Happy New Year!
Because the Collaborative operates on a September to August budget, we are already one quarter of the way through our fiscal year and have a feel for how the year is progressing. We’re off to a pretty good start!

We are starting to see initial results from member ideas contributed in late 2005. With increased staff support and grant funding from several sources, we are steadily improving our services for members and the community at large.  Educational programming and opportunities for young students, improved space for alternative artistry including poetry readings, emerging musicians, theatrical applications, and alternative exhibits from other avenues from Life and the community is bringing a new dynamic and deepens our capacity as an arts center.  Member organizations and other community groups plan to use the Center with increasing frequency, and we will need to develop new policies, procedures and fees, soon. It’s all good. While we are presently challenged with the need to identify several good, interested prospects to fill three seats on our Board of Directors, our initial list at this writing is an exciting one. Simultaneously, the Board has launched the Spring Into Art fundraising event planned for next May 2007 in ArtSpace Windham and the Garden on the Bridge which, with your time and talents, will benefit both individual artists and the Collaborative. Pitch in when we ask for support!  Funds raised from this event will support our efforts to encourage the arts community in Windham.

One of the original interests of our founding members was to connect with the state arts community. That very relationship is finally beginning to provide us with an avenue to new information, opportunities and educational resources which we share regularly with members by email. In turn, we encourage your advocacy for the arts in Connecticut - individually, regionally, and statewide. It’s up to each of us to voice care and concern about the value of the Arts in our common lives and Community to our   respective, elected representatives so that Connecticut – and Windham - can   benefit from the creativity we possess here. Elected politicians need to hear artist’s voices. Please read the CCT’s recently posted press release, information gathered for us about the term “Creative Economy” on pages 6 & 7 of the Jan/Feb member newsletter,  and Daniel Pinks’ book  "A Whole New Mind" for some perspective.

Then stay alert for our calls to support state funding for the Arts. Every voice will matter.

          Arts Rising!                                                                  

                                                            Jane B. Homick
                                                             Executive Director