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Dear Friends,
These past three years since the beginning of the Covid pandemic have taught us many lessons, not the least of which is the importance of deep connections. In this challenging time, the Vermont Arts Council has worked tirelessly to strengthen existing connections and to make new ones. Here we lift up and celebrate three notable examples.
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Perhaps no segment in Vermont has been more isolated than its older citizens. The VAC’s Creative Aging initiative, begun in 2021, is designed to enhance social engagement and community building for this growing population through grants and training for teaching artists. One recently funded project presented by Lamoille Neighbors and River Arts offered seniors opportunities to participate in photography, writing, and clay workshops centered around storytelling.
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On Creative Sector Day in February, Vermont’s State House was filled with creative spirit as poets, filmmakers, curators, musicians, designers, and creative sector supporters from around the state turned out to demonstrate how arts, culture, and creativity are a vital part of Vermont’s identity and economic vitality. In the Resolution offered that day by Representative Stephane Jerome of Brandon, the Vermont Creative Network—an initiative of the VAC since 2016—was honored for its “effective initiatives to develop a thriving creative sector in Vermont.”
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Artist Development grants support Vermont artists at all stages of their careers to enhance mastery of an artist’s skills or increase the viability of an artist's business. Support from funding partners has allowed us to dramatically increase the number of these grants since 2020. A recent grant to photographer JuanCarlos Gonzalez helped with printing and framing costs for his upcoming exhibit on women farmers in Vermont opening at Billings Farm and Museum in August.
When the arts and creativity thrive, we are all enriched. Over and over again we have witnessed the power of the arts to heal and to bring communities together.
As the arts community works to grow and prosper in changing times, we need to rely on supporters like you. We encourage you to give what you can. We are grateful for your confidence in us as we move forward and all you do to keep Vermont’s creative landscape strong and vibrant. With your support, Vermont’s arts community will continue to entertain, provoke, and inspire.
With thanks,
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