Arts commission marking 50th anniversary

MIDDLETOWN — The Middletown Commission on the Arts is celebrating five decades of accomplishments in the local arts community.

“In 2022, the commission recognizes and pays tribute to 50 years of supporting the interests and engagement in arts and culture by providing services, resources, information and events to and for artist’s, organizations and the public,” the MCA said in a news release.

Celebrations will run through next January, featuring a yearlong of initiatives and activities to recognize Middletown’s commitment to the arts, and setting the stage for even more “robust,” diverse and inclusive programming to better serve the community in the future, the press release said.

The group is especially interested in opening the dialogue of citizens by asking “What’s Your Art?” with the goal of helping everyone realize they have an artist within themselves,” the statement said.

“Middletown may be a smaller city, but the impact of the arts is large for its size,” Commissioner Charlotte McCoid said in the statement.

“The arts knit the community together, creating a kaleidoscope of choices for the pubic to partake in or enjoy. They highlight our cultural diversity through theater, music, dance, visual arts, creative play and more. The arts are an economic engine, and the MCA’s role is to maintain and promote this circle of mutual achievement,” she added.

Commission Vice Chairman Lee Godburn is chairman of the anniversary planning committee. His goal is to create “not only a memorable celebration of the past, but a strong step into the future of arts for the next 50 years,” and expanding efforts to draw audiences beyond the city.

“We are looking to make art a strong presence in the riverfront project that will positively and forever change the scope of our city,” Godburn added.

The MCA will kick off spring activities with the announcement of the Arts Advocacy Award and Middletown High School Senior Art Award recipients, Summer Sounds Community Concert Series, Fourth of July fireworks, Kids Arts/ The Children’s Circus of Middletown, upcoming municipal arts grants opportunities and more.

For information, visit middletownct.gov.