Arts Council has been the backbone of arts and culture in Litchfield County - advocating for over 175 organizations and 400+ artists across 25 towns. Our work has helped ensure the arts remain an accessible, vibrant, and foundational aspect of daily life in our region.

But today, that foundation is in jeopardy.

Recent federal cuts have slashed the support we have relied upon for operation. We already operate on a very limited annual budget, and this substantial reduction in our funding impacts the very people who connect artists, communities, and resources across Northwest Connecticut.

How the NWCT Arts Council Helps

We Support & Connect: We help artists and organizations find funding, build skills, and reach new audiences.
We Create & Promote: From organizing events to spotlighting local creatives, we keep the arts visible and accessible.
We Build Partnerships and Infrastructure: We connect artists with towns, businesses, and schools to strengthen the whole community.

As Executive Director Steph Burr puts it:
“More than half of our budget goes directly to the people doing the work. These cuts create an overwhelming burden and jeopardize our capacity to carry out our mission. We need our community to stand with us now.”

We cannot afford to lose momentum. Your gift -right now- will help us keep vital programs alive, protect jobs, and preserve the cultural heartbeat of our region.

Please donate today. Every dollar makes a difference.

With gratitude,

NWCT Arts Council Board of Directors

The Arts Are at Risk—We Need You Now