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CFMC: Enriching the Community by Supporting the Arts

Arts enrich our daily lives and are a common thread in so much of what we do every day. Art enhances our lives. It connects us with our community, providing opportunities to explore issues, and feed the mind and soul. At the Community Foundation of Middlesex County (CFMC), we applaud the people working in partnership to enrich and inspire creativity through the visual, written, and performing arts. Thanks to our donors, our funds, and our nonprofit partners, the arts are flourishing throughout Middlesex County, both on stage and behind the scenes.

Together we’re teaching our young people—and people of all ages—to sing, dance, draw, paint, and play an instrument. We’re enriching lives every day through CFMC grant awards that support the arts and encourage our friends and neighbors to explore their creative joys.

The “Big Top” experience is year-round because of programming offered by the Oddfellows Playhouse in Middletown. Oddfellows provides young people—of all means and ages—the opportunity to participate in a variety of programs and experience a day in a circus performance. After-school activities for ages 5 to 12, the Circophony Teen Circus, and the 2019 Children’s Circus of Middletown challenge the mind and body and sharpen performance skills that can be useful in real-world situations. What fun to learn all the skills needed to juggle, balance, and walk on stilts—a true “Big Top” experience for all!

Think you’re too old to entertain your friends and neighbors? Think again. Together, we’re proving that you’re never too old to learn a new tune. Seniors are learning a new instrument, or dusting off a once-loved instrument, at the Community Music School. CFMC grant awards help support the school’s New Horizons Senior Band, which allows older adults to share the joyful and therapeutic experience of music making and playing in concert with others at community events.

Together let’s shine a spotlight on the behind-the-scenes actions that improve audience experiences: updated sound and lighting equipment that enhance production capabilities. We’re excited to support the Ivoryton Playhouse’s initiative to upgrade its sound system to enable the installation of hearing assistive devices, increasing the experience for audience members of all hearing abilities. We’re also happy to provide funding to the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center for technical booth improvements, including sound, light, and other production elements. The end result is an enhanced, rewarding experience for audiences of all ages and abilities.

A big round of applause for everyone who recognizes the value of programs like these and shares the same passion for supporting the arts. Thanks to all of you, the arts are alive, well, and thriving throughout Middlesex County. Our supporters are true patrons who are enriching the lives of so many through partnership and community. Take a bow, Middlesex County, for feeding our souls, minds, and spirits. To learn more on how to share your passion and make a positive impact in your community, give us a call at 860-347-0025 or visit MiddlesexCountyCF.org.