Fairfield Receives Cultural District Designation

FAIRFIELD, CT — Fairfield has been granted Cultural District designation from the state Department of Economic and Community Development’s Connecticut Office of the Arts, and town officials celebrated the honor with a ceremony Tuesday at the SHU Community Theatre in the heart of the downtown district.

In addition to the SHU Community Theatre, the district also includes Fairfield Theatre Company, the Burr Mansion, Art/Place Gallery, the Fairfield Museum and History Center, the historic town green, Fairfield County StoryLab, Three Roses Studio, Fairfield University’s Quick Center for the Arts, the George Billis Gallery and The Studio Fairfield, among others.

"Today’s announcement showcases the talent, culture, history, and beauty that strengthen the unique character of Fairfield," Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz said during Tuesday's event. "We've been very lucky to get a taste of some of the amazing musical performances that can be found here at the SHU Community Theatre."

Tuesday's ceremony included performances by the SHU Community Theatre House Band, and Fairfield native Dylan Connor, who sang one of his original songs, called "Hometown Girl."

— Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz at Tuesday's ceremony celebrating Fairfield receiving Cultural District designation from the state. Photo credit: Alfred Branch/Patch

The state designation was championed by Fairfield's state delegation in Hartford, Reps. Cristin McCarthy Vahey, Jenn Leeper and Sarah Keitt, and state Sen. Tony Hwang.

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Connecticut's Cultural Districts are walkable areas of a community that feature numerous cultural facilities, activities and/or assets, according to officials.

The vibrant areas help attract visitors from other cities, towns and states and serve as a hub for residents to congregate and interact. As such, these districts:

• Promote and encourage artists, entrepreneurs, and creative businesses
• Promote tourism and increase visitation
• Improve the quality of life for residents
• Strengthen distinctive character of communities
• Drive economic growth and expand the tax base
• Highlight local culture and history

First Selectman Bill Gerber said that Fairfield "is a center for the arts, music, theater, painting and photography."

"The arts are nothing new in Fairfield, but today's announcement of the establishment of Fairfield's Cultural District highlights the arts as a vital aspect of our town," he said. "It showcases our unique cultural identities."

— First Selectman Bill Gerber during Tuesday's ceremony celebrating Fairfield receiving Cultural District designation.

Liz Shapiro, Director of Arts, Preservation and Museums for the state Office of the Arts, said she has spent many enjoyable hours in Fairfield, and congratulated the town on receiving the designation.

"When you stand behind the beautiful new Fairfield Museum and History Center and close your eyes just a little bit, you can see and feel the architectural bones of Connecticut’s past," Shapiro said. "Fairfield’s deep sense of place has an immersive effect on residents and visitors alike."

Added Charlie MacDonald, chair of the Fairfield Arts Commission, "We are truly honored and excited to receive State recognition of our downtown cultural district. We look forward to continuing our work with the Connecticut Office of the Arts to promote and advance the arts in Fairfield."